Chelsea take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, with Mauricio Pochettino looking to claim his first silverware as the Blues boss.
The west London side have navigated their way past AFC Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough to reach their 10th final in the Carabao Cup, coming from behind to thump Michael Carrick’s Boro side 6-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals last month.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side head to Wembley in an upbeat mood having stitched together a three-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including a credible 1-1 away draw with Manchester City last weekend, but they will be up against a strong Liverpool side who are on course for the quadruple this term.
Chelsea Team News
Thiago Silva missed Chelsea’s draw at Man City due to a groin problem and will be assessed ahead of the Carabao Cup final. Robert Sanchez has recovered from a long-term injury but was not deemed ready to feature against Man City, although he has a chance of being in the squad on Sunday.
Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia are all ruled out of the showpiece event at Wembley Stadium.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Djordje Petrovic has deputised extremely well in goal in the injury absence of Robert Sanchez. Even if Sanchez is deemed fit to play on Sunday, Mauricio Pochettino is likely to go with Petrovic in between the sticks.
Defence
The back four that started in the 1-1 draw with Man City looks likely to be retained by the manager, meaning Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell should all feature.
Gusto and Chilwell must operate as the full-backs, providing energy and width to Chelsea’s attack as well as defensive help to the centre-back pairing of Colwill and Disasi. The Blues’ defensive quartet have to produce their best if they intend to blunt Liverpool’s attack.
Midfield
There is no looking past the double pivot of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez at the moment. The duo will be screening the back four, breaking up the opposition’s moves and initiating the attacks for Mauricio Pochettino’s side from the base of the midfield.
Conor Gallagher provides a lot of energy, tenacity and aggression to the team, and his presence in the No.10 role could be key in unlocking the Liverpool defence.
Attack
Despite being wasteful in front of goal at the Etihad Stadium, Nicolas Jackson is expected to start up top for the Blues. The Senegalese will be flanked by Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling.
Palmer and Sterling possess the qualities to hurt the Reds on the break. Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah and Mykhaylo Mudryk could be options to come off the bench and help out Pochettino’s team when required.