SUNDAY'S LEAGUE CUP FINALISTS SURPRISE
Historically, a Liverpool v Chelsea final shouldn't be a surprise. Not so in 2024! It will be the fifth time these teams have locked horns in a domestic cup final in the past twenty years. Throw in a European Super Cup Final, a Charity Shield and numerous Champions League ties, and these clubs are more than familiar with one another in the big games. Chelsea has spent over a billion pounds on players yet has struggled in the EPL for form and consistency. Liverpool has generally been the team that has challenged Manchester City's dominance in recent years but was expected to have a rebuilding campaign this season. Yet, at the time of writing, LFC is in the mix for four trophies and tops the Premier League. A few weeks ago, Chelsea was defeated comprehensively 4-1 at Anfield, leading to many saying that the Final was a forgone conclusion. However, since then, Chelsea has enjoyed some significant results while Liverpool is working through many injuries, many of them to key players.
From the off, Mauricio Pochettino's job at Stamford Bridge has not been straightforward. A sizable amount of money has been spent on several talented young hotshots. Considering injuries, notably to Reece James, it has taken time for Poch to establish a relatively settled team. Since their Anfield loss, his team has continued to have its ups and downs, with a home loss to Wolves balanced by impressive results at Aston Villa (3-1 win) and Man City (1-1 draw). Indeed, analyzing this season's results against the Premier League's top three, the Liverpool game is their only defeat. Chelsea's young Bucs appear to do better against the top sides. They should not be taken lightly going into the Final.
The Liverpool team that took the field midweek against Luton was bereft of eleven first-team squad members. Most worryingly, key players such as Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Jota, Szoboszlai, Nunez, and Salah were absent. The latter three could figure on Sunday. Looking at the bigger picture down the road, Alisson and Trent are out until the end of March, while EPL Player of the Month, in-form Diogo Jota, will be absent for two months. It may affect trophy ambitions later in 23-24. Going into the Luton game midweek, I was concerned with the Hatters proving to be a tricky opponent (Rob Edwards for Manager of the Year!!). After falling behind, the Reds won comfortably, 4-1 in the end. What impressed me most on the night was the spirit of the team. Despite missing top players, several Academy youngsters were getting serious minutes, and games were coming in thick and fast succession; the Reds could still find the energy to come out on top. Jurgen Klopp has done an incredible job. Even if he ends up empty-handed at the end of the season, Klopp has shown his mettle during duress. It's an opinion that may not be held in agreement by the modern football fan, but the way this guy deals with adversity is something to behold. It is not the first time he has shown this dimension to his managerial skills. The picture below shows the celebration of Liverpool's fourth goal on Wednesday by Jarell Quansah (21), Jayden Danns (18), Harvey Elliott (20) and James McConnell (19). All are Academy players. I hope his successor will build upon this legacy.
Speculating on the Liverpool lineup carries a couple of question marks. Caoimhin Kelleher will continue to deputize in goal. Konate will come back to the central defence to partner Van Dijk. Full-backs will be two from three: Bradley, Gomez and Robertson. The team is better balanced with Andy Robertson. Therefore, who will get the nod between the impressive youngster Connor Bradley and Joe Gomez? Gomez has been unlucky with injuries in recent seasons so will Jurgen reward him with a place? He hasn't let the team down this season and has performed well wherever asked to play. The Liverpool bench is depleted, and Bradley can impact from the bench with his energy.
Endo, Mac Allister, Diaz and Gakpo will likely all start. Gravenberch or Elliott for the third midfielder? Gravenberch is an athlete who is finally showing a bit of form. Elliott is technically superb but is another player who can make an impact from the bench. He started up front against Luton, which may be enough to make him a starter at Wembley. It feels like Szoboszlai won't play. He will be a miss as he is a powerful runner from midfield. As for Nunez and Salah, they seem closer to contributing. The conundrum is risking them and making their injuries more problematic in the long run.
Forecasting the game is also a conundrum for me. My feeling has been Chelsea's name is on the cup this year. Logically, Liverpool's lengthy injury list makes that more likely. I've been surprised listening and reading forecasts today that everyone favours the Reds, in some cases by a healthy scoreline. It is more likely to be a tight match. The one thing that makes me think twice is Liverpool's spirit, even without many important players. On paper, it's an intriguing game. Hopefully, it won't be a stalemate, and Jurgen Klopp can claim a trophy in his final season.
Exciting news:?Next week, I will be starting a Liverpool FC Podcast with my former player, Salim Sacre. It will present an American perspective on the Reds from Boston, where I live, across the country to Salim in Colorado. Stay tuned!! The first episode will reflect on Sunday's League Cup Final.
YNWA