Chelsea v Liverpool – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Chelsea face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. Seven of the last eight meetings between these sides have ended in draws, including two cup finals in the 2021-22 season. The Reds sit top of the league table whilst the Blues languish in tenth place. When the sides last faced off on 31 January, Liverpool won 4-1.

Chelsea Form

Mauricio Pochettino’s team has been very inconsistent this season. After a run of four losses in six matches, they had a run of just one loss in seven. That streak included three successive league wins and a 6-1 victory over Middlesbrough to reach the Carabao Cup final.

A 4-1 loss at Liverpool in late January saw 28 shots conceded in a poor display. A 4-2 home loss to Wolves followed as pressure ramped up on the coach. Chelsea have responded well since then, first winning 3-1 at Aston Villa in an FA Cup replay before two late goals to win 3-1 at Crystal Palace. Their last match saw a credible performance for 70 minutes to draw 1-1 at Man City in a league match.

Chelsea Team News

The Blues are without Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, and Marc Cucurella in defense. Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Carney Chukwuemeka will play no part in midfield. Thiago Silva will need a late fitness test to gauge whether he can play a part.

Pochettino could name the same XI from the match at Man City. That will mean that Christopher Nkunku is left on the bench for this big match. Nicolas Jackson will lead the line.

Chelsea Motivation

Chelsea will be hugely motivated to win a trophy, their first silverware since the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021.

They will use a similar plan to that of Man City: be compact and aggressive and counterattack at speed. The Blues won’t be phased by going to extra time.

Liverpool Form

The Reds are in great form with just one loss in 15 matches in all competitions. They sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League having played one match more. A 4-0 win at Bournemouth in January made it four successive victories with 14 goals netted. A 1-1 draw at Fulham followed in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg to secure a 3-2 aggregate win over the Cottagers.

After thrashing Norwich 5-2 in the FA Cup, Liverpool destroyed Chelsea 4-1 before losing 3-1 at Arsenal after some individual mistakes. That loss has been put behind them with three successive wins. They beat Burnley 3-1, won 4-1 at Brentford in a tough game, and beat Luton Town 4-1 in midweek at Anfield.

Liverpool Team News

Liverpool are set to be without Alisson in goal for this match whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold is ruled out too. Caoimhin Kelleher and Conor Bradley are set to deputise. Dominik Szoboszlai is a major doubt in midfield and Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara are set to play no part.

In attack, Diogo Jota is injured whilst Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez played no part in midweek. Both should be available to play this one. Perhaps only one will start with Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz completing the front three.

Liverpool Motivation

Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure will increase motivation to win something for their coach. Liverpool will give everything in this match.

A high-pressing, high-intensity approach is expected and they will look to score an early goal.

Key Stats

Chelsea have drawn 7 of their last 8 meetings vs Liverpool

Chelsea have seen Both Teams to Score YES in their last 5 matches (10 scored, 11 conceded)

Liverpool have won 10 of their last 12 matches

Liverpool are without a clean sheet in 7 matches (10 goals conceded)

Verdict

This should be a good match with both teams on target in 90 minutes. Liverpool’s injuries will even the playing field somewhat whilst Chelsea are slowly improving. A draw in regulation time looks a good option in addition to Liverpool winning.

Best Bet: Liverpool win (90 minutes) at 2.10

Value Bet: Draw (90 minutes) at 3.45

Goalscorer Tip: Mohammed Salah anytime scorer at 2.20

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis