Wembley prepares itself for the first domestic final of the year as Chelsea take on Liverpool in the EFL Cup final.
This rematch of the 2022 final, famously won by Liverpool, will be another chapter in this intense rivalry.
From Champions League nights, title deciders, and of course many domestic finals; these two clubs battle it out on the biggest occasions.
This weekend is another chapter in the books. Who will be lifting that trophy on Sunday evening?
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Klopp’s Last Dance
It’s Jurgen Klopp’s last chance to win this trophy before he departs into the sunset at the end of this season.
Liverpool have won the trophy more than any other side, claiming the title nine times.
Flying high in the league and still in contention for the FA Cup and Europa League, despite Klopp’s impending departure come the end of the season, his side continue to play with their usual panache.
Although Klopp’s main target this season will be the Europa League and Premier League, the EFL Cup final will be the German’s first chance to secure silverware.
There are loads of reasons this Liverpool side are once again back in contention for the big prizes.
Not plagued by injuries and maybe a little less pressure, this side is once again thriving.
The return of Virgil van Dijk back to his best has been huge. With loads more clean sheets and a solid base to build from, it’s no surprise the world’s premier defender has helped this season.
Red Road to the Final
Liverpool embarked on their journey in this competition in the third round, where they faced off against Championship side Leicester at Anfield.
Despite the Foxes taking an early lead, Liverpool showcased their resilience with a second-half comeback, securing a thrilling victory with goals from Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Diogo Jota.
This triumph earned them a challenging trip to Bournemouth, where Darwin Nunez’s decisive goal, scored just six minutes after Justin Kluivert’s equalizer for the Cherries, secured Liverpool’s progression.
Following this, Liverpool enjoyed a more comfortable 5-1 win over West Ham, setting the stage for a two-legged semi-final clash with Fulham, where they emerged victorious with a narrow 3-2 aggregate scoreline.
Here Come the Blues
Chelsea, on the other hand, have been far from their best. They need something to kickstart their season and a League Cup trophy could be just what they require.
After spending more than £1 billion over the last two seasons, with only a mid-table finish last year and the possibility of another one this season to show for it, nothing seems to be quite working for the London club.
This Chelsea side is somewhat baffling. There are times when they look fantastic. A clear style, organisation, and plenty of positives.
On their day they can mix it with the best, as proved last weekend when they went toe-to-toe with Manchester City, and were unlucky to leave with just a point.
But then there is the other Chelsea. Their dark side. Poor, uncoordinated, and bereft of ideas. Chaotic to the nth degree. A side capable of languishing down in tenth place.
Who knows what side turns up on Sunday?
Chelsea’s Final Route
Their journey commenced against AFC Wimbledon in the second round, where they faced an early setback after conceding a penalty.
However, Noni Madueke’s penalty levelled the score before Enzo Fernandez secured the win for the Blues.
Subsequently, Chelsea secured two home victories against Brighton and Blackburn.
However, they encountered a tough test against Newcastle in the quarter-final, narrowly avoiding defeat. Mykhailo Mudryk’s 92nd-minute equaliser forced the tie to penalties, with Djordje Petrovic emerging as the hero to propel Chelsea into the next round.
Their first away trip of the competition saw them face Middlesbrough in the semi-finals, suffering a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, but staging an impressive comeback in the return leg, thrashing Boro 6-1.
EFL Cup Final Betting Tips
Bet Builder: Liverpool to win, both teams to score and Darwin Nunez to score at any time @ 5.25
Liverpool arrive at Wembley the in-form side. Although Chelsea will be confident after a great performance against Manchester City, they are too inconsistent to trust.
Although they are likely to score, you wouldn’t back them to go all the way and win this one. Darwin Nunez has been bang in form, and if fit, you’d back him to turn up for the occasion.
Cole Palmer to score at any time @ 3.16
He’s been the shining light in Chelsea’s somewhat dark season.
It’s been a tough campaign, but Palmer has been by far their best addition to the squad. Could he cement his name into Chelsea history with a goal at Wembley?
*Odds subject to change.
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