EFL Cup Final: Liverpool and Chelsea set to lock horns at Wembley

Liverpool looking for history

Chelsea and Liverpool will do battle for the EFL Cup on Sunday at Wembley, with the winner ending Manchester City’s four-year dominance of the competition. 

For the Reds, it would be a particularly symbolic success. Not only are they chasing the Etihad side with relish in the Premier League, but it would also carry them clear of City to become the tournament’s most decorated side, with nine victories.

Liverpool are, unsurprisingly, 1.67 favourites to lift the trophy, with Chelsea on offer at 2.3.

The last days of Rom? 

Chelsea’s recent narrative has been dominated by the tribulations of striker Romelu Lukaku, whose difficulties at Stamford Bridge are becoming acute. In the meantime, they appear to have regained some of their swagger.  The Blues endured a difficult Christmas period but have quietly amassed a six-game winning run and have become Club World Cup winners. 

Admittedly, Thomas Tuchel’s side have not had the toughest calendar over this period, but in Tuesday’s 2-0 home win over Lille, they controlled their opponents impressively. Indeed, in fielding Kai Havertz in attack to good effect, they may just have found a solution to their forward issues. Not that that helps Lukaku. 

There is little danger of the Blues treating this match lightly. In their two semi-final victories over Tottenham, they fielded virtually their strongest available team. Moreover, with the league now out of reach, they can focus on lifting the first domestic silverware of the season.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be trying to steer his side to a record ninth League Cup win

Reds showing their muscle

Liverpool, meanwhile, are arguably the most impressive side anywhere in Europe right now. Jurgen Klopp’s side have churned out nine successive victories, with the manager’s show of emotion after Wednesday’s 6-0 win over Leeds underscoring their relentless drive for perfection.

The Reds, meanwhile, will feel they will have a point to prove against Chelsea. As recently as January 2, they allowed a 2-0 lead against the Blues to slip at Stamford Bridge, where they were held 2-2. They were, however, without several key players. Both games between these clubs have been drawn this season. 

Roberto Firmino will reportedly miss this game through injury, while Diogo Jota has been struggling lately, too, so Klopp may need to delve into the depths of his squad for this encounter. Mohamed Salah, though, has netted in both previous matches with the Blues this season and will be aiming to complete a memorable hat-trick at Wembley. 

Liverpool to prove too strong

Chelsea are still feeling their way back to form, and with Liverpool rampant, the Merseyside club look a good bet to win the match in normal time at 2.46. 

Indeed, it is notable that the last time Chelsea beat any of the Premier League’s current top seven was August 22, when they overcame an Arsenal side that started the campaign sluggishly. They have lost three and drawn four since then. Victory in this match would represent a return to form, but it is likely to be beyond them.

Recommended Bet

Liverpool @ 2.46