Two English giants Chelsea and Liverpool are up against each other on Sunday afternoon in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.
English Football’s first silverware of the 2021/22 season will be competed between two old English rivals Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday. The tie will also be a face-off between two successful German coaches.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have overcome North London outfits to reach the final. As the Blues defeated Spurs, meanwhile the Reds outmuscled Arteta’s Gunners.
For the first time, since 2017 the tournament will see a new winner. Manchester City has been the dominant force in the EFL Cup for the last number of seasons.
EFL Cup: Chelsea vs Liverpool – Preview
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have enjoyed some memorable battles over the years. But this season, have been evenly matched, with a 1-1 draw at Anfield in August followed by an enthralling 2-2 draw in London in January.
Sunday’s final at Wembley will be the third final of the season for the Blues. Thomas Tuchel’s side have been very successful this term, banking the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup already this season.
Moreover, Thomas Tuchel would be eyeing to extend his trophy streak to four since taking over the charge in January 2021. Also, the title challenge for Chelsea now seems to get slimmer, therefore now cup competitions become very vital for Tuchel’s helm in Stamford Bridge.
Unlike Chelsea, Liverpool are very much still in the Premier League title race. Klopp’s team have cut down 12 points of lead of Man City to just three points after their recent emphatic 6-0 win over Leeds United at Anfield.
Liverpool have hit arguably their best form of the season in recent weeks. The return of several key figures from injury issues is a big boost for the Reds. Moreover, the new front three of Salah, Mane, and Diaz look very frightening.
Jurgen Klopp has been criticized for prioritizing the two main competitions – Premier League and Champions League – often at the expense of the two domestic tournaments.
But this time around, the club is in contention all four competitions of the season. A possible unprecedented quadruple is in contention this term.
If Liverpool wins on Sunday for the record ninth time, it will be the club’s 66th trophy. This will level with Manchester United to become English football’s most successful club.
Jurgen Klopp’s team would be very eager to collect the EFL Cup to justify the performance the team has shown this season.
Team news
Diogo Jota is reported should be back for the final after sustaining an ankle injury against Inter Milan in the Champions League. As Klopp should be considering the Portuguese for a bench role.
Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino is surely out of contention of the game.
Previously, after the semifinal tie against Arsenal last month Klopp confirmed Goalie Kelleher will start in the final. Captain Henderson should return to the starting eleven.
Moreover, Klopp might look for Ibrahima Konate to partner with Virgil Van Dijk as the Centre-back pair for the final.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz
Chelsea vs Liverpool : What Anfield Home Predicts
Liverpool have a better team and better individual players than Chelsea. Even without Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino, the Reds have the numbers to be able to cope.
Diaz’s inclusion in the new-look front three brings a whole new dimension, also Chelsea have no experience with the Colombian.
Chelsea’s sturdy backline will have a hard time keeping Klopp’s incredible attacking threat.
Liverpool looks very likely to prevail over Chelsea with a 2-1 win.
