How Chelsea could lineup against Liverpool in Carabao Cup final
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is set to lead out his side to take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final as he looks to secure yet another trophy. Both sides have locked horns twice already this season, with both games ending in a draw between two of the league's best sides.
Chelsea and Liverpool will face in the Carabao Cup for the first time since 2018
Chelsea and Liverpool last faced each other in the Carabao Cup in 2018, when a stunner from Eden Hazard gave the Blues the win. A lot has changed since then, with this Liverpool side a very different beast from that one.
Tuchel has all of his players except Ben Chilwell and Andreas Christensen available for selection after Mateo Kovacic, Hakim Ziyech and Reece James resumed first-team training. The biggest headache for the Bavarian tactician will be whether to stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is the cup keeper, or Edouard Mendy.
Chelsea are blessed to have a set of goalkeepers as good as Édouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Both ‘deserve’ to start the Carabao Cup final. Whoever Tuchel decides to trust, I trust too. 🧤 https://t.co/rvPyRUTjN0
The German tactician also has to decide whether to reinstate Romelu Lukaku in the starting XI or retain Kai Havertz. Also, the return to fitness of James presents a welcome headache for Tuchel.
Thomas Tuchel is a pleased man to have N’Golo Kante back at his top level ahead of the Carabao Cup final.
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Here is the likely Chelsea lineup for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Goalkeeper - Edouard Mendy
In his press conference before the match, Tuchel ruled out being sentimental in his choice of a goalkeeper for the final against Liverpool. That would mean Mendy getting the nod to start ahead of Kepa for the final.
The Spaniard has given a good account of himself as the number two goalkeeper since Tuchel's arrival at the club. Mendy, however, is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now, and this puts him in a position to start the match.
Right Centre-Back - Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea's captain and most dependable player of the last decade, Cesar Azpilicueta, is set to lead the team out for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. The Spaniard is expected to keep his place in the team despite the return to fitness of Reece James. This is due to a last-minute injury to Andreas Christensen.
Azpilicueta has been impressive in his past few games for the club after initially struggling in the immediate aftermath of James' injury. The experienced defender will need to be at his best when he comes up against Liverpool's star forwards.
Centre-Back - Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva seems to age backwards when you consider the quality of his performances for Chelsea this season. The 37-year-old is one of the first names on Tuchel's team sheet and is very important to Chelsea's defensive structure.
Silva was recently named the Player of the Tournament at the FIFA Club World Cup, and he followed that accolade with two superb performances. He will look forward to this meeting against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup as it affords him the chance to add to his stacked trophy collection.
Left Centre-Back - Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger has been one of Tuchel's most trusted lieutenants since the Bavarian arrived at Stamford Bridge. The German defender has become one of the world's best in his position and is sure to start in his favored position on the left of the back three.
Like Christensen, Rudiger is yet to sign a new contract with the club. This has not affected his output, however, as he continues to impress.