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      Liverpool star Thiago breaks down in tears on bench after missing Carabao Cup final vs Chelsea with injury in warm-up

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      THIAGO was left in tears after injuring himself in the Carabao Cup final warm-up and missing the game. The Spanish international was due to start in Liverpool’s midfield against Chelsea at Wembley.
      Thiago was left in tears after injuring himself in the Carabao Cup final warm-up and missing the game

      But it was revealed he suffered a knock in the pre-match preparations and was replaced by Naby Keita.
      Cameras were focussed on Thiago before kick off and showed Liverpool keeper Alisson comforting his tearful team-mate.
      Fans online sympathised for the former Bayern Munich star, who has already suffered hip and calf problems this season.
      One tweeted: “Heartbroken for Thiago, you can see how much he wanted to play.”
      Another posted: “Thiago is crying. Absolutely gutted for him.”
      One added: “I feel so sorry for Thiago though, being forced to sit out an important game for your team is sad.”
      Another added: “Nah Thiago’s tears are too valuable.”
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      BETTING SPECIAL – GET TAYLOR TO BEAT CATTERALL AT 20/1
      Thiago has missed 21 games this season and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp this week admitted keeping the playmaker fit is a problem.
      He said: “I think we all agree, Thiago agrees, there were moments when he struggled injury-wise, that’s how it is.
      “Then coming back, even with his quality it’s not that you can get rhythm all the time immediately.
      “You can get rhythm, but not always immediately. It’s very helpful if you can stay fit for a longer period.
      “It’s not so important if you play the first 60 [minutes], or the last 30, or 45 or whatever. We have to try to find the right intensity for him.
      “Even when we work now longer together, obviously it’s still not ages and it’s not that we know absolutely everything.
      “That’s why we try to – without keeping him outside when he’s ready to play – do the right things. That’s worked out now the last few games.
      “That he’s a very, very good player, we were never in doubt about that. His skillset is insane.
      “But it’s all about staying fit. That’s what we are working on together.”
      Trent Alexander-Arnold and Thiago in Liverpool’s pre-match warm upCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea vs Liverpool LIVE: Stream, TV channel, team news as Lukaku BENCHED for Blues – EFL Carabao Cup final updates

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      THE first domestic final of the year is HERE as Chelsea face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.And there’ll be a new winner of the competition for the first time since 2017, after Manchester City’s four triumphs in a row.
      City were knocked out by West Ham on penalties in the fourth round.
      The Blues are aiming for their second trophy THIS MONTH, having won the Club World Cup in Dubai.
      Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Tottenham in their semi-final to progress to the Carabao Cup final, while Liverpool dispatched of Arsenal in their semi-final.

      Start time: 4.30pm GMT
      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Football
      Chelsea XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso, Mount, Havertz, Pulisic
      Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson, Mane, Diaz, Salah

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      The Reds’ road to Wembley
      Four clean sheets in five Carabao Cup games this season may make it seem as though it’s been plain sailing for Liverpool on their way to this year’s final.
      However, they needed all their fighting spirit and belief in the quarters to rally from 2-0 and then 3-1 down to beat Leicester.
      Even then, it was only an equaliser from Takumi Minamino deep into injury time and some good fortunate during the shootout that helped the Reds progress.
      Jurgen Klopp’s team then saw off Arsenal in the semis, prevailing 2-0 at the Emirates after a goalless game at Anfield.

      Rival fans unite for Ukraine
      They may be fierce rivals in the Premier League and Europe, but Liverpool and Chelsea fans have come together at Wembley this afternoon to show their solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
      A great number of Ukraine flags are already on display inside Wembley stadium with others being dispersed outside the stadium.
      Meanwhile, anti-war messages are appearing on the big screen inside the ground, again showing support for Ukraine.

