Chelsea vs Liverpool: 5 Key Battles That Could Decide the Carabao Cup Final

• Chelsea and Liverpool will clash in the Carabao Cup final tomorrow
• It will be the third encounter at Wembley between the two teams
• Five key battles will decide the outcome of tomorrow’s match

Chelsea and Liverpool are gearing up for the Carabao Cup final tomorrow as both sides aim to win their first trophy of the season in contrasting fortunes.

It is the third final at Wembley between the two teams in two years and the second EFL Cup final after the Reds won the 2022 edition 11-10 on penalties.

Sports Brief looks at five key battles that could decide tomorrow's match.

Key battles in the Carabao Cup final

1. Midfield battle

Liverpool has injuries in midfield, but Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister are available. They will need to be at their best yet again to subdue Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, who could make it easier by being nonexistent like they were at Anfield.

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2. Mohamed Salah vs Ben Chilwell

The Egyptian winger is a doubt for the final after a setback in his hamstring injury in the 4-1 win over Luton Town. He will square up against Ben Chilwell, who will captain his side if fit. Per Mirror UK, the Englishman called out the attacker ahead of the match.

3. Luis Diaz vs Malo Gusto

French full-back has deputised for the injured Reece James and is a man in form. Luis Diaz is expected to start with the injuries in the Reds attack. The battle between the two will be exciting and have a say in the match, with Gusto recently making a mess of wingers.

4. Nicolas Jackson vs Virgil van Dijk

The Senegalese forward will have his hands full against the big Dutchman. He certainly can't win aerial battles, but his quick feet and dribbles may bail him out. He must also take his chances for Pochettino's men to have a good day.

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5. Darwin Nunez vs Axel Disasi

Disasi played his heart out against Manchester City, amassing 16 clearances. Such a performance will be needed at Wembley tomorrow against Darwin Nunez, who will face a late fitness test. He hit the woodwork four times in the 4-1 win at Anfield.

Four VAR decisions against Chelsea

Sports Brief analysed four controversial VAR decisions against Chelsea when playing against Liverpool after Pochettino called on referee Chris Kavanaugh to be fair in his officiating.

The 4-1 win by Liverpool at Anfield has the Blues asking questions over two penalty decisions that did not go their way but could have changed the game.