Liverpool fan confident of beating Arsenalpublished at 18:01 GMT
18:01 GMT
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool fan Nahyan Chowdhury is in confident mood ahead of Sunday's game against champions Arsenal at Anfield (16:30 GMT).
"It's a tough match against Arsenal no matter when you play them. They come to Anfield in the first time in 20 years as champions, so they're going to be full of confidence," he said.
"However, they did say that last year, I know a lot of Arsenal fans were so confident and then we won.
"Liverpool should be confident too. I think we're going under the radar, things are slowly starting to click. Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak are linking up.
"Florian Wirtz is looking better and the back line is linking up. The majority of people will bet against us but I honestly think we'll have Arsenal."
Iraola brings Klopp-like 'intensity' back to Anfield published at 17:10 GMT
17:10 GMT
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Liverpool are bringing "intensity" and "a bit of chaos" to their football under new manager Andoni Iraola, says Reds captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday when they defeated Chelsea in a tense penalty shootout, but Van Dijk said his side are still a "work in progress" as they learn to balance Iraola's risk and reward system.
"The word has been said so many times 'intensity', sometimes a bit of chaos, "Van Dijk said.
"There is this risk-reward that's going on now that if we press high... well, I ended up high [on the pitch] at one point almost putting Cody [Gakpo] in for one-v-one on goal when I intercepted the ball on the right-hand side, when I'm a left centre-back. It's this sort of intensity that we try to get into our press.
"But I think he [Iraola] mentioned in his press conference before that he wants us to control the game by having the ball and finding the right spaces at times.
"So it's still a work in progress but if you defend with a lot of intensity you have a big chance to win the ball up high. Obviously that sometimes creates some risk and you could be vulnerable but we're working on it a lot in order to be able to take that risk, but still not be as vulnerable as we have been at some times."
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was revered for the intense "heavy metal" football he brought to Anfield - a name he coined while managing Borussia Dortmund in 2014 - but Van Dijk believes it is difficult to compare the two head coaches' styles.
He said: "It's a different era, a different time, I think it's difficult to say that. Obviously under Jurgen, we pressed a lot by shuffling across, so whether it was our full-backs that pressed their full-back, then obviously our centre-backs have to come across, the midfield was all the way on one side, the winger was all the way on one side.
"So we tried to box them in on one side but football has changed so it's different. But what isn't different is the amount of sprints and running and trying to get the ball back as soon as possible.
"We also have to be a little bit more direct and that helps [with] winning the ball up high and we have the players in order to do so."
Iraola on Szoboszlai, Anfield atmosphere and Gravenberch's formpublished at 14:21 GMT
14:21 GMT
Josh Lobley BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Anfield (kick-off 16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and forward Victor Munoz "have a chance" to feature in Sunday's match.
Despite Liverpool winning their past five matches and knowing victory on Sunday would take them to within three points of the Gunners, Iraola was quick to dismiss any talk of a title challenge. He said it is "too early" to judge, adding: "I always say the first reference is more or less when everyone plays each other once, so halfway through the season. Then you can start thinking and understanding."
Iraola said his impressive record against the Gunners as Bournemouth boss doesn't matter much when it comes to Sunday's game: "It is a totally different team and moment. We can't use the same things we used with Bournemouth here."
On Virgil van Dijk's claim that the Anfield energy is coming back: "It's not just about winning. At Anfield, everyone feels when the team are going for it and trying their best. Even when we lost, they have been there and helped us massively. We can create a special atmosphere."
When asked about Ryan Gravenberch's "up-and-down" season, Iraola replied: "He has had better games and worse games. We trust him and we know what he can produce. Like other players, when he doesn't play well we try to help him improve. He is in good place."
On managing the workload of three matches a week: "It's true that I haven't had a lot of experience, apart from some coaching in the Europa League, but I had a lot as a player. I've already been there. It's different to management but I think our players are very used to it. A lot of the work is done and now it's about getting the decisions right in terms of the [work] loading."