      Carra slams ’embarrassing’ Chelsea
      Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has criticised Chelsea and Roman Abramovich for the statements both have issued in the 24 hours leading up to today’s League Cup Final.
      The escalating events in Ukraine continue to overshadow sporting events, and have had a knock-on effect on one finalist, given the links between Abramovich and Vladimir Putin.
      Abramovich issued a confusing and concerning statement last night relinquishing control of the club to its trustees, but made no comment regarding Russia’s invasion.
      Hoping to smooth matters, Chelsea followed up this afternoon with a short statement condemning the war in Ukraine.
      I think that the couple of statements they’ve put out – I think it’s been really poor. The club were trying to rectify what Roman Abramovich put out the night before, and I don’t think they did that well either, really. So it’s not worked out well for them at all. I think they’ve embarrassed themselves.”Jamie Carragher
      How Chelsea made the final
      Today’s final will go to extra-time and even penalties if necessary, but that shouldn’t be a worry to Thomas Tuchel.
      The German has already watched his side succeed on spotkicks twice in the competition this season, defeating both Aston Villa and Southampton at Stamford Bridge after 1-1 draws inside 90 minutes.
      Chelsea were much more assured by the time they faced clubs from capital, beating both Brentford in the quarter-final and Spurs in the semi-final without conceding a goal.

      James back on Blues bench
      1 Kepa, 5 Jorginho, 9 Lukaku, 11 Werner, 12 Loftus-Cheek, 17 Saul, 20 Hudson-Odoi, 24 James, 31 Sarr
      Mendy starts for Chelsea; No Lukaku
      16 Mendy; 14 Chalobah, Thiago Silva, 2 Rudiger; 28 Azpilicueta, 7 Kante, 8 Kovacic, 3 Alonso; 10 Pulisic, 19 Mount; 29 Havertz

      Jota named on Liverpool bench
      1 Alisson, 5 Konate, 7 Milner, 8 Keita, 15 Oxlade-Chamberlain, 18 Minamino, 20 Jota, 21 Tsimikas, 27 Origi
      Liverpool XI – Kelleher in goal
      Young keeper Caoimhin Kelleher starts between the sticks for Liverpool, who make two changes in total to the team that swept Leeds aside in midweek.
      Kelleher has been Jurgen Klopp’s choice for cup competitions this campaign, and the German coach keeps faith in the Irishman for the final, relegating Alisson on the bench.
      Elsewhere, captain Jordan Henderson comes back into the midfield at the expense of Curtis Jones.
      Diogo Jota is only considered fit enough for a place on the bench so the trio at the head of Liverpool’s 4-3-3 formation is Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz.
      62 Kelleher; 66 Alexander-Arnold, 32 Matip, 4 Van Dijk, 26 Robertson; 14 Henderson, 3 Fabinho, 6 Thiago; 11 Salah, 10 Mane, 23 Diaz

      Latest from the two camps
      We’re expecting confirmation of the this afternoon’s starting line-ups in the next half hour, but here’s what the two clubs have told us in the build-up.
      Chelsea’s only confirmed absentee is Ben Chilwell, although Thomas Tuchel faces an anxious wait to see whether Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic have recovered from the knocks they picked up in the midweek win over Lille.
      There has even been a suggestion from Stamford Bridge that Reece James, out since late December, may return for a cameo at the home of football.
      Roberto Firmino has definitely been ruled out for Liverpool, and fellow forward Diogo Jota is a major doubt.
      Fortunately for Jurgen Klopp, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are now back on the goalscoring trail after the time at the African Cup of Nations, while the exciting emergence of Luis Diaz can also help to fill any gaps.
      Red hot favourites for success
      There’s usually little between them when these two clubs meet, but the bookies are siding with Liverpool for this afternoon’s showdown at Wembley.
      Jurgen Klopp’s team can be backed at a shade of odds against to win the final in 90 minutes, while they are odds on to take home the cup by any means necessary.
      90-minute betting:

      Chelsea win 5/2
      Draw 11/5
      Liverpool win 23/20

      To life the trophy:

