Chelsea vs Liverpool – Carabao Cup final: Pochettino and Klopp go head-to-head
PREMIER LEAGUE giants Chelsea and Liverpool return to Wembley TODAY in search of silverware.
The two teams will face each other in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday in front of a packed crowd.
They last met in the final just two years ago, when Jurgen Klopp’s side came out on top, winning 11-10 in a thrilling penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
Given their impressive form, the Reds are likely to be favorites going into the match.
Liverpool currently sit at the top of the Premier League, while Chelsea struggle in tenth place.
But of course anything can happen in the cup!
When is Chelsea-Liverpool?
- Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final will take place TODAY – Sunday February 25.
- The match will be held at Wembley Stadium.
- An earlier kick-off time than usual has been chosen for the final, namely 3 p.m.
What channel is the Carabao Cup final on, can it be streamed live?
- Chelsea vs Liverpool is shown on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
- You can stream the action live from the Sky Go or NOW TV apps, both of which are available to download to your mobile device or tablet.
Chances
- Chelsea – 9/4
- Draw – 5/2
- Liverpool – 11/10
- Chelsea takes trophy – 5/4
- Liverpool lifts trophy – 4/7
*Also thanks to Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
Team news
Both teams suffered from various injuries during the match.
Defenders Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Marc Cucurella are all unavailable due to long-term injuries.
Mauricio Pochettino also revealed that Thiago Silva suffered a “minor injury” before last week’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and Carney Chukwuemeka also remain sidelined.
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Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota have recently suffered injuries.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is definitively absent for the final due to a knee injury.
Alisson and Dominik Szoboszlai could also miss out due to hamstring problems.
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Who will be the star players?
Conor Gallagher has arguably been one of Chelsea’s most consistent players this season.
The midfielder, a boyhood Blue, has captained his side several times since the start of the season in the absence of James and Ben Chilwell.
He has also featured in some key moments for Pochettino’s side.
Gallagher scored two crucial goals for Chelsea against Crystal Palace earlier this month to seal a crucial victory.
As far as Liverpool are concerned, Mohamed Salah will be one to watch.
The winger recently returned from injury and was back in action against Brentford last week.
Salah has now scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.
What has been said?
After Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City last week, Pochettino said: “For us it was a very important game to keep the momentum going, to realize that we are going in a good way and improving.
“We are still not at the level of Manchester City, but that is our goal and of course we are a very young team that needs these kinds of games to improve and create a spirit that we have to show in every game.
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“You want to be competitive because I think we were one of the best teams from the start in the way we performed, created chances and I think after 15 games we deserved to be in the top four.
“But in football you not only have to show good quality and be nice, it also has to be competitive. Today the team certainly showed that we can also be competitive and play well.”
Meanwhile, after Liverpool’s win over Luton on Wednesday, Klopp said: “This team at the time ignored the fact of who was missing.
“I want us to ignore the fact of who is missing. That’s difficult because the public only became aware of the full number of missing players tonight – it took me a few minutes to process it!”
“The moment you know how to arrange and approach it now for this game, it feels really good, so that’s what I wanted the boys to show.”