Football News Update: Chelsea’s Lineup for the EFL Cup Final Against Liverpool

As Chelsea prepare to face off against Liverpool in the highly anticipated EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium this Sunday, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how the Blues could line up for the crucial match.

Chelsea’s Injury Concerns

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is facing a defensive injury crisis, with Wesley Fofana (knee), Benoit Badiashile (groin), and Reece James (thigh) all ruled out. Additionally, Thiago Silva (groin) and Marc Cucurella (ankle) are set to rejoin partial team training, but their availability remains uncertain.

In midfield, Carney Chukwuemeka (ankle), Romeo Lavia, and Lesley Ugochukwu (both nursing thigh injuries) will also miss the final. However, first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has recovered from a knee injury and is back at Pochettino’s disposal.

Chelsea’s Potential Lineup

Despite the defensive absences, the Blues are expected to field a formidable lineup. Malo Gusto, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, and Levi Colwill, who has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool, are set to form the defensive wall. In the midfield, Moises Caicedo, a former transfer target for the Reds, will join Enzo Fernandez in a recognizable engine room, while Conor Gallagher is likely to start in a more advanced role, keeping Christopher Nkunku at bay.

Up front, ex-Liverpool player Raheem Sterling is set to join top scorer Cole Palmer on the flanks, with Nicolas Jackson expected to lead the line for Chelsea at Wembley.

“Chelsea’s possible starting lineup for the EFL Cup final:
Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson”

(Source: Sports Mole, February 23, 2023)

🔗 Source