Raheem Sterling To Start; Christopher Nkunku And Thiago Silva On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Play Liverpool
Even a couple of weeks ago, not many would have given Chelsea much of a chance of winning the Carabao Cup final.
However, things can change quickly in football. The Blues have put together a run of good results, with their latest impressive performance coming against City last weekend.
In contrast, Liverpool have some key players sidelined with injury, which makes the match a hard one to call.
Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting eleven for Sunday’s clash at Wembley.
GK – Djordje Petrovic
Despite Robert Sanchez expected to be available this weekend, the Serbian has done more than enough to keep his place.
Not a lot was known about Petrovic when he first arrived from New England Revolution in the summer.
However, he has shown that he can be a reliable goalkeeper, who should be a safe pair of hands against Liverpool.
Of course, at 24 years of age, there are still elements of Petrovic’s game that need to be improved but the £14m spent to bring him in seems more than worth it.
RB – Malo Gusto
The fullback has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers this season.
Despite still only being 20 years of age, Gusto has taken no time at all to adapt to the Premier League.
As well as possessing speed and great ball control, he tends to make the right decisions in possession, especially in the final third of the pitch.
Against Liverpool, Gusto will need to keep an eye on Luis Diaz but he will be looking to cause problems for the Reds’ defence too with his runs down the right flank.
CB – Axel Disasi
The Frenchman was a man mountain against Manchester City, making countless clearances and getting his body in the way to block numerous shots.
If Chelsea are to lift the Carabao Cup this weekend, Disasi will need to replicate his performance at the Etihad.
His job may be made easier if the likes of Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah are absent from Liverpool’s attack.
If Disasi can keep Erling Haaland quiet, though, he won’t be worried who he will be going up against at Wembley.
CB – Levi Colwill
Thiago Silva is not expected to recover from a groin injury in time to make the starting eleven this weekend.
There is, however, a possibility that the Brazilian veteran will be able to take his place on the bench.
After striking up a good partnership with Disasi against City, it’s likely that Colwill will be asked to fill in versus Liverpool.
The 20-year-old does lack experience, and it has shown at times this season, but he has all the makings of a top-class centre-half.
LB – Ben Chilwell
The 26-year-old will be leading the Blues out at Wembley on Sunday in the absence of the injured Reece James.
Chilwell’s freedom to get forward may depend on whether Mo Salah is fit to play or not.
If the Egyptian international is available, Chilwell may be reluctant to venture too far into the opposition half, fearing that he could be caught out.
However, the left-back can be dangerous in the final third and, if he does play on the front foot, he could provide a major threat overlapping on the left flank.
CM – Moises Caicedo
It must be said that the Ecuadorian international found it very difficult in the league game against Liverpool last month.
Both Caicedo and his midfield partner Enzo Fernandez were overrun and they cannot afford for that to happen again.
A lot will hinge on the 22-year-old’s tenacity, winning balls, escaping the press and distributing forward passes to teammates.
Caiedo definitely has the ability but it will be up to him to step up his game on Sunday.
CM – Enzo Fernandez
The 23-year-old’s inconsistent form can be very frustrating at times. Against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, he was exceptional before looking very average versus Crystal Palace.
Fernandez found a middle ground in the draw against City. One notable improvement is his work rate, which was top-notch at the Etihad.
If he can work just as hard off the ball in the final this weekend then it will make a huge difference.
Both Fernandez and Caicedo have to pull their weight versus Liverpool if Chelsea are to secure victory.
AM – Conor Gallagher
Christopher Nkunku is fit and available to start games but it would be harsh to drop Gallagher.
The 24-year-old put in an excellent display against City, with his man-marking job on Rodri proving to be vitally important.
Gallagher also looked very good in possession, which is not something that has been the case in every game this season.
Pochettino is a huge fan of the England international so it would be a surprise if he isn’t in the starting lineup on Sunday.
RW – Cole Palmer
It will be an intriguing battle between the 21-year-old and Andy Robertson at Wembley.
Palmer likes to cut in from the flank when picked on the right wing, so Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will have a decision to make as to how his team will track the midfielder.
At the same time, Palmer will have to be mindful of Robertson, who will try to cause overloads on the left flank.
There is a danger that Gusto could be overrun if Palmer doesn’t do his defensive duties.
CF – Nicolas Jackson
The Senegalese international should be commended for his performance against City.
Since arriving from Villarreal, many have described Jackson as a raw talent, but his ability to hold up the ball and link up play at the Etihad showed how accomplished he is technically.
There are certainly key aspects of his game that still must be improved. Finishing is definitely something he needs to work on.
From Chelsea’s perspective, it will be hoped that, if an opportunity comes Jackson’s way this weekend, he will make the most of it.
LW – Raheem Sterling
The winger’s best games for Chelsea have been where the Blues are on the back foot.
Sterling likes to have space to run into on the counter-attack and Pochettino made a great call in picking him to start against City.
Considering Liverpool play with a high line, the 29-year-old should get some joy with runs in behind at Wembley.
Sterling was clinical with his chance against City, and Chelsea will need him to be just as composed on Sunday.