Liverpool have an opportunity to extend their winning run and move into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday night, but Andoni Iraola has already made clear that reaching the next round will require more than simply picking his strongest available team.

Chelsea’s visit to Anfield presents a demanding test in the fourth round, with Liverpool looking to build on Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Brighton. That result continued an encouraging spell for Iraola’s side, who have won four consecutive matches in all competitions.

Yet the head coach must also consider the physical demands placed on his players. Liverpool have been playing every few days, and Wednesday’s tie comes before Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal.

Iraola confirmed ahead of the match that changes would be made, describing rotation as “almost mandatory” for teams operating across multiple competitions.

“There will definitely be changes,” he said. “But we want to win the game, we want to be competitive.”

That presents an important challenge for Liverpool. The objective is to maintain momentum without overburdening key players, particularly with injuries already limiting Iraola’s options.

Florian Wirtz is among the players Liverpool will assess before deciding their starting line-up.

The Germany international was withdrawn during Sunday’s victory over Brighton after twisting his ankle, but Iraola was optimistic he would be available for Chelsea.

“He was quite fine, Florian,” the Liverpool head coach said. “I’m quite optimistic he will be available.”

Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Muñoz are less likely to feature, leaving Liverpool potentially short of options in attacking midfield and across the squad.

Iraola’s selection will therefore depend not only on who is fit, but on which players are best equipped to handle Chelsea’s threat. Wirtz’s availability would provide a significant boost, although Liverpool must consider the wider schedule before taking any risks.

The Carabao Cup offers a route to silverware, and Liverpool will want to remain in contention. But with Arsenal waiting on Sunday, Wednesday also presents an opportunity to distribute minutes and give other members of the squad a chance to make their case.

Chelsea’s visit brings a significant subplot of its own, with Xabi Alonso returning to Anfield as the opposition head coach.

The former Liverpool midfielder knows the significance of the ground and the expectations that accompany a visit to Merseyside. His Chelsea side arrive seeking a response after a 2-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

They will be without Cole Palmer, who is suspended following his dismissal against Tottenham, while João Pedro is sidelined with a thigh injury.

Those absences remove two important attacking options, but Chelsea still have players capable of troubling Liverpool if the home side’s changes disrupt their rhythm.

Alonso’s challenge will be to find the right balance in attack while improving his side’s confidence and control in possession. Liverpool, meanwhile, must ensure that rotation does not come at the expense of their intensity or organisation.

The tie is also an opportunity for Iraola to demonstrate the depth of his squad. A strong performance from players given an opportunity could prove valuable well beyond Wednesday night, particularly as Liverpool navigate a crowded fixture list.

Liverpool’s recent run has offered signs of progress, but the next step is to turn that momentum into tangible success in the cup.

Iraola has stressed that Liverpool want to earn their place in the quarter-finals, despite the difficulty of the draw. Chelsea’s own ambitions will make this a competitive encounter, even with key players missing.

The manager’s willingness to rotate is a practical response to the demands of the season, rather than a signal that the competition is being taken lightly. The challenge is ensuring those changes preserve the standards Liverpool have shown in recent victories.

With Arsenal looming, Iraola must manage both the immediate task and the bigger picture. Liverpool have the opportunity to extend their winning run, progress in the Carabao Cup and give their squad further confidence.

But Chelsea, led by a familiar face, will arrive determined to spoil the occasion.