Chelsea capable of upsetting the odds at Wembley
Chelsea will be underdogs when they face Liverpool at Wembley in next month’s Carabao Cup final – but there are still reasons for them to be optimistic.
Bookmakers have inevitably installed Jurgen Klopp’s side as strong favourites for the final, with the likes of William Hill – who are currently offering a William Hill Bonus – rating them as odds-on to win the trophy.
That’s unsurprising given how strong Liverpool have been looking. There are indeed a number of reasons to expect a Reds victory against the Blues.
Liverpool look so good
Currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League and in with a chance of winning four trophies this season, Liverpool’s quality isn’t in doubt. When in full flow they look unstoppable at times and the way they despatched Chelsea’s SW6 neighbours Fulham in the semi-finals also showed they can perform when not quite at their best. They have great battling qualities as well as ability, making them a tough nut to crack.
The ‘Klopp farewell’ factor
Chelsea will also have to contend with Liverpool obviously being determined to end the Klopp era with a fitting send-off for the German, who has announced he is leaving Anfield at the end of the season. That announcement will surely give his team added impetus and motivation as they look to win those four trophies they are still in contention for.
Poch’s first trophy?
However, there is also a huge motivation for Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is chasing his first trophy as a manager in England. He won plaudits for his style of play at Tottenham and how much they progressed under him, but there was no silverware during his previous spell in London. Having managed to do so with Paris St-Germain, Pochettino admits he is “desperate” to win a trophy in England. And this is a big chance to end his duck.
Chelsea look strong too
For all Liverpool’s strengths, Chelsea cannot be underestimated. It has been a choppy first season under Pochettino, and is shaping up to be another disappointing Premier League campaign, but the Blues are more than capable of winning a one-off big game at Wembley against any side.
They have quality of their own, with Cole Palmer impressing in attack and the recent return to fitness of Christopher Nkunku showing what the summer signing is capable of. Raheem Sterling will also relish the chance to shine against his former club.
Chelsea have also tightened up at the back in recent weeks, which is a good sign ahead of the final. They will definitely have to stay switched on against Liverpool, but Chelsea are very much a live underdog.