      Chelsea 5/4
      Liverpool 13/20

      Odds from Betfair correct at the time of post publication.
      Final countdown
      Jurgen Klopp has called on his Liverpool side to take their chances at Wembley.
      He said: “I am realistic but very positive as well, because there’s no need for anything else.
      “Qualifying for a final is not even close to winning it, but we should take a lot of confidence out of the things the boys did so far in the season or in general. Chelsea can do it as well.
      “In the end, how it always is, it’s about who gets the momentum in the decisive situations, who can finish their situations off better, who can defend the opponent in the best possible way, so who can cut off most things of the strengths of the other team?
      “That’s obviously a constant battle during the game.
      “But it is nice, you will never play a final – it never happened to me, at least – against a ‘weaker’ side, you just face top-class teams, world-class teams and that is the case here as well.”
      Ace up his sleeve
      Thomas Tuchel has called on Chelsea to draw inspiration from Rafael Nadal’s Australian Open final victory over Daniil Medvedev as they battle the odds against Liverpool.
      The Spaniards was two sets down before coming back to lift the trophy in Melbourne.
      And Tuchel said: “But look what it takes to come to a final.
      “If you have a tennis grand slam final like the last one between [Rafael] Nadal and [Daniil] Medvedev, who is the guy to raise the hand and say Medvedev is a loser after five-and-a-half hours of tennis out of this world.
      “So we are very quick in judging and we are very quick in saying what he has to learn.
      “Maybe he just also learns that he is on the level and he had everything it takes, and at some point, you need a bit of luck.
      “You need to accept that okay, we left it all out there. And this is what we will do again.”
      Chelsea on Ukraine
      Chelsea released a brief statement on the war in Ukraine.
      The club posted: “The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating. Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace.”
      Roman Abramovich has not criticised Putin directly for the war, but his daughter did make a very critical post on social media about the Russian leader’s decision to invade Ukraine.
      Time to head down Wembley Way
      Good afternoon and welcome to Wembley for live SunSport coverage of this season’s League Cup Final between Chelsea and Liverpool.
      The match marks the first time in five years that a new name will be on the trophy.
      Man City have won the competition in each of the past four seasons.
      But Pep Guardiola’s men were beaten on penalties by West Ham earlier in the competition.
      Chelsea have more recent pedigree in this competition, having beaten Tottenham to win it in 2015.
      Liverpool have to go back to 2012 for their last success in the League Cup, when they beat Cardiff City on penalties.
      But the Reds have looked the more promising team this season and sit just six points behind Man City in the Premier League with a game in hand.
      Chelsea are ten points further back in the table than the Reds, but have played a game less.
      And the Blues have already lifted a trophy this season, taking home the Club World Cup as they beat Brazilian side Palmeiras.
      But this match may be overshadowed by events in Ukraine and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s decision to relinquish control of the club.

      Load more entries… More

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      Tottenham’s 2007/08 League Cup winning XI and where they are now as Spurs chase first trophy under Antonio Conte

