England EFL Cup Final - Chelsea vs Liverpool, 27. February

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Chelsea vs Liverpool Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Chelsea:
Kepa; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic; Havertz

Liverpool:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Luis Diaz

The EFL Cup, also known as the League Cup, is first held in 1960/61 season. It is one of the three top-tier domestic football competitions in England, alongside the Premier League and FA Cup. It concludes in February, long before the other two, which end in May. It was introduced by the league as a response to the increasing popularity of European football. The tournament is played over seven rounds, with single-leg ties throughout, except for the semi-finals. The final is held at Wembley Stadium which is the only tie in the competition played at a neutral venue and on a weekend (Sunday). Aston Villa were the inaugural winners in 1961, defeating Rotherham United 3:2 in the final over two legs. The current holders are Manchester City, who beat Tottenham 1:0 in the last year's final. The Citizens, together with Liverpool, are the most successful teams in the competition, lifting the trophy eight times.

Chelsea overcame Tottenham in the semi-finals to secure their Wembley tickets. Thomas Tuchel's side were better on both matches, winning 2:0 at Stamford Bridge and 1:0 as guests. The actual form is excellent, they were successful in the last six matches across all competitions. The Blues recorded two victories in the Premier League, beating Tottenham and Crystal Palace, keeping clean sheet on both games. Chelsea also beat Al Hilal and Palmeiras on the way to the FIFA Club World Cup glory and Plymouth in the FA Cup. In the last match they managed to beat Lille 2:0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 battle in midweek. Tuchel has some injury worries ahead of the final. Hakim Ziyech was forced off with an Achilles issue against Lille and is considered doubtful. Mateo Kovacic is also an injury doubt after suffered a muscular problem on the same match. Ben Chilwell is definitely sidelined, while Callum Hudson-Odoi is yet another doubtful player. Tuchel has confirmed that Reece James is fit enough for a place in the squad.

Liverpool have eliminated Arsenal in the semi-finals of the competition. The Reds showed a class winning 2:0 at the Emirats after the firs-leg match at Anfield finished with a goalless draw. Like Chelsea, they are in excellent form, winning nine matches in a row. Six of them came in the Premier League, with last one being impressive Klopp's men were fantastic and scored six goals against Leeds on Wednesday. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane were both double scorers, while centre-backs Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk also found the back of the net. Liverpool are now within touching distance of league leaders Manchester City, and the players confidence is high. Most of them are ready, but Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are struggling with injury. The Portuguese forward is battling to be fit for the final after sustaining an ankle injury against Inter in the Champions League, while the Brazilian is definitely sidelined. January signing Luis Diaz is expecting to join Salah and Mane in the final third again. Klopp has confirmed that reserve goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will start here.

Chelsea vs Liverpool Prediction:

According to some experts, the EFL Cup is a trophy that neither team needs to win. Both Liverpool and Chelsea have bigger priorities: the Premier League and Champions League. However, both teams will go for the victory. I expect an open and interesting match and I will give some advantage to the Blues. Chelsea have already won two trophies this season - UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup and this fact should not be underestimated. The players are more familiar with this kind of matches and the specific pressure. I expect Chelsea to win their third trophy of the season.

Chelsea vs Liverpool Pick: Chelsea to lift the trophy @ 2.20 with Bet365

 

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Chelsea win 100%