Chelsea and Liverpool face off this Sunday for the chance to win the first major silverware of the English season at Wembley.
Thomas Tuchel’s men will fancy their chances at England’s national stadium, as the Blues come into the fixture off the back of a six-game winning run across all competitions, including continental success in the form of winning the Club World Cup.
Liverpool enter the fray in confident spirits, too, after a whopping 6-0 win over Leeds United in midweek. Jurgen Klopp will believe his high-octane style of play can bring the cup home to Anfield come full-time on Sunday. His side are currently the top scorers in the Premier League this campaign with 70 goals.
Two of the best three teams in the country collide, and cup glory is on the line, promising a passionate and entertaining affair in the English capital.
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How to watch Chelsea vs. Liverpool
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 25
- Time: 11.30 a.m. ET
- US TV channel: ESPN
- Canadian streaming: DAZN
- US streaming: ESPN+
This Sunday’s game at Wembley will be broadcast across the US live on ESPN and ESPN+, alongside DAZN in Canada.
Chelsea vs. Liverpool projected lineups
Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech could be a doubt to start in the final, following his withdrawal from the Blues’ midweek Champions League win over Lille with an Achilles problem. Mateo Kovacic was also forced off in the win over the current French champions with a muscular injury, which will come as a concern to the London giants.
Thomas Tuchel has hinted that both could be involved to some degree, but it would be a surprise if either got the nod to start. Mason Mount returned to the bench for the Lille victory and should be trusted to complement the Chelsea attack with his creativity from the beginning.
Reece James could be a part of the squad after making a return to full contact training, whilst Ben Chilwell will miss out due to injury. German coach Tuchel will face some big selection calls, including whether to start Romelu Lukaku or Kai Havertz in attack.
Chelsea projected starting lineup (3-4-3): Kepa; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta Jorginho, Kante, Alonso; Pulisic, Mount, Havertz.
As for Liverpool, Roberto Firmino will not be available for selection this weekend. On the other hand, Diogo Jota looks like he will be in time for the game after sustaining an injury away to Inter Milan in the Champions League. Other than that, the Reds look likely to field a full-strength lineup.
Jota will likely have to settle for a place on the bench, leaving January signing Luis Diaz alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in the offense. Jordan Henderson stands a good chance of being slotted into the midfield, whilst rookie Caoimhin Kelleher will start between the sticks after the news was confirmed by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in a press conference.
Liverpool projected line-up (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz.
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Chelsea vs. Liverpool betting odds, pick & prediction
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
Goals could be aplenty in this match, with Chelsea and Liverpool both carrying match-winners in their side. Mohamed Salah will be a name that strikes fear into Chelsea supporters ahead of Sunday, with the Egyptian forward bagging an incredible 27 goals in 31 games already this season.
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Sadio Mane is always causing danger inside the penalty area, whilst his speed and contribution to the Reds’ incredible ability to counter-attack puts him among the favorites to get on the scoresheet at Wembley.
Conversely, Chelsea forward Kai Havertz has proven to be a big-game player for the Stamford Bridge club, as shown with his Champions League and Club World Cup final goals for the Londoners. The German talent will be eager to be the decisive factor once again on the elite stage.
USA international Christian Pulisic has impressed in recent times for Chelsea, scoring in the 2-0 win over Lille in the Champions League round of 16. The wide man could be an excellent outside bet to open the scoring on Sunday.
Pick: Christian Pulisic to be first goalscorer (+850)
- Moneyline: Chelsea (+155) / Draw (+230) / Liverpool (+135)
- Spread: Chelsea – 0.5 (+205) / Liverpool + 0.5 (-280)
- O/U 2.5 total goals: Over (+120) / Under (-150)
- Both Teams To Score: Yes (-115) / No (-110)