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      TOTTENHAM’S long wait to win silverware has stretched to a staggering 14 YEARS.In 2008, then-manager Juande Ramos led the north Londoners to the League Cup glory thanks to a 2-1 victory over London rivals Chelsea at Wembley.
      This is the Tottenham starting XI that won the League Cup in 2008, 13 years ago
      The Spurs players celebrate their 2-1 win over London rivals Chelsea at WembleyCredit: AFP
      And it remains Spurs’ sole triumph in close to 15 years.
      Blues legend Didier Drogba put the west Londoners in front with a free-kick before Dimitar Berbatov’s spot kick took the game into extra-time.
      Jonathan Woodgate proved to be the most unlikely of match winners when Petr Cech punched a ball in from Jermaine Jenas’ free-kick into the defender’s head and it rebounded in.
      Spurs bigwig Daniel Levy has since hired SEVEN managers in a bid to bring success back to the club.
      Harry Redknapp, Andre Villas-Boas, Tim Sherwood, Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo were all tasked with the job of winning silverware and were all given the boot after failing to do so.
      Levy has now entrusted his faith in former Blues chief Antonio Conte to add to the club’s trophy cabinet.
      But what happened to the memorable Tottenham team that beat Avram Grant’s side to get their hands on what is now called the Carabao Cup?
      GK: Paul Robinson
      The former England goalkeeper won his only major trophy that day at Wembley, the year after the last of his 41 England caps.
      He had seven seasons at Blackburn before a two-year, three-appearance spell at Burnley then retired in 2017 and is now doing media work.
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      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      RB: Alan Hutton
      The Scottish right-back joined Aston Villa in 2011 but had loans to Nottingham Forest, Mallorca and Bolton.
      He played in the 2015 FA Cup final and scored a memorable goal against rivals Birmingham in 2018 before hanging up his boots a year ago to step into media, too.
      CB: Jonathan Woodgate
      Match-winner Woodgate left Spurs in 2011 to join Stoke before returning to Middlesbrough a year later.
      He ended his playing career in 2016 and, after a brief stint as a scout for Liverpool, went into coaching – he took over as Boro manager in 2019 and had a spell in charge of Bournemouth, too.
      CB: Ledley King
      Ramos’ skipper that day had his career blighted by injuries and retired as a one-club man in 2012.
      He joined Jose Mourinho’s backroom staff last summer and is trying to help the club end their long wait.
      The 2008 League Cup was the only trophy in Paul Robinson’s career – incredibly he managed more goalsCredit: AFP
      Now the Bournemouth manager, Woodgate grabbed the winning goal in extra-timeCredit: AFP
      LB: Pascal Chimbonda
      The one-cap French full-back left Spurs that summer for Sunderland but returned to White Hart Lane in 2009 for a short stint.
      He then had spells at eight clubs in ten years – including QPR and Doncaster as well as non-league Market Draydon Town and Ashton Town – before stopping in 2019.
      RM: Aaron Lennon
      One of the two members of that team still actively playing professional football is Lennon.
      He had ten seasons at the Lane before joining Everton in 2015, Burnley in 2017 and is back at Turf Moor aged 34 following a spell in Turkey with Kayserispor.
      CM: Jermaine Jenas
      Like Hutton, Jenas headed to Villa Park, albeit on loan, in 2011 before a temporary spell at hometown club Nottingham Forest.
      He ended his injury-hit career with the 2013-14 season at QPR before stepping into punditry with BT Sport and Match of the Day – and may even be lined up to replace Gary Lineker as host one day.
      Aaron Lennon is still playing and currently turns out for Turkish side Kayserispor aged 33Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jermaine Jenas has stepped into his role as a pundit well since his premature retirementCredit: PA:Press Association
      Steed Malbranque is still playing at the ripe old age of 41
      CM: Didier Zakora
      Zakora spent one more season at Tottenham before joining Sevilla for two years.
      After that Ivory Coast’s most-capped player had spells in Turkey, India and Indonesia and is now assistant boss at AFAD Djekanou in his homeland.
      LM: Steed Malbranque
      Malbranque spent a decade in England, with his time at Tottenham sandwiched between Fulham and Sunderland.
      Like Lennon, he is still active at FC Limonest Saint-Didier in France at the tender age of 41.
      Malbranque has, however, only made one solitary appearance for the Championnat National 3 side.

      ST: Robbie Keane
      Keane enjoyed a glittering career which also included spells at Inter Milan, Leeds, Liverpool and Celtic before five years at LA Galaxy and finally with ATK in Kolkata.
      A 146-cap Irish legend, he had spells as an assistant manager with Ireland and Middlesbrough, working under team-mate Woodgate.
      ST: Dimitar Berbatov
      Arguably the best player of that Spurs XI was Berbatov, who went on to win two league titles, another League Cup and the Club World Cup with Manchester United.
      The two-time Premier League golden-boot winner featured for Fulham, Monaco, PAOK and Kerela Blasters until his retirement in 2019 – the Bulgarian is now working towards to get his Uefa Pro coaching licence.
      Berbatov is also a regular pundit.
      Manager: Juande Ramos
      Ramos was sacked just eight months later with a win ratio in the league of 29 per cent.
      Harry Redknapp replaced him while he managed to land the Real Madrid job before stints at CSKA Moscow, Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and Malaga.
      He has been out of work since he resigned from Malaga in 2016.
      Younes Kaboul, Teemu Tainio and Tom Huddlestone came off the bench for Spurs that day while Radek Cerny and Darren Bent were unused subs.
      Robbie Keane celebrates at Wembley with his winner’s medal around his neckCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Dimitar Berbatov made no mistake from the spot to equalise for SpursCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Chelsea star Kepa believes he should face Liverpool in Carabao Cup final after missing out on Club World Cup

