Chelsea - Liverpool predictions and free betting tips [25/02/2024]

On Sunday, 25th February, in the English League Cup final, Chelsea will host Liverpool. Two years ago, Jurgen Klopp's men overcame the Blues in a penalty shootout sequence, while the Londoners themselves haven't been able to beat the 'Merseyside Reds' in their last eight encounters.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea: Petrovich; Gusto, Disasi, Colvill, Chilwell; Kaisedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson.
Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Endo, Mac Allister; Elliott, Gakpo, Dias.

Chelsea

In the previous rounds of the League Cup, Chelsea secured wins against Wimbledon (2:1), Brighton (1:0), Blackburn (2:0), Newcastle (1:1, penalties) and Middlesbrough (6:2 over two fixtures). This final presents a prime opportunity for the Londoners to seize a trophy in a season filled with disappointments. At present, the Blues hold the 10th spot in the Premier League, totalling a meagre 35 points in 25 tours. Following defeats against Liverpool (4:1) and Wolverhampton (2:4), the Londoners picked up good form in February: they first beat Crystal Palace (1:3), then held a draw against Manchester City at their home ground last weekend (1:1). Importantly, Chelsea's last two outings in the League Cup final ended in unsuccessful penalty shootouts, and this time around the London grand team is at risk of becoming the first team in the country to lose six consecutive domestic cup finals.

Chelsea's coaching team is still hampered by a string of significant injuries: captain Reece James, key defenders Thiago Silva, BadiaShil, Fofana, the talented Cucurella, Lavia, Ugbo and Okoflex. Goalkeeper Sanchez has also failed to recover from an injury and will miss the final showdown. With 6 goals and 3 assists, Raheem Sterling, who scored against the 'Cityzens' last weekend, is expected to appear in the attacking trio, flanked by Palmer (10 goals and 6 assists) and Jackson (7 goals and 3 assists). Nkunku, the Frenchman, has been struggling to regain his prime form following a return from injury and might find himself starting from the substitute bench on Sunday.

Liverpool

Having won the League Cup in 2022, Liverpool are favourite to take the crown again. To head for the final, the Scousers beat Leicester (3:1), Bournemouth (1:2), West Ham (5:1) and Fulham (3:2 on aggregate). In Jurgen Klopp's final season at the Red helm, Liverpool are entwined in the Premier League title race: at present, the visitors are topping the tournament chart, four points clear of their closest challengers. Following a good run, they lost against Arsenal (3:1) but then triumphed against Burnley (3:1), Brentford (1:4) and Luton Town last week (4:1). It should be noted that only in four of the previous 13 League Cup finals have the Reds found themselves coming in second.

Liverpool will take on Sparta Prague in the Europa League last 16 return, while they host Southampton in the FA Cup 5th round Wednesday next week. The guests also suffer from the casualty of injuries: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold and Szoboszlai remain injured, as does Diogo Jota. Midfielders Jones, Thiago Alcantara, and Baychetic, alongside centre-back Matip are all still on the mend. Finally, Salah and Nunes felt uncomfortable last week, and their participation remains uncertain. Elliott (2 goals and 2 assists), Gakpo (5 goals and 3 assists) and Luis Dias (6 goals and 3 assists) found the net against Luton, but Klopp is hoping to have his main forces ready for the attack. Van Dijk and Konate are expected to form the central defender duo.

Head-to-Head

In seven of the eight previous meetings, the two sides recorded a draw. However, the recent duel at Anfield ended in a 4:1 drubbing of the Blues.

Prediction for Chelsea – Liverpool match

Over the last few weeks, Chelsea have been displaying stellar football and have enjoyed a three-feature run without incurring losses. Meanwhile, Liverpool, although they have delighted their fans with resounding victories, were trounced in London by a well-organised Arsenal. As mentioned previously, these teams tend to draw – and it makes sense to go for a similar outcome this time too.