The Reds will be aiming to pocket their second title of the season while for the Blues, the FA Cup represents the only piece of silverware left on the line this campaign.
Follow Us
Liverpool will be aiming to pocket their second title of the season when they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Meanwhile for the Blues, the FA Cup represents the only piece of silverware left on the line this campaign, and fellow capital side Crystal Palace were no match for Thomas Tuchel’s side’s superiority in the semi-finals. Liverpool got the better of Premier League leaders Manchester City 3-2 in a tightly contested last-four fixture. The prospect of a four-trophy season is still lingering in the minds of Jurgen Klopp’s side . The German tactician’s side are in with a realistic chance of producing the unthinkable.
Read more:
Tottenham vs Arsenal: Mikel Arteta slams referee; Antonio Conte says Arteta ‘complains a lot’
The 2021-22 campaign is in its final few weeks and Liverpol have certainly been one of the most consistent teams in Europe as they are still in the hunt for all the trophies up for grabs. Even Though the prospect of Man City dropping points in their final two games is unlikely, a three point lead is not unreachable and anything can happen in the final few meters of the race. The Reds’ Premier League hopes suffered a huge blow after the 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, but Klopp’s side managed to bounce back with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
The Reds were far from their free-flowing best at Villa Park and fatigue seemed to be affecting their performance. Joel Matip and Sadio Mane turned the game on its head following Douglas Luiz’ third-minute opener. Since Man City is three points away from Liverpool, with two games remaining, the Premier League title is out of their own hands. But the EFL Cup has already been pocketed, the Champions League final against Real Madrid awaits and the Reds are potentially 90 minutes away from ending a 16-year drought in the FA Cup.
On the other hand, Chelsea, who started the season as Champions League winners, have the chance to end the season with a trophy. Thuchel’s side are placed third in the Premier League standings and head into the title decider on the back of a convincing 3-0 win at Leeds United on Wednesday night. Goals from Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku helped the Blues secure all three points at Elland Road. Thuchel will be leading Chelsea out for their fourth domestic final since his appointment as manager, equalling Jose Mourinho’s record.
Liverpool’s medical staff has done a superb job to keep the treatment room virtually empty during their busy period with only Roberto Firmino back on the bench at Villa Park following a foot injury. However midfielder Fabiho hobbled off with an apparent hamstring problem in Tuesday’s win.
As for Chelsea, midfielder Mateo Kovacic was on the receiving end of a dreadful tackle from Daniel James at Elland Road, for which the Leeds man was sent off. Meanwhile Jorgiho made a timely return from an issue of his own in midweek.
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Keita, Henderson, Thiago, Salah, Mane, Diaz
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Alonso, Mount, Havertz, Lukaku.
The FA Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool will take place at the Wembley Stadium and it will kick-off at 09:15 pm IST on Saturday, May 14.
The match will be live streamed on the SonyLIV app and website, and the JioTV mobile app. Meanwhile football fans in India can also enjoy the action on TV networks, as the competition is telecasted on the Sony Ten network.
