Liverpool and Chelsea are set to face off in the EFL Cup final on Sunday. The fixture will take place at 10:00 pm IST on 27th February at the Wembley Stadium. Chelsea have had their share of silverware earlier this season. However, this would be Liverpool’s first trophy this season if they beat Chelsea. Both clubs will be equally hungry to get one over their rivals.
Chelsea have faced a few obstacles this season, they have still displayed how good they can be on their best day. They have to bring out their A-game against Liverpool to increase their trophy collection. The Blues certainly have a specific liking for the knockout stages and big matches which could favor Thomas Tuchel and his side.
Chelsea form in all competitions: W W W W W
Liverpool are currently enjoying the best form in Europe’s top five leagues. Their recent 6-0 battering of Leeds United was enough to scare a lot of opponents away. However, they must be focused as Chelsea can be a hurtful team to their ambitions. They will certainly give a tough fight to Chelsea in the final.
Liverpool form in all competitions: W W W W W
Team News
Chelsea vs Liverpool EFL Final: The Blues team news
Hakim Ziyech remains a doubt as he had to come off with an Achilles problem against Lille. However, Mason Mount started on the bench against Lille and could be featuring against Liverpool which a huge boost for Chelsea. Mateo Kovacic also had to walk off in the Champions League with a muscular issue. However, Tuchel remains positive that both Kovacic and Ziyech might be involved in the game to some extent.
Callum Hudson-Odoi also faces a similar situation as Ben Chilwell remains the only player missing the final. Reports also claim that Reece James might be able to make it to the squad but not enough to get a start. Kepa Arrizabalaga might want to start such an important cup game ahead of Mendy. Moreover, Kai Havertz could also start ahead of star striker Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea possible starting lineup
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso; Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic; Kai Havertz
Liverpool vs Chelsea EFL Final: The Reds team news
Diogo Jota is likely to feature even after suffering from an ankle injury as Liverpool faced Inter Milan in the Champions League. However, Roberto Firmino is set to miss the final which is a huge blow for Liverpool.
Liverpool’s attacking lineup will remain with the signing Luis Diaz starting along with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Although Jota will be available, he won’t be risked to directly start the game to avoid further damage. Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Kelleher will keep his place in the Cup final as Henderson also returns to the lineup.
Liverpool possible starting lineup
Caoimhin Kelleher; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil Van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz
Our Predicitions
Chelsea 2-3 Liverpool
Although Chelsea looks favorite while going into a knockout stage or a cup final, Liverpool’s form suggests that the Reds will be able to overcome the Blues. Klopp and Tuchel both know what it takes to win silverware but Klopp might be hungrier than his opposite number as it has been some time since Liverpool last won a trophy. Nevertheless, an entertaining match is set to place with very difficult scores to predict.
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