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      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA believes he should face Liverpool on Sunday to make up for the heartbreak of being ditched for the Club World Cup final.Chelsea’s Spanish keeper feels boss Thomas Tuchel owes him an appearance in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday as a consolation.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga wants to start the Carabao Cup final ahead of Eduoard MendyCredit: Getty
      Mendy played in and won the Afcon and Club World Cup finals within a weekCredit: Getty
      Kepa was devastated when he was dropped and replaced by Edouard Mendy for the showpiece game against Palmeiras 13 days ago which saw Chelsea crowned kings of world football.
      He produced crucial saves in the semi-final only to be axed when Mendy rolled up after playing in the Africa Cup of Nations.
      Kepa has played in every round of Chelsea’s route to Wembley and deputised in all competitions while Mendy was away on international duty last month with Senegal.
      But even though the £71.6m keeper is confident he will play this weekend, he is taking nothing for granted as he struggles to convince Tuchel he is worthy of a regular starting place.
      That was proven when he was benched for the Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi as Chelsea won the prestigious trophy for the first time with a 2-1 win.
      Boss Tuchel insists Mendy is No1 at the moment and is open about his decision to pick the Senegalese star.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      Kepa has faced an uphill battle to convince Tuchel and his predecessor Frank Lampard that he should be given equal billing to Mendy.
      Previous boss Lampard lost faith with him last season and spent £28m bringing Mendy to the Premier League and he has undoubtedly been a star for the club since signing in September 2020.
      Kepa will have two years left on his six-year contract at the end of this season and is constantly reviewing his options.
      He will take stock of the situation in June and will seek a move away if he feels he has no chance of getting more first-team football with Mendy in the way. More

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      Chelsea vs Liverpool – EFL Carabao Cup final: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time, team news for HUGE final this week

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      THE first domestic final of the year is HERE as Chelsea take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.And there will be a new winner of the competition for the first time since 2017, after Manchester City’s four triumphs in a row.
      Man City have won the last four Carabao Cups
      City were knocked out by West Ham on penalties in the fourth round.
      The Blues are aiming for their second trophy THIS MONTH, having won the Club World Cup in Dubai.
      Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Tottenham in their semi-final to progress to the Carabao Cup final, while Liverpool dispatched of Arsenal in their semi-final.
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      When is the Carabao Cup final?
      Chelsea vs Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final takes place on Sunday, February 27.
      The match kicks off at 4.30pm GMT.
      Wembley Stadium plays host to the crunch clash.
      What TV channel and live stream is the Carabao Cup final on?
      The Carabao Cup final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
      Reece James could make his return for Chelsea
      What is the Carabao Cup final team news?
      Reece James is set to return to training this week in a huge boost for Chelsea ahead of the Carabao Cup final.
      The 22-year-old has since missed 12 games for Chelsea with a hamstring injury, resulting in the Blues falling off the pace in the title race.
      But after seven weeks on the sidelines, he will be training with the first team ahead of the Carabao Cup final.
      Speaking ahead of Saturday’s win against Crystal Palace, boss Tuchel said: “He is still in individual training, progressing a lot, doing almost everything you can do in individual training and we are waiting for him.”
      The Blues meet Lille in the Champions League first on Tuesday.
      Jurgen Klopp will be assessing his Liverpool squad in a tough week in which they face Leeds on Wednesday before the final.
      And the Reds could be without star man Diogo Jota – whose double against Arsenal in the semi-final fired Liverpool to Wembley.
      Jota is recovering from an ankle ligament injury as he races to be fit for the final.
      What are the odds?
      Chelsea to win: 2/1
      Draw: 21/10
      Liverpool to win: 7/5
      (Odds via Betfair)
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      Arsenal have THREE TIMES more red cards than goals in 2022 as horror January continues with Carabao Cup KO vs Liverpool

