Chelsea - Liverpool. Predicted line-ups and latest news

Tomorrow, on February 25th, the final of the Football League Cup will take place, where Chelsea will meet Liverpool.

For both teams, this trophy holds significant value. Chelsea will seek to secure victory in any tournament this season, while Liverpool will battle for the trophy to ensure Jurgen Klopp doesn't depart Liverpool without any silverware in his final season.

• Chelsea vs Liverpool prediction and betting tips on February 25, 2024

Chelsea commenced their journey in the tournament from the round of 32 and en route to this encounter, they defeated Wimbledon (2-1), Brighton (1-0), Blackburn (2-0), and Newcastle (2-1). In the semifinals, the Blues lost to Middlesbrough in the first leg (0-1) but then routed their opponents at Stamford Bridge (6-1).

Liverpool entered the Football League Cup in the round of 16, a stage later than their current opponent. They secured their place in the final by defeating Leicester (3-1), Bournemouth (2-1), West Ham (5-1), and in the semifinal, they won the first leg against Fulham (2-1) and played a draw in the second leg (1-1).

Several renowned sources such as Sofascore, Fotmob, Besoccer, and Whoscored have already speculated on the possible starting line-ups for each team. Even one of Europe's leading broadcasters, Eurosport, has joined in.

Firstly, it's worth noting that both teams have a considerable number of players sidelined due to injury.

Chelsea will be without Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Chimaev Nguokwu, Wesley Fofana, and Carney Chukwuemeka. The participation of Thiago Silva remains uncertain.

The "Reds" won't have Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Stefan Bajcetic, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Joel Matip, or Thiago available. The involvement of Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, and Dominic Solanke also remains in question.

Regarding Chelsea's starting lineup, all sources are in agreement about the players involved. It is expected that George Petrovich will guard the goal. The defensive quartet will consist of Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, and Malo Gusto. The midfield will comprise five players: Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer. Nicholas Jackson will be the sole striker.

• Predicted Chelsea line-up:
  Petrovich – Chilwell, Colwill, Disasi, Gusto – Sterling, Fernandez, Gallagher, Caicedo, Palmer – Jackson

As for Liverpool's starting lineup, sources diverge on certain positions. It's almost certain that Cuivine Kelleher will be in goal. The backline will likely feature four players. Conor Bradley is expected to play on the right flank, and Virgil Van Dijk will surely occupy one of the center-back spots. However, the remaining two positions in defense are still uncertain. Joseph Gomez is suggested by Besoccer to play on the left flank, while other sources suggest Andrew Robertson. In addition to Van Dijk, most sources except Besoccer indicate Ibrahima Konate as the other center-back. In midfield, all sources agree on the trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, and Alexis Mac Allister. Regarding the front three, uncertainties remain due to injuries. It's anticipated that Luis Diaz will play on the left flank, but his supporting cast is yet to be determined. If Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez are fit, they will likely fill the vacant positions. Otherwise, it could be Harvey Elliott and Cody Gakpo. This is the consensus among Fotmob and Besoccer.

• Predicted Liverpool line-up:
  Kelleher – Robertson/Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate/Kwansah, Bradley – Gravenberch, Endo, Mac Allister – Diaz, Gakpo/Nunez, Elliott/Salah

Sofascore

Fotmob

Whoscored

Eurosport

It's worth noting that the match will take place at London's Wembley Stadium and will kick off at 16:00 Central European Time.