Referee: Stuart Attwell (on pitch); Darren England (VAR) — biggest game of Attwell’s career
Chelsea team news: Except for Ben Chilwell, who is out for the rest of the season, and possibly Reece James, who has only recently returned to full training after a two-month absence, we have almost everyone available and fit. That leaves Thomas Tuchel with a plethora of options, as well as a plethora of selection headaches.
The most notable of these is Romelu Lukaku. Our record signing was dropped midweek after ten consecutive starts, but he is reportedly working hard to reclaim his spot. However, Kai Havertz (center), Christian Pulisic (left), and Hakim Ziyech (right) combined very well and appear to be the most in-form attacking trio at the moment.
The other major decision is at goalkeeper, where Édouard Mendy appears to be set to replace regular "cup goalkeeper" Kepa Arrizabalaga, just as he did in the Club World Cup final. Kepa has been absolutely heroic in our run to this final, saving penalties in both the third and fourth round shootouts, but Tuchel, who has yet to lose to Jürgen Klopp as Chelsea manager (1 win, 2 draws), has made it clear that he will not be selecting his starters based on emotion.
Liverpool team news: Liverpool are in excellent form — 9 wins in a row in all contest and undefeated in 2022 — and have climbed right back into the title race with a 6-0 win over Leeds United on Wednesday, putting them just three points behind Manchester City. They, like Chelsea, are still in the running for the FA Cup and the Champions League this season.
And, like Chelsea, Liverpool has a nearly clean bill of health, with only Roberto Firmino ruled out. Diogo Jota is dubious, but €44m is a lot of money (plus add-ons) Luis Daz, a January arrival, has resolved in rapidly.
and has just started scoring goals for the club. Unlike Chelsea, Klopp will stick with Caoimhn Kelleher as his cup goalkeeper.
Liverpool advanced by easily defeating Norwich City and Preston North End, narrowly defeating Leicester City on penalties, and then defeating Arsenal in the semifinals. They've appeared in 12 League Cup finals, more than any other club, and if they win, they'll tie Manchester City for the most such trophies with 9.
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