(Football news) Liverpool will face Chelsea FC at the Carabao Cup final at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday. The Reds have the opportunity to secure their ninth EFL Cup title while world champions Chelsea will hope that by winning some midseason silverware, it can propel them to greater heights in the season ahead. Liverpool defeated Arsenal over two legs in the semifinals while Chelsea overcame Tottenham to set up this exciting clash between two formidable opponents.

Chelsea are currently on a six game winning streak and recently defeated Lille 2-0 in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The Blues are defensively sound, having conceded just two goals in their six game winning run and it will be an integral factor in restricting Liverpool’s incredible attacking prowess. What makes Chelsea’s journey to the Carabao Cup final more impressive is that the Blues have only played Premier League opposition right from the start. 

As for Liverpool, the Reds are currently the in-form team and scored six past Leeds United in their last match, reducing the deficit from Manchester City to just three points. This will be Liverpool’s record extending 13th EFL final but the Reds have failed to win the competition for a decade, defeating Cardiff City on penalty shootouts in the 2011/12 season. Jurgen Klopp’s team have won nine consecutive games in all competitions and are arguably the slight favourites to win this fixture.

In injury news, Mason Mount should be available for selection after being on the bench in the Champions League match against Lille. However, Hakim Ziyech is doubtful due to an achilles issue while Mateo Kovacic has a muscular problem. Ben Chilwell is ruled out of the match while Tuchel has claimed that Reece James will be available for selection. Kepa Arrizabalaga will be hoping to start in goal while Romelu Lukaku could be dropped for Kai Havertz as the focal point of attack.

For Liverpool, Diogo Jota is doubtful after sustaining an ankle injury while Roberto Firmino will be unavailable for selection. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are expected to feature in the starting lineup alongside Luis Diaz in the final third. Jurgen Klopp will also select Caoimhin Kelleher in goal and Jordan Henderson will feature in the middle of the park.

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