Carabao Cup

LIVERPOOL won the Carabao Cup after beating Chelsea 11-10 on penalties followwing120 minutes of goalless action. Kepa Arrizabalaga missed the crucial penalty and saved none despite coming on late in extra-time to be Chelsea’s shootout hero.
Chelsea had three goals ruled out for offside in normal time while Liverpool had one of their own disallowed.
But victory was for Liverpool, who won their first domestic cup since 2012.
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Mendy reacts to Kepa miss
Edouard Mendy was left with his head in his hands after his replacement Kepa Arrizabalaga missed the decisive penalty in the Carabao Cup final shootout.
The 29-year-old was taken off in the last minute of extra-time against Liverpool with Thomas Tuchel favouring supposed spot-kick specialist Kepa.
But the German gaffer’s decision backfired as the Spain international failed to save any of Liverpool’s ELEVEN efforts on goal from 12 yards out – including from opposite number Caoimhin Kelleher.
Kepa then blazed his deciding penalty high over the bar to hand the trophy to Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Tearful Thiago to be assessed
Liverpool face an anxious wait to discover the extent of Thiago’s hamstring injury sustained in the warm-up just minutes before yesterday’s League Cup Final was due to start.
The Spanish midfielder was then spotted on the bench in tears at the game’s kick-off, having to be consoled by substitute goalkeeper Alisson.
The Reds will be hoping for good news with the player seen as pivotal to the club’s Premier League title challenge.
Thiago was certainly a much happier figure by the end of Sunday’s contest, and was able to participate in the on-field celebrations with his teammates.

FA quiz flare player Elliott
The Football Association have written to Harvey Elliott for his observations following the celebrations at the end of yesterday’s League Cup Final, in which he was seen handling a red flare.
Elliott was a second half substitute at Wembley, despite not being named in Liverpool’s original squad.
The teenager was called on to the bench minutes before kick-off when starter Thiago pulled out with an injury sustained in the warm-up.
Liverpool Football Club have declined to comment to Sky Sports on the incident.

Dermot Gallagher defends Atwell decision
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has jumped to the defence of Stuart Atwell after he came in for criticism for allowing Naby Keita’s challenge on Trevoh Chalobah to go unpunished.
Atwell let a lot go at Wembley, which added to the thrilling tempo at which Sunday’s League Cup Final was played, and Gallagher believes the referee deserves praise not blame.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch, Gallagher said: “I don’t think it was a malicious challenge. Both players were as high as each other.
“Perhaps the wisest decision would have been to stop play immediately, but he didn’t – that was how he refereed the game, and I thought he refereed it brilliantly.”

Chalobah hits out at Atwell
Many pundits agreed that League Cup referee Stuart Atwell handled yesterday’s frantic final between Chelsea and Liverpool well, but still got one major decision wrong.
The officials, both on field and at Stockley Park, took no action when Naby Keita caught Trevoh Chalobah in the groin with his studs during the second half.
Chalobah certainly felt the full force of Keita’s boot, and was still sore afterwards when he tweeted that he required stitches following the challenge.
The defender added that the ‘referee is right there’ when the incident takes place, leaving him baffled by the lack of punishment for the Liverpool midfielder.
Credit: @TrevohChalobah
Robertson and Henderson’s playful battle
Andy Robertson playfully accused Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson of doubting that he’d score his penalty against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.
But Roberston slotted his effort and the Reds went on to win the tournament.
And while the Reds were celebrating in the dressing room, Robertson called out Henderson for his lack of faith.
He said to his team-mates while addressing Henderson in a jovial manner: “He didn’t back me, he didn’t back me,”
However, Henderson didn’t see things the same way and hit back: “Of course I backed you.”
Kep going forward
Kepa has broken his silence after his penalty shoot-out nightmare against Liverpool.
Last night Kepa took to social media to thank supporters… while defiantly claiming that he will rise again.
He wrote: “To fall and rise.
“Disappointed after big effort during the tournament. We keep working.
“Thanks @chelseafc family for your support.”
Redknapp slams Kepa’s shootout gamesmanship
Jamie Redknapp has slammed Kepa Arrizabalaga’s gamesmanship during yesterday’s League Cup final penalty shoot-out.
The Spaniard was brought off the bench by boss Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, having saved four spot-kicks in shoot-outs this season.
Redknapp, 48, blasted: “Ridiculous. I didn’t like his behaviour when the penalties were being taken and then he took one of the worst penalties you’ve ever seen.
“I’m just being honest. I don’t like it. I don’t understand why you do it.
“You’ve got one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he should have stayed in there in the first place.
“But full credit to Liverpool – amazing game.”
Raging Reds are Europe’s best
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel labelled Liverpool potentially the best attacking side in Europe after the Blues lost to the Reds in the Carabao Cup final.
Tuchel said after the game: “We have to accept the quality of the opponent.
“This is maybe the most dangerous attacking side in Europe at the moment and they are full of individual quality and playing such a high rhythm.
“Defending like this and playing like this on this level made me very proud today. I saw a brilliant match of football, all 120 minutes, and we played a huge part in it.”
Kelleher to the rescue
Liverpool star Andy Roberston has revealed he was desperate for the Reds’ keeper Caoimhin Kelleher to save a Chelsea penalty kick in the Carabao Cup final.
Robertson was so keen for Kelleher to stop atleast one of Chelsea’s spot-kicks to alleviate the pressure on his shoulders before he had to step up.
Robertson, told LFCTV after Liverpool’s win: “I was desperate for him (Kelleher) to save one, especially when I knew mine was coming up.
“But his penalty was ridiculous and keepers… I think that’s where penalty shoot-outs are horrible when it gets to the end and it’s lads that are the least confident and don’t really want to take one.
“They sometimes decide the finals and it’s tough. But Caoimhin’s penalty was different class and then obviously their keeper blasted it over the bar. So the most important thing was we won it and whatever way we were willing to do it, whatever way possible.
“It had to go to penalties and luckily we all scored ours!”
Extra! Read all about it!
Before we call time on an extraordinary day of cup final football, let’s take a recap on all that went down (and up, if we’re talking about Kepa’s penalty) at Wembley. Here’s Charlie Wyatt’s match report, hot off the press.
We had a truly classic finish with one of the greatest penalty shoots-out the new stadium has seen. And in the end, Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, the penalty king introduced to save the day, hit a terrible penalty to hand Liverpool their first domestic Cup for 10 years. It was breathless stuff.
Top ten for victorious Klopp
Not only did Jurgen Klopp become the first German manager to win the English League Cup, he also made it ten trophies in his coaching career.
An elite football manager.
Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
King Kelleher on the wall
Caoimhin Kelleher was the unlikely hero for Liverpool as they claimed the League Cup for a record ninth time.
The Reds’ back-up stopper made some fine saves during the 120 minutes and then played a pivotal part in the penalty shootout – just not in the way he would have expected.
After the first 20 kicks had been scored, attention turned to the two goalkeepers. The young Irishman struck first, putting his penalty away brilliantly, before watching on as his opposite number struck his into orbit.
It’s a mad one! Jurgen said ‘there’s a wall with all the Liverpool goalkeepers who have won cups so now you can go on that!'” Caoimhin KelleherSky Sports

