Liverpool and Chelsea will lock horns in a domestic cup final for the second time this season at Wembley on Saturday.
Liverpool’s bid for a historic quadruple still remains intact. Although Jurgen Klopp’s attempts to catch Manchester City have taken a blow in recent days, the Reds could still win all three cup competitions this season and the fact they’ve already conquered Chelsea in a knockout contest cannot be ignored.
For Chelsea, this fixture represents the last chance for the Blues to pick up silverware in what has been a challenging campaign. Still, Thomas Tuchel’s side are masters of this kind of football. Under his watch, Chelsea have reached the final of every competition and it’s worth remembering they beat City in the Champions League showpiece despite some patchy league form.
These sides met in the League Cup final in February – Jurgen Klopp’s side prevailing in an epic penalty shootout on that occasion, after extra time again couldn’t settle the score. Both league fixtures between these two have likewise ended in draws. It should be quite the occasion.
Liverpool
Chelsea’s opponents for Saturday’s contest need little introduction. Jurgen Klopp has assembled a formidable squad since he took over in 2015 and his side seem in devastating form as we approach the end of the season.
The Reds’ pressing and imperious effectiveness in front of goal saw them dispatch Premier League champions Manchester City in the semi-final with relative ease. Their ability to adapt to situations and overcome adversity saw them cruise past Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final after a torrid first half.
Liverpool’s famous high line of defence will come under scrutiny by this Chelsea attack, as Tuchel’s side exploited so effectively in February’s contest. Expect the odd big chance for Chelsea but with goalkeeper Alisson to come to his defence’s aid.
The Reds will be without midfielder Fabinho after the Brazilian limped off during Tuesday’s win over Aston Villa. Klopp did confirm that he will be fit for the Champions League final, however.
Andy Robertson was rested for that game and Mohamed Salah was brought off the bench. Both are all but certain to start.
Chelsea Team News
Thomas Tuchel has admitted Mateo Kovacic needs a “miracle” to be fit following his ankle injury away at Leeds on Wednesday night, while N’Golo Kante is facing a race against time to make it himself.
That leaves only Jorginho in terms of Tuchel’s first-choice midfield three with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Saul Niguez remaining as senior options. If Kante and Kovacic do not feature, expect Liverpool to comfortably control the game. Thiago Silva, meanwhile, was rested in midweek and should start in the centre of defence tomorrow.
The other selection issue for Chelsea revolves around their attack; Romelu Lukaku has started Chelsea’s previous two matches and scored three, but the Blues need to tailor their approach to the opposition in mind. Lukaku is usually too static to drag out defenders in the same manner as, say, Kai Havertz does. Tuchel however may be reluctant to drop the Belgian given his good form; being in goalscoring nick is certainly a rarity for this Chelsea side and should be capitalised as much as possible.
With a Champions League finish all but confirmed, this match, and attacking selection decision, will probably be a defining moment in how Chelsea’s season is perceived.
Predicted Line-Up (3-4-3): Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rüdiger; James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Lukaku, Pulisic.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea (AET)
A typically close encounter will ensue between these sides, with Liverpool dominating ball possession and profiting from a fragile Chelsea midfield. Both sides will score in normal time, with the Reds nicking a goal in extra time for their second successive Wembley cup win.
