Carabao Cup: Chelsea vs Liverpool match preview, team news, where to watch and prediction
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Carabao Cup Chelsea vs Liverpool || Image credit: Imago

Carabao Cup: Chelsea vs Liverpool match preview, team news, where to watch and prediction

Faruq Ibrahim 22:14 - 24.02.2024

A concise pre-match guide for the upcoming EFL Cup final fixture between Chelsea and Liverpool.

The highly anticipated Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool is set for Sunday, February 25, 2024, promising an electrifying showdown at the iconic Wembley Stadium. 

With the kick-off slated for 4 pm GMT, this match pits two of English football's heavyweights against each other in a quest for silverware early in the year​​​​.

Key Players and Team News:

Chelsea's lineup faces challenges with key players such as Thiago Silva racing back to fitness and absences including Benoit Badiashile and Reece James. 

Despite these setbacks, the Blues can count on the talents of Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and Raheem Sterling to lead the attack​​. 

Liverpool, on the other hand, is dealing with their own injury concerns, with doubts over the fitness of Darwin Nunez, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Mohamed Salah. Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota, among others, are definitely sidelined due to injuries​​. 

Recent Form and Tactical Outlook:

Liverpool enters the final with a strong track record this season, only losing twice in the Premier League and remaining unbeaten in both the Carabao and FA Cups. 

Chelsea, while showing potential in big games, has struggled with consistency. This match could very well hinge on which team best navigates its injury woes and executes its game plan under pressure.

Historical Context and Rivalry:

The rivalry between Chelsea and Liverpool has grown increasingly intense, with their meetings often producing closely contested matches. 

Five of their last seven encounters have ended in draws after 90 minutes, underscoring the evenly matched nature of this rivalry. Their most recent Carabao Cup final face-off in 2022 ended in a draw, with Liverpool triumphing in a penalty shootout​​.

Betting Tips and Predictions:

Given both teams' current form and historical head-to-head record, this match is poised to be a tight affair. However, injuries could play a crucial role in tilting the balance. 

The prediction leans towards a Chelsea win, 3-2 after extra time, considering Liverpool's significant injury list and Chelsea's potential to rise to the occasion in big matches​​.

How to Watch:

Fans can catch the action live on DSTV via the SuperSports channels

As both teams gear up for what promises to be a thrilling contest, the stage is set for a memorable battle at Wembley with both clubs eager to secure early silverware.

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