While many anticipate a Liverpool victory in the upcoming Carabao Cup final, Chelsea’s recent resurgence under Mauricio Pochettino has injected a dose of uncertainty.
Despite a turbulent season marked by inconsistency, Chelsea have displayed flashes of brilliance, most recently against Manchester City.
This newfound confidence contrasts with their previous struggles, including a heavy defeat to Liverpool last month.
However, history isn’t on Chelsea’s side. They haven’t beaten Liverpool since 2021 and have lost two consecutive cup finals to the Reds in 2022.
Former Arsenal manager and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes Chelsea’s path to victory hinges on a specific tactical approach.
He suggests replicating Arsenal’s strategy of employing Jorginho as a deep-lying playmaker to disrupt Liverpool’s dangerous counter-attacks.
“Chelsea have to beat Liverpool’s press,” Merson emphasizes. “Arsenal did it with Jorginho, and if Chelsea can find a similar player, like Enzo Fernandez, they might have an advantage.”
Merson further highlights the potential impact of Curtis Jones’ absence in the Liverpool midfield. “If he’s not fit, I think Chelsea win that midfield battle,” he states.
Can Chelsea defy the odds and claim the Carabao Cup trophy, or will Liverpool continue their dominance in cup competitions?
Sunday’s final promises an intriguing tactical battle with potentially significant implications for both teams.