Mauricio Pochettino will have the chance to truly launch his Chelsea career on Sunday afternoon when Chelsea defeats Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. The Blues seem to have turned the corner recently, and the head coach will be trying to keep it that way after such a disappointing start to the season in SW6, with results that have been wildly inconsistent.
Chelsea will have a difficult task ahead of them if they are to win the trophy at Wembley, following a 4-1 humiliation at Anfield against Liverpool last month. Liverpool, who have experienced a lot of injuries similar to the Blues, are the favourites to win the Carabao Cup final given their impressive start to the Premier League campaign.
However, things rarely go as expected in finals, so after a few successful FA Cup and Premier League campaigns, nobody should rule out Chelsea winning the championship. Pochettino might very easily decide to line-up his team in the same manner after their 1-1 draw with Man City last Saturday.
If he wishes to make changes to his squad for the match against Liverpool in the final, he has a few more possibilities. Below, football.london looks.
Same XI against Manchester City
Many would not have expected Chelsea to win at the Etihad Stadium, especially because Man City is only becoming stronger in their pursuit of the Premier League crown. The Blues were able to escape Manchester with a point, but seven minutes from the end, Rodri’s equaliser denied them the chance to win the game.
Given the outcome against the champs, Pochettino might decide to stick with the same lineup at Wembley. If that’s the case, Djordje Petrovic stays in goal, with Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, and Malo Gusto in front of him in the back four.
As Chelsea looks to surprise Liverpool, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Raheem Sterling form the front three, with Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, and Moises Caicedo continuing in the engine room at midfield.
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Fernandez, Gallagher, Caicedo; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling.
Thiago Silva’s experience
Thiago Silva did not play in last weekend’s match with Manchester City due to an injury he sustained during the team’s recent 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. But it’s possible that he’ll return in time for the Carabao Cup final.
He does have a chance, yes. When asked if the Brazilian had a chance to start, Pochettino responded, “Tomorrow, we will see if he is ready to be involved in the game.” If he is, the manager will have some food for thought considering the center-back’s background in the game and, most significantly, major finals.
Pochettino may not want Colwill to play in the championship game if he decides to go with Silva’s experience. In that case, the 39-year-old would join the team and start next to Disasi.
After a great performance at the Etihad Stadium, that would be harsh on Colwill, but Pochettino will do what is best for the club as they aim for some hardware.
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Chilwell; Fernandez, Gallagher, Caicedo; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling.
Nkunku wildcard shock
After such a disappointing start to his Chelsea career, Christopher Nkunku will be looking to establish a true name for himself at the club, therefore he will be aiming to have a significant influence on the cup final. The player has scored goals for the Blues in the Premier League against Wolves and Liverpool after making a comeback from injury in December.
Five of the Frenchman’s seven Premier League outings have come as substitutes, thus far, he has had to be patient when it comes to playing time. Given how brilliantly the squad performed at Man City, it appears highly unlikely right now, but Pochettino is still able to use his wild card and start Nkunku in the championship game.
Sterling would probably lose out if he decided to surprise everyone by using that wildcard and introduce the former RB Leipzig player. Pochettino would have options in both positions because Jackson and Nkunku can operate both from the left side and through the middle. He might even ask the two to switch roles during Sunday’s match.
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Fernandez, Gallagher, Caicedo; Palmer, Jackson, Nkunku.