Gossip: Liverpool in race for Batrakovpublished at 07:28 GMT
07:28 GMT
Liverpool and Arsenal may be edged out by Paris St-Germain or Barcelona in the pursuit of Galatasaray's 21-year-old Russia midfielder Aleksey Batrakov, who is open to a move to one of Europe's elite clubs. (Teamtalk), external
'I think the fans definitely like what they're seeing' - Van Dijk on 'energy'published at 12:33 GMT 29 October
12:33 GMT 29 October
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said he hopes the "reward will come soon" for his team and supporters after his side beat Chelsea to reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
The Reds exited the competition at the same stage last season - with a resounding 3-0 home loss to Crystal Palace - but under Andoni Iraola, Liverpool seem to be building something better this campaign.
When asked whether wins like that are bringing the energy back into Anfield, Van Dijk said: "Yeah, of course. It's a night like this and obviously the other night [against Villarreal]. I think the fans definitely like what they're seeing and, of course, you feel that energy and it's great.
"I've been feeling that energy for quite a while and when you then miss it a little bit, to get it back is obviously very good.
"Results help, massively. We understand that as well. We want to show that for the full 90 minutes - every game, home and away. Obviously it's not the easiest thing to do, but we're trying and nights like this help.
"We put a lot of work in behind the scenes. Hopefully the reward will come soon."
Liverpool 1-1 (6-5) Chelsea - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:51 GMT 29 October
11:51 GMT 29 October
We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's EFL Cup match between Liverpool and Chelsea.
Here are some of your comments:
Liverpool fans
Oliver: A pretty even game but Liverpool had plenty of chances to take an advantage. Last 20 minutes were a complete mess after the subs came on. Penalties could've gone either way. My heart can't take it. I have confidence that this could be our year for this competition.
Sam: We got two wins today! The second being that Joe Gomez scored!
Alun: Nothing really learnt. We just progressed. Chelsea were a same level opponent and the teams just played each other out. Then pens are just a lottery.
Ken: A decent cup tie under the lights. So impressed with young Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, who are looking more and more accomplished with each passing game. Should've won inside 90 minutes but we would have then been deprived of a thrilling penalty shootout and Joe Gomez scoring the decisive goal at the Kop End! What a time to be alive!
Chelsea fans
Roger: Very poor, again. Much the stronger starting XI but no quality for 90 minutes. Welbeck deserves respect but, as we've seen already this season, is no longer a 90-minute man. It says all anyone needs to know about the club's leadership that we still think our squad is complete with just one bona fide striker. Another season of mediocrity.
Chris: Once again, I'm left wondering how we ever paid Leicester £75m for Wesley Fofana. Another disastrous performance from the French international? No wonder he can't get a game in the Premier League after that performance!
James: Disappointed as this was a good chance to win a trophy. The wider issue is of course having a large squad to keep happy with only league games until the new year. On a positive note I feel this Chelsea team could end up having a decent season.
Patrick: Alonso won't play Estevao, why? He's going to be under pressure real soon if he doesn't improve.
Missed opportunity for Alonso as Reds extend winning runpublished at 07:14 GMT 29 October
07:14 GMT 29 October
Aadam Patel Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
With Chelsea not in Europe and downbeat after their weekend loss to Tottenham, the Carabao Cup represented a genuine opportunity for Xabi Alonso to win a major trophy and that was reflected by his team selection.
His side didn't make the best of starts at Anfield but once they took the lead, he will be disappointed their advantage lasted only three minutes.
They still battled well and offered a threat, but the defeat will hurt, particularly because they blew a glorious opportunity to win the tie when Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha had his effort saved.
Alonso said his side showed improvement from the Spurs game and played with courage, and he was right, but ultimately this was another defeat.
Much has been documented about the friendship between Spaniards Alonso and Andoni Iraola and, while it is only three months into the new season, it's clear Iraola has had the better start. He will enter November, having tasted defeat just once in all competitions.
The mood around Anfield at full-time was jubilant and Liverpool fans have now seen their team win their last five in a row, with the last three at home.
