Predicted Liverpool line-up for the FA Cup final against Chelsea
Liverpool are set to take on Chelsea in the finals of the FA Cup on Saturday as they look to continue their quest for an unprecedented quadruple.
The two sides faced off previously in the finals of the Carabao cup in which the Reds managed to get the better of the Blues on penalties after a rather intense 120 minutes. Caoimhin Kelleher emerged as an unlikely hero for Jurgen Klopp’s men, scoring the winning penalty before Kepa Arrizabalaga skied his to send Reds fans into raptures.
The Merseysiders find themselves in two more major finals and are mathematically still in the rave for the Premier League title, keeping hopes of the quadruple alive. Going by recent form, Klopp’s men are undoubtedly favourites against Chelsea but all that counts for nothing in a one-off match of such magnitude.
Team News
Fabinho has been ruled out of the clash against Chelsea with the Brazilian holding midfielder set to miss out on the final due to a hamstring issue. While the defensive ace is a huge loss for Klopp, it is not the end of the world.
Other than that, there are no other expected absentees for Liverpool and the German manager is expected to have an almost full squad to choose from. Klopp rested a few of his first XI stars for the trip to Aston Villa and looks set to recall them for the Wembley showpiece.
Possible Liverpool XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Alisson Becker (GK)
Despite Caoimhin Kelleher’s heroics in the Carabao cup final against the same opponents, it is widely expected that Liverpool number one Alisson Becker will take his place between the sticks. The Brazilian shot-stopper has been at his best this season and will hope for another flawless night between the sticks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
With 19 assists in 44 games for the Reds this season, there is no way Trent Alexander-Arnold is not starting the game against Chelsea tomorrow. The English right-back is one of the best in the world in his position and will be hoping to add to his assist tally and help Klopp’s men lift another trophy.
Ibrahima Konate (CB)
It is a toss-up between Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip to partner Virgil van Dijk. The Frenchman is to get the nod, having been preferred in cup games to Matip. The former RB Leipzig defender will have to be at his best as he looks to stop Chelsea’s talented front-line from getting past him.
Virgil Van Dijk (CB)
There is no doubt as to who is going to occupy the other centre-back position with Virgil Van Dijk a shoo-in to start. The Dutch international has made a tremendous recovery from an injury-ridden campaign and is undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s best players this season.
Andy Robertson (LB)
The Scottish full-back is Trent’s partner in crime and the two full-backs have combined to deadly effect for Klopp’s team over the last few years. He was rested against Villa and will be hoping to continue his good form to help Liverpool secure another title.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
With Fabinho ruled out of the clash, it is almost certain that club captain Jordan Henderson would play the holding role. The English midfielder has done an exceptional job playing as the lone holding midfielder on occasions and will seek to continue doing the same.
Thiago Alcantara (CM)
When Thiago plays, Liverpool looks like a different team. The Spaniard is undoubtedly the heartbeat of the Reds team and will be expected to start. The playmaker controls Liverpool’s high tempo game from the middle of the field and will be keen to make amends for missing out on the Carabao Cup final.
Curtis Jones (CM)
It’s a toss-up between Naby Keita and Curtis Jones for the last midfield spot. Whilst the Guinean international has been impressive in recent weeks, Jones offers something very different and has the potential to be the x-factor in such a huge game.
Luis Diaz (LW)
What a signing Luis Diaz has been! The Columbian international has been unbelievable for the Reds ever since he signed for them, scoring clutch goals to help the Reds see out matches and he has certainly done enough to warrant a start against Chelsea.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
The Egyptian superstar has been Liverpool’s best player this season and a case can be made for him being the best player in the world right now, probably along with Karim Benzema. Salah would be hoping to help the Reds to another Cup and further cement his status as an Anfield legend.
Sadio Mane (ST)
To accommodate Luis Diaz in the team, Sadio Mane will have to play as a striker and that means both Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino miss out. The Senegalese forward will want to continue his rich vein of goalscoring form and Klopp will need him to be at his best tomorrow.
Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction
Such a final generally does not guarantee any favourites but if recent history was anything to go by, the Reds must be fairly confident of their chances against Thomas Tuchel’s men tomorrow.
Liverpool also has the psychological advantage of having already gotten the better of Chelsea in a final this season. It should hold them in good stead going into tomorrow’s Wembley clash.
More Liverpool News
- Transfer News: Sadio Mane to stay at Liverpool if he gets a bumper new contract
- Chelsea Injury News: N’Golo Kante returns to training for FA Cup final vs Liverpool
- Jurgen Klopp gives seal of approval to Liverpool pursuing Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay
However, one thing Jurgen Klopp’s men can’t afford to do is to take Chelsea lightly. Despite their inconsistent form building up to the final, the Blues are an exceptional team and have the quality to overcome the Reds.
It remains to be seen as to what happens tomorrow but a very promising clash awaits us.
