2 years ago
When Chelsea faces Liverpool in the FA Cup final on 14 May, they will be seeking to complete the 2021-22 football season with a domestic title.
The two teams will meet in a final at Wembley for the second time this season, with Liverpool defeating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final in February.
Tuchel's team will undoubtedly enter the match with vengeance on their thoughts, seeking to avenge their penalty shootout loss to the Reds.
But facing Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in a final isn't easy, and Tuchel will undoubtedly have to make some difficult decisions before the game.
As a result, this article will examine four crucial decisions Tuchel will have to make if the Blues are to win the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
#1 Goalkeeper decision
Tuchel must decide who will play in goal against Liverpool before the match. Both Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga have made two appearances in the FA Cup this season and are in contention to play in the final against Liverpool. This season, Kepa has been the main man for Chelsea in the domestic cup tournaments, with eight appearances against Mendy's three.
Tuchel, on the other hand, preferred Mendy in cup finals, with the exception of last season's FA Cup final, in which Kepa was in goal.
Tuchel will have to make the right decision against Liverpool, as he might choose between starting Kepa in back-to-back FA Cup finals or starting Mendy.
#2 Midfield set-up
Tuchel will also have to decide how he will set up his midfield before the game against Liverpool, which will be crucial to any hope of success.
Mateo Kovacic, a Croatian midfielder, is a major doubt for the FA Cup final, according to the Daily Mail. He suffered a serious injury versus Leeds United at Elland Road in the Premier League.
Due to the injury, Tuchel's only recognized first-team midfielders for the final are Jorginho, Ngolo Kante, Loftus-Cheek, and Saul Niguez.
While vice-captain Jorginho, who impressed in his last game against Leeds, could start, the key question will be who will partner the Italy international.
The most realistic possibility for Jorginho's midfield mate
Loftus-Cheek or Kante are the most likely candidates to partner Jorginho in a midfield pivot for Tuchel, with the former battling injury to make the final.
The Frenchman has been out for 14 days, missing four games for Chelsea, and if he is fit for the FA Cup final against Liverpool, he might be crucial.
#3 Who leads the attack for Chelsea
Tuchel will also have to choose between Kai Havertz and club-record acquisition Romelu Lukaku as the attacking leader.
Lukaku, who has scored three goals in his last four games for the Blues, appears to be the best candidate to start in attack against Liverpool.
After scoring a brace against Wolves and one goal in a 3-0 win away to Leeds, the Belgian appears to be rediscovering his best form in a Chelsea shirt once more.
Lukaku has also been outstanding in the FA Cup this season, scoring three goals in five games to lead Chelsea in the competition.
Havertz, on the other hand, has been the guy for Chelsea in key games, which could prove to be a serious selection dilemma for Tuchel.
This season, the attacker has been particularly impressive against Liverpool, scoring in a 1-1 draw at Anfield in August and also starring in the Carabao Cup final.
Both players are in contention for the FA Cup final, but Tuchel will have to pick who will start.
#4 Approach for the FA Cup final
Chelsea has faced Liverpool three times this season, with neither team managing to win in normal time in any of their encounters.
Tuchel has shifted tactics three times against Liverpool for the Blues, and he will have to decide which method is best for his club in the final.
Tuchel used a more cautious approach in their previous meeting at Wembley, when Chelsea sat deep and attempted to attack Liverpool's high-line, which almost worked.
The Blues, on the other hand, took the game to Liverpool in their second league encounter this season, as the Reds attempted to catch Chelsea open and strike them on the counter.
Tuchel's club has the potential to play both offensively and conservatively, which is clear. However, it all boils down to what the boss want.
Given the nature of the game, Tuchel is likely to take a similar tactic in the Carabao Cup final in February, in order to avoid being overly exposed by Liverpool.
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