It is Arsenal next on Sunday in the Premier League and a test of where the Reds are. A win against the defending champions would put Liverpool three points behind them in the table.
Both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot also reached the final of this competition in their first season in charge and, in the back of his mind, Iraola will have his sights set on emulating them.
Liverpool 1-1(6-5) Chelsea: What Iraola saidpublished at 22:59 GMT 28 October
22:59 GMT 28 October
Andoni Iraola spoke to Sky Sports after Liverpool's penalty shootout victory against Chelsea in the EFL Cup: ""It was a level game. Not a lot of chances for both teams. We are really happy with the performances of the players.
On youngsters playing: "They were very good against Spurs in the first round and they are very good players. We are confident and they have shown they are at a very good level. They helped us.
"You have to keep the concentration levels and the control. Giorgi [Mamardashvili] has improved at stopping a lot of the shots.
"Three at home in a row is very important. We were struggling at home in the league but now we go against Arsenal on Sunday."
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Hull City" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Everton match", for example.
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Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
Why Alonso needs Carabao win more than Iraolapublished at 15:48 GMT 28 October
15:48 GMT 28 October
Chris Bertram BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
A League Cup tie between two of the countries biggest clubs is not usually an important barometer of a season - but Liverpool v Chelsea might be just that.
It was very early days, but when Chelsea won their opening two Premier League games in thrilling fashion and Liverpool laboured to two draws, it looked as if the Anfield club might lament their hesitancy over Xabi Alonso.
Since then, though, Andoni Iraola's side have clawed their way above Chelsea in the table - albeit by just one point - and it is Alonso who has more questions to answer.
Chelsea have no European football this season, so to go out of the Carabao Cup this week would leave them with only league games and the FA Cup to play - and a big group of players to keep happy.
It would also reinforce the feeling - on the back of poor results against Hull City, Brentford and Tottenham - that Alonso is a long way from getting to grips with an expensive but imbalanced squad.
The collapse of the deal for Lamine Camara looks every bit as costly as it felt on transfer deadline day, with Moises Caicedo shouldering too much work in midfield, which has left exposed a defence that has yet to convince irrespective of formation and personnel.
In the vast majority of seasons, this game would be a run-out for fringe players as the superstars were rested before a league game followed by Champions League action.
In 2026-27 however, Alonso will field a strong side in search of a statement win at his former club. He will hope it can change the narrative after the miserable defeat to Spurs.
Liverpool are in better spirits after four successive wins since the defeat against Manchester City.
Iraola has extracted more from costly forward recruits than Arne Slot managed and the progress Rio Ngumoha has made under him has been impressive. The team is playing with more energy and purpose than last season, even if a porous central midfield remains a concern.
That improved intensity in addition to fourth place in the league and a 100% Champions League record means Iraola has made a good early impression.
He will however be aware that a defeat to the man - and a popular former player at that - who was widely touted for his job would be a less-than-ideal look.
Yet with a smaller squad and more fixtures for Liverpool, he is likely to field more youngsters - and that could give Chelsea the opportunity to seize the statement win their stuttering season could do with.
How will Iraola rotate for Carabao Cup?published at 14:03 GMT 28 October
14:03 GMT 28 October
Image source, Getty Images
Andoni Iraola will field a "fairly strong" starting XI for Liverpool's Carabao Cup last-16 tie against Chelsea - while also keeping one eye on Sunday's Premier League game with Arsenal, believes Peter Warburton from the LFC Poets podcast.
Liverpool were knocked out of the Carabao Cup at this stage last season, with Arne Slot's much-changed side falling to a 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace.
"He will go fairly strong but there will be changes," Warburton told BBC Radio Merseyside. "I think Giorgi Mamardashvili, Joe Gomez and Konstantinos Tsimikas will come in.
"Tsimikas will have to fit in at centre-back though, because of the injury to Jeremie Frimprong, unless Ronald Araujo is moved into the middle to maybe play alongside Jeremy Jacquet.
"I did think Iraola would give Araujo a rest after his exploits against Brighton, but it could well be that he is shifted to centre-back as that would allow Gomez to come in at right-back.
