Liverpool v Chelsea FINAL LIVE!

KO: 1630

Location: Anfield South

Ref: Stuart Atwell

The EFL Cup final pits Chelsea against Liverpool at Wembley with the former chasing an early-season treble having already secured the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup (CWC). As for Liverpool, they’re bidding for their first honour since ending a 30-year wait to win the 2019/20 Premier League (PL) having not won this competition since 2011/12.

The ‘Blues’ head to the home of English football unbeaten in seven matches (W6, D1) after beating Lille 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, seemingly back to their best following their CWC adventure. The defensively sound five-time winners of this competition – and only non Manchester-based champion since 2013 – also kept clean sheets in their last three EFL Cup games.

Chelsea also managed shutouts in each of their last two EFL Cup finals (W1, L1), and as the last three of these finals were either goalless after extra-time or decided by a one-goal margin, this could be set up to be a cagey low-scoring affair. With no side winning a H2H by 2+ goals since 2020 (Chelsea: W1, D2), these two could cancel each other out with one moment of magic – or one unfortunate mistake – making the difference on the evening.

Liverpool have a rich history in this competition as no team has appeared in more finals (12) and victory here would move them clear of Manchester City as the all-time record overall winners, with both currently on eight. History seems to favour them as no London side has beaten a club from the north in the final since – ironically – Chelsea beat Liverpool in 2005!
With their relentless pursuit of Man City at the top of the PL temporarily on hold, Jürgen Klopp’s side won’t want to lose any momentum after winning their last nine competitive games including striking after the 75th minute in eight of those fixtures.

Players to watch: Kai Havertz scored Chelsea’s winner in last season’s UEFA Champions League final and the CWC final, also netting their opener against Lille in midweek. While ex-Chelsea man Mohamed Salah has scored four goals across Liverpool’s last three matches, only one of them was a match opener.

Hot stat: Liverpool haven’t conceded before half-time in any of their last ten competitive fixtures (W9, D1).