      by

      THOMAS PARTEY’S sending off in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool was a THIRD red card for the Gunners this year – compared to just ONE goal.Partey was shown a second yellow card just three minutes after his first, as Diogo Jota’s double ended Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware for the 2021-22 season.
      Partey’s dismissal was a third in the space of 20 days for ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      Xhaka was sent off in the first leg against Liverpool last weekCredit: Reuters
      Gabriel was sent for an early shower on New Year’s Day, which was the start of a miserable 2022 so farCredit: Getty
      It means Arsenal have now been shown three times as many red cards as they have scored goals in 2022.
      The stat makes for grim reading for Gunners fans, with Bukayo Saka’s goal in the game against Manchester City on New Year’s Day the only time Mikel Arteta’s side have found the back of the net this calendar year.
      By contrast, they’ve seen red on three occasions already.
      Gabriel was sent off for two bookable offences in that very game, before Granit Xhaka’s moment of madness at Anfield last week.
      The Swiss midfielder was shown a straight red card for a reckless waist-high challenge on Jota.
      And Partey’s dismissal tonight rounds off an ill-disciplined start to 2022 for Arteta and Co.
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      Partey had only arrived back in the UK from Africa Cup of Nations duty earlier in the day, having suffered an early exit at the hands of minnows Comoros.
      He was introduced as a 74th-minute substitute, but didn’t last long as a lunging challenge on Fabinho earned him a second booking.
      The Gunners have now failed to score in their last three games – the two Carabao Cup clashes against Liverpool, and the toothless FA Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest.
      And Partey’s dismissal this evening takes Arsenal’s tally of red cards under Arteta to a whopping FOURTEEN.
      That’s six more than any other team in the Premier League, in all competitions, since the Spaniard took over in December 2019.
      Gabriel’s sending off on January 1 also helped Arsenal set the unwanted record of being the first team in the Premier League to reach 100 Prem red cards.
      When Arteta took over in December 2019, the Gunners had accumulated 89 red cards, with Everton in top spot on 95.
      But in a little over two years, Arsenal have raced ahead of the Toffees to reach their unwanted century, with Everton back on 99.
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs More

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      Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE REACTION: Jota dream double sees Liverpool book EFL Carabao Cup place vs Chelsea – latest

