The current shape of Liverpool is arguably the strongest they have been in all season, firing on all cylinders whilst scoring goals at will. Compare that to Chelsea, and despite recently being crowned as Champions of the World, the mood around the club is not as vibrant as you’d expect, with recent performances highlighting a few issues they have, most notably in the final third. On form, Liverpool are undoubtedly the side with momentum heading into this, but it is a final and this Chelsea side certainly know how to win one of games.
Thomas Tuchel’s arrival at Chelsea saw the Champions League trophy return to Stamford Bridge, a remarkable achievement as they beat fellow English side Manchester City in the final. Similarly to this, City were the favourites that day and were expected to win the match, however Chelsea’s defensive nous and organisation saw them frustrate Guardiola’s men to become Europe’s leading force. Although this piece of silverware is not quite held in the same bracket as the Champions League, it is still a trophy and a huge chance to gain some real confidence heading into the latter stages of the campaign. Liverpool are firmly in the title race still, whilst both clubs have every chance to go the difference in both the FA Cup and the Champions League.
Despite the slight negativity around play style and concern around certain individuals, Chelsea rarely lose games and are one of the best defensive sides in Europe. Although some teams are criticised for focusing too much on defending, the way the Blues operate is fascinating to watch at times. They defend with real aggression, giving forward players no time on the ball whilst narrowing spaces at a premium. Up against a dynamic Liverpool front 3, Tuchel will make sure his back-line tackle with aggression and give the likes of Salah and Mane no time whatsoever to inflict damage. In this fixture in January, Chelsea gave Liverpool far too much encouragement in the early stages and conceded two from it, they responded excellently to go on and draw the game and if this fixture is anything like the most recent Premier League encounter then we are in for a spectacle.
Going through the teams in the League, Chelsea’s is arguably one of the most difficult to predict of all. They have an array of different players with many different styles, especially in forward areas. Up until recently, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz had struggled for form in front of goal, but their performances against Lille will most differently give Tuchel a selection headache, especially with the form of Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea’s big summer signing has flattered to deceive, none more so than in their latest Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Lukaku had 7 touches in the entire game and was anonymous throughout. Despite this, his physical presence up against Virgil Van Dijk could give him the edge on his attacking counterparts and the ability will always be there. He strikes me as the type to not let bad form get in the way of him, and scoring in a cup final against Liverpool having formerly played for Manchester United and Everton would be a perfect way for him to put things right.
Ultimately, this will be an incredibly low margin game and one in which individual battles will determine the outcome. Both sides are drilled excellently, know their systems like the back of their hand and will be set up in completely different ways, but finals are about who wants it most. Battles such as the aforementioned Lukaku v Van Dijk one, Kante vs Thiago etc will be crucial and it will be fascinating tactically. Both Kovacic and Ziyech went off injured in the midweek Champions League tie, but both are expected to be back for this one and whether or not Tuchel decides to start them or not will be interesting. The Croatian Kovacic was exceptional in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, and his guile against the midfield of the reds would be important.
Predicted Chelsea team: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Silva, Christensen, Sarr, Jorginho, Kante, Mount, Pulisic, Lukaku