"Further up the pitch, I can see Lewis Koumas making a start as he did against Tottenham in the last round. I also think Rio Ngumoha will start as well.
"Trey Nyoni should be in the midfield, alongside possibly Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
"Florian Wirtz might be on the bench for this one, I'm not sure he will start. If there is also any doubt that Dominik Szoboszlai isn't 100%, he will certainly not feature."
When asked if Iraola is under any pressure to get a trophy in his first season at Anfield, Warburton replied: "It is too early in his tenure to start saying he is under pressure. If social media had been around in the 1960s, Bill Shankly would've lasted five minutes.
"Us Liverpool fans are normally quite patient with managers, so I think they will certainly give him time. We are seeing his style come through more as each game goes by."
Silverware is the ultimate aim - Iraolapublished at 12:06 GMT 28 October
12:06 GMT 28 October
Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Xabi Alonso's record as a manager against Liverpool is played two and lost two.
The former Liverpool midfielder, who managed with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 and Real Madrid in 2025, returns to Anfield on Wednesday, but this time as the Chelsea manager in the Carabao Cup.
And he will come up against a Liverpool side that has won their last four games in all competitions and are settling in well under Andoni Iraola.
Iraola described Alonso as a "close friend" on Tuesday. The pair grew up together in the Basque region of Spain, playing in the same team and against each other.
In their debut campaigns at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot both reached the final of the Carabao Cup.
Both of the previous two Liverpool managers lost in the final but Iraola is aware that silverware is ultimately an aim when you are the Liverpool boss.
This competition might not be the highest priority and changes to the lineup are expected on Wednesday evening but deep down, Iraola will know that a good cup run can only add to the sense of optimism around Liverpool right now.
"There will definitely be changes, but we want to win the game. We want to be competitive," said Iraola.
"Every competition is an opportunity, especially when you are the coach of Liverpool. You have to take it like this.
"I would love to win and have the chance to go further in the competition, but I know we will have to play well and beat a very good team."
Jacquet: Chelsea's loss is Liverpool's gainpublished at 11:59 GMT 28 October
11:59 GMT 28 October
Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty Images
On Wednesday, Liverpool will welcome Xabi Alonso back to Anfield when Chelsea visit in the Carabao Cup. Jeremy Jacquet could easily have been wearing blue had Liverpool not accelerated their push for him in January,
Chelsea were keen and Jacquet was rated highly internally at Stamford Bridge but he chose the Reds.
At the time, the move raised eyebrows, particularly for a player who had only made 36 appearances in France's Ligue 1.
Liverpool missed out on Marc Guehi last summer and were having a poor season but Richard Hughes, the former sporting director, was prepared to wait until the summer, with Rennes unwilling to sanction a move in January.
On deadline day in January, journalist Julien Laurens told BBC Sport: "It's a lot of money but Jacquet has everything to become one of the best centre-backs in the world in the next few years. He is arguably the best centre-back of his generation."
A few months into the new season, it seems Liverpool have settled on a gem.
Jacquet is part of a quartet at Anfield, alongside Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo, taking English lessons and like everything else, he is understood to be taking that in his stride.
He lives in Liverpool and spends a lot of his time with fellow youngsters including Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, and those at AXA Training Centre say he is mature and confident off the pitch, just like he is on the pitch.
Having two experienced figures in Virgil van Dijk and Ronald Araujo either side of him on the field has certainly helped but in the space of a few months, Jacquet has made himself one of the first names on the team sheet.
He went off early in the first few games as he built his fitness up but there are no such concerns any more.
"Our relationship is good. It's getting better every day that we work together. That's what I said from day one. It takes games especially but also training sessions and conversations off the pitch," said Van Dijk, 35, who is the only Liverpool defender to cost more than Jacquet.
"There's good moments and not, but it's how we react and help each other and you can see the partnership coming along.
"He's doing very well. Let's see where the ceiling will be. I don't think he's there yet so let's keep going."
Image source, Getty Images
