Chelsea will face 9-time champion Liverpool in the 2024 Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on the 25th of February. Having struggled to win major silverware since 2021, beating Jurgen Klopp’s boys to the trophy could signify a turnaround to the remainder of their 2023/24 campaign.
Road to Wembley
Due to their non-involvement in European football, Chelsea began their Carabao Cup journey in the second round. The competition saw the top bookmakers providing the best online betting offers for new customers to wager on their preferred matches, including the Carabao Cup final.
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Chelsea started with a 2-1 win over League Two side AFC Wimbledon before advancing to the third round to face their Premier League counterparts, Brighton & Hove Albion. They passed the test by defeating Roberto De Zerbi’s side, thanks to a lone goal from forward Nicolas Jackson. In the fourth round, Chelsea won convincingly – a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
It didn’t get easier as the competition neared its end. Chelsea were drawn against a stubborn Newcastle side in the Quarterfinals, and they had to settle their contest via penalties after the game ended 1-1 in regular time. The semi-final was a two-legged tie, and Mauricio Pochettino’s boys had to face Middlesbrough. Despite a disappointing outing in the first leg, losing 1-0 at the Riverside stadium, the second leg witnessed a rejuvenated Chelsea squad, giving Boro no chance by putting 6 goals past Thomas Glover.
Can Pochettino Lead the Boys to Glory?
In his first reign as the Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino will face one of his toughest opponents, Jurgen Klopp, in a cup final. Both coaches have met several times during Pochettino’s days with Tottenham Hotspur, including a Champions League final where the Argentine lost. Now, he has another chance against the German who recently announced his exit from Liverpool at the end of the season.
Chelsea have yet to be at their very best this season, and their position in the Premier League Standing confirms this. While it’s uncertain if they’ll make a spot for European competition next season, a win over Liverpool in February offers them a chance. With this reward and the prize money at stake, it could be enough motivation for Chelsea to clinch their first title under Mauricio Pochettino. The manager was close to winning this same title in the 2014/15 season with Spurs, finishing as runner-up as he lost to his now-present club. Winning it this time will require the gaffer and his boys to put in their best performance of the season as they face arguably the best team in the League who are looking to finish on a high note for their departing manager.
The Good Side
Whilst Liverpool might pose more of a threat ahead of the game, Chelsea have a few individual qualities that could punish the Reds. Cole Palmer is one of the standout players to look forward to. Unsurprisingly, he was awarded the man of the match in the second leg of the semi-finals against Middlesbrough after scoring two goals on the night.
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Raheem Sterling is another outstanding talent in the Chelsea squad, who made the team for the semi-finals. On his good days, he can be challenging to stop. We could be in for a cracker with these players fit for this encounter.
🌟 It’s time for the @WhoScored Team of the Round for the Semi-Finals!
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Conclusion
It could be the 6th title for Chelsea or a record 10 titles for Liverpool in the 64th season of the Carabao Cup. No doubt Liverpool are the favourites
