Chelsea is set to clash with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium, marking the second meeting between the two sides in three years. The Blues aim to avenge their loss in the 2022 final.

Liverpool enters the final with victories over Luton Town and Brentford in the past week, securing wins of 4-1 despite facing injury challenges. Assistant manager Pep Lijnders expressed pride in his players during the pre-match press conference:

“It’s also good in life to accept what you have, so that is what we’re trying to do. It brought us success in the past and we try to keep it. We have a few injuries, so we get young players, players who didn’t play five in a row but they can show up, and that is really cool. This season is a season we already created new teams, it’s a compliment to our squad and our academy.”

Chelsea comes into the final with confidence following victories over Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. The draw at Manchester City was a significant boost, showcasing the ability of the young players to step up and deliver.

Mauricio Pochettino responded to Jurgen Klopp’s claim that Liverpool were underdogs, expressing his discontent:

“Because he’s one of the best, with Pep, coaches in the world. He’s clever enough. He knows that when you play a final, circumstances can happen. If they are not favorites, we are not favorites [laughs]. They have experience in competing like a team, being involved in different finals. For some of us, it’s maybe their first final. He is clever enough.”

Chelsea has faced challenges with at least six players dealing with injuries each week, including Reece James, Thiago Silva, and Wesley Fonana, while Nkunku was sidelined for most of the season. The stage is set for an intense battle as both teams vie for Carabao Cup glory.