      by

      LIVERPOOL are through to the Carabao Cup final after winning 2-0 at Arsenal in the semi-final second leg.Portuguese sensation Diogo Jota scored both the games, which were both assisted by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE AFCON
      Jot on the cards
      Jurgen Klopp reckons he always knew Diogo Jota would repay his £40million transfer fee.
      The German master said: “We scored two wonderful goals, Diogo Jota is on fire.
      “We were completely convinced when he arrived at the club he would help us massively.
      “Since he is here he has made another step, he has turned into a really world class striker.”
      Chances blown
      Arteta knows his side paid the price for missing chances in both halves.
      Lacazette was guilty of spurned opportunities, as was Smith-Rowe and Martinelli.
      The Spanish boss said: “We are really disappointed not to be in the final but we played against a top side. 
      “We had big moments in both halves and when you have those moments you have to score.
      “They had nothing and then got a bit of luck to score the first and then they put the game to bed.
      “We pushed for the game but you have to convert your chances like Liverpool did.”
      Yellow peril
      The FA is investigating a yellow card an unnamed Arsenal player received in a Premier League game earlier this season.
      Irregular betting patterns were noticed and the situation is being investigated.
      Mikel Arteta knows about it and remains calm.
      He said: “I am aware of it. Investigations are really common into certain things and we will see what happens.”
      Art of war
      Mikel Arteta defends Thomas Partey getting sent off in a 15 minute cameo.
      The midfielder only flew into London at midday after a 12-hour flight back from Cameroon.
      He said: “I regret that I cannot use him now, he made the effort to come and we had to play him.
      “We decided to use him and unfortunately it happened. The red card was not because he arrived late.
      “The red cards are a concern for me because we played the last three games with 10 men and  it is extremely difficult to win football matches.”
      Big Dijk hails little Jota
      Liverpool giant Virgil van Dijk sings the praises of his side’s star striker.
      Diogo Jota has grabbed the baton while Sadio Mane and Mo Salah are in cameroon for the Afcon.
      He said: “Diogo Jota is already a fantastic player, the numbers speak for themselves.
      “He is very important, he has shown it from last year and a difficult striker/winger to play against. I know it from training. He has stepped up tonight again.
      “He took the second goal fanatically well, a great ball form Trent Alexander-Arnold and it put relief in the team.
      “If it was 1-0 in the last 10 minutes it might have been tricky. We controlled the game overall and did not have massive chances.”
      German double
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is informed the League Cup final with Chelsea will be the first British final contested by two German managers.
      “Sorry!” he jokes when given the stat.
      “We have plenty of time and games before then and it will not be about two german managers.
      “It will be about two good football teams.”
      Jota on fire
      Klopp beamed: “A final at Wembley is great, it was due and we are really happy about it, we are over the moon.
      “It was a difficult game and a difficult time but the boys made it an exceptional night.
      “Arsenal started pretty lively, with the crowd, but we calmed it down.
      “We scored two wonderful goals, Diogo Jota is on fire, absolutely outstanding.”
      Alexander-Arnold loving fan power
      The last time Liverpool had something to celebrate, covid rules meant fans were kept away.
      So the assist king is excited to see all the Scousers at Wembley next month against Chelsea.
      He said: “It is what we want, it was not the same when we left Anfield as an empty stadium (after winning the Premier League).
      “It has been a while to lift a trophy and it is good for us to be in a final. There are still 90 minutes to do that against a top side.”
      Mercy for Mikel
      Arsenal legend Paul Merson has some sympathy for the struggling Gunners manager.
      You can’t win everything with kids, apparently.
      Merson says: “They will be disappointed and the problem Arteta has is this is a young team that can be up and down.
      “Around 27 and older you get consistency, 7/10s week after week.
      “But younger than that and you can lurch from 9s to 4s.”
      TAA’s allstar
      The Liverpool ace says: “It’s good for us to get to the final, it is what we expect.
      “We performed very well tonight and we deserved the win.
      “We never gave them too many chances, we kept them at bay and we created a couple ourselves.
      “Both goals were outstanding and Diogo is a world class player in possibly the best form of his time here.”
      League Cup Lovers from Liverpool
      Liverpool’s victory tonight sees them qualify for the League Cup final for the 13th time, the most of any team in the competition’s history.
      Nailing down the earliest possible trophy could help the Anfield club finish strong in other competitions.
      Jurgen Klopp will be beaming.
      Empty Emirates
      No trophies in the beautifully crafted Emirates cabinet this year.
      Will Arteta accept defeat graciously. Or will excuses tumble from his narrow little lips?
      Either way, nothing to celebrate for the Gunners this season. Nada.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2
      All over.
      Arsenal out.
      Liverpool vs Chelsea in the League Cup final.
      Partey cancelled. Work events hanging on by a thread.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2
      93 Liverpool threaten to add insult to injury, defeat and suspension but the Arsenal backline holds out.
      Jota is named the MotM thanks to his two goals.
      Partey was apparently third in the running among Gooooooners.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2
      92 Partey was sent on after 74 minutes.
      Booked for the first time on 87 minutes.
      And was running the early bath by 90.
      Toodles Tom.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2
      90 Thomas Partey is sent off for two yellows.
      He has been on just a few minutes.
      He only landed in England at lunchtime back from Afcon.
      Should not have bothered.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2
      89 “Mum, dad, I am going down the Emirates to launch myself onto the world stage and make my name.”
      “What coat of you got on, don’t tell me it’s that ropey excuse for a parka again?”
      “Yes it is thank you but it’s fine, the trim is just a bit worn.”
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2
      That parka has left a really bad taste in my mouth.
      If you are going to get arrested while beging for the attention of tens of thousands of people, have a decent coat on.
      I hope the police address this with him and confiscate the offending item.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2
      84 Bobby Firmino gets a rest so Neco Williams can have a few minutes of cameo action.
      A dim-witted fan invades the pitch and teases the stewards until his capture earns a roar from the crowd.
      The offender was wearing a cheap parka – you know the ones where the fur lining looks like a lanky squirrel has died on your mum’s anorak.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2
      82 Martinelli – by far Arsenal’s best player – blasts a self-made chance over the bar.
      Jones gets booked for losing the ball and fouling his Arsenal counterpart.
      Mikel Arteta’s men are going out with a bit of a whimper now.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2
      76 Jota scores after beating the Arsenal offside trap.
      The Liverpool forward sneaks in and dinks Ramsdale but the flag flies up and VAR checks
      It takes an age but Martin Atkinson points to the centre spot.
      Ruthless Liverpool, toothless Arsenal.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 1
      74 Eddie Nketiah replaces Lacazette and Thomas Partey replaces Smith-Rowe.
      Partey only landed in London this lunchtime after the Afcon.
      Liverpool hack away everything Arsenal try.
      James Milner comes on for Jordan Henderson.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 1
      73 Martinelli gives Liverpool a brief fright but firing at the top corner on the angle but Kelleher palms it off for a corner.
      Liverpool clear the next cross.
      Martinelli tries again but the yellow defence is solid.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 1
      71 Odegaard tries to muster an opening.
      Martinelli does his best too but Van Dijk heads his cross away.
      Liverpool’s defence is watertight.
      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 1
      69 Contract rebel Eddie Nketiah is preparing to enter the game for Lacazette.
      His side is almost 2-0 down but Minamino fires into a haze of Arsenal bodies instead of the goal.
      Liverpool are enjoying possession now while Arsenal are rushing and wasting theirs.
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      Arsenal verdict: Kieran Tierney trapped in fellow Scot Andrew Robertson’s shadow as Liverpool secure Wembley final trip

      by

      NOT one but TWO Scotsmen on the same pitch contesting a place in a major English cup final. Hooray for Holyrood.OK, it was only the face off between opposing left backs Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney in the semi-final second-leg of the Carabao Cup.
      Kieran Tierney was bested by fellow Scottish left-back Andrew Robertson as Arsenal lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Robertson kept Bukayo Saka quiet throughout in the second-leg at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
      Hardly in the same level of excitement as Graeme Souness, Charlie Nicholas and Kenny Dalgish.
      But it’s still the kind of football milestone that won’t have gone unnoticed north of the border, where putting your boots on the right feet is an excuse for a celebration p*** up.
      Robertson and Tierney often line up together in defence for their national team.
      But at the Emirates it was time to see who handled the occasion better with a place at Wembley up for grabs.
      Liverpool’s crusading and fiery full-back Robertson has lost only one game for club and one for his country this season.
      It might be coincidence but Liverpool didn’t win while he served a three-match ban over Christmas, underlining his influence and importance to boss Jurgen Klopp.
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      He is 25th on the list of Scotland’s all-time greats according to the SFA – sandwiched between fellow tartan illuminaries Andy Goram and Kenny Miller.
      He is embedded in this Liverpool team and cemented into the left back slot for Scotland.
      And he shouldn’t be too concerned about losing it to his Arsenal counterpart anytime soon.
      Where Robertson was vocal, mobile and confident, Tierney struggled to get out of the shadow of an official Scottish legend.
      Tasked with marking rookie winger Kaide Gordon, it should have been a routine night for Tierney to mop up any danger then throw his weight behind waves of Arsenal attacks.
      Particularly with home advantage putting wind in his back after doing the hard bit and grinding a 0-0 draw at Anfield in the first-leg last week.
      It can only have been direct orders from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ordering Tierney to restrain himself and let Gabriel Martinelli do the hard work up front.
      One feeble cross into the box in the first-half and a throw-in near the by-line with 16 minutes to go was the best he could offer going forwards.
      As one of three Gunners defenders closing in on Diogo Jota, Tierney turned away and allowed the Portuguese schemer to stick the ball between his feet en route to the goal with a shot that barely reached the line.
      Robertson meanwhile, did a sterling job keeping Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka quiet on the opposing flank.
      A magnificent block in the first half when the exciting youngster was through on goal, followed by barking a stream of orders at his defence.
      One error early on with a poorly-timed tackle on the exciting England winger led to Alexandre Lacazette grazing the bar with a free kick.
      But Robbo is on his way to Wembley next month and rightly so after an unofficial captain’s performance at the back played a key role in seeing Liverpool through.
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