Ecstatic Reds take the trophy
The celebrations continue. A late switch means that the trophy lift will take place in the stands rather than on the pitch so Liverpool’s victorious players ascend the stairs like to so many have done them.
As captain, Jordan Henderson is the one who lifts the trophy, but such is the togetherness in this Liverpool squad that they all join in – even the unused substitutes, and those not included in the matchday squad.

Redknapp slams Kepa penalty switch
Jamie Redknapp has put the boot into Chelsea’s decision to bring Kepa Arrizabalaga on for the penalty shootout – almost with as much force as the Spaniard sent his spotkick over the crossbar with.
I hope it puts to bed these substitutions of putting goalkeepers on. Edouard Mendy is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and you bring on Kepa instead of him – ridiculous! I didn’t like his behaviour when the penalties were being taken, and then he took one of the worst penalties you’ve ever seen. I don’t like it!Jamie RedknappSky Sports
Liverpool win the League Cup!
You really couldn’t make it up.
The man brought on to save the penalties (and didn’t save a single one) has missed the vital kick to hand the cup to Liverpool.
The Chelsea players huddle around Kepa Arrizabalaga, but know that this time their tactical tweak did not work. Who knows if Edouard Mendy would have saved any of those 11 Liverpool spotkicks, but he allowed very little to beat him during 120 minutes.
At one end of Wembley, a sea of red – on the pitch and in the stands – come together to celebrate the first domestic trophy of the season.

Missed! Kepa Arrizabalaga blasts over the bar!
Liverpool win the League Cup Final!
Chelsea 10-11 Liverpool

Goal! Caoimhin Kelleher scores!
What a penalty!
Chelsea 10-11 Liverpool
Goal! Trevoh Chalobah scores!
The defender makes it the full set for the outfield players. It’s down to the keepers.
Chelsea 10-10 Liverpool
Goal! Ibrahima Konate scores!
Only just! Kepa gets a hand to it, but is not strong enough to keep it out.
Chelsea 9-10 Liverpool
Goal! Thiago Silva scores!
On it goes! So nicely done by the Brazilian.
Chelsea 9-9 Liverpool
Goal! Harvey Elliott scores!
Nicely done by the teenager! Left-footed, and again Kepa dives the wrong way.
Chelsea 8-9 Liverpool
Goal! Timo Werner scores!
Just! The shot creeps under Kelleher’s hand!
Chelsea 8-8 Liverpool
Goal! Andy Robertson scores!
Low and left-footed! No chance Kepa!
Chelsea 7-8 Liverpool
Goal! N’Golo Kante saves
Cool and calm from Kante, sending Kelleher the wrong way.
Chelsea 7-7 Liverpool
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LIVERPOOL won the Carabao Cup after beating Chelsea 11-10 on penalties after the game finished 0-0. Kepa Arrizabalaga missed the crucial penalty and saved none despite coming on late in extra-time to do just that.
Chelsea had three goals ruled out for offside in normal time while Liverpool had one of their own disallowed.
But victory was for Liverpool, who haven’t won a domestic cup since 2012.

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, Keita, Henderson, Mane, Diaz, Salah

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That’s all from Wembley Stadium
And the end of our League Cup Final coverage.
Chelsea more than played their part in a thrilling, frantic match, but one wayward kick has ensured that Liverpool are record winners of the competition for a ninth time.
The talk in the build-up was all about goalkeeper with Jurgen Klopp favouring inexperienced Caoimhin Kelleher over Alisson, while Thomas Tuchel recalled his number one, Edouard Mendy, for the big occasion.
And the post-match chat will be about goalkeepers too as Kelleher defied his years to remain cool from the spot when it mattered. In contrast, Chelsea’s decision to switch their stoppers for penalties backfired.
It will soon be back to other matters considered more important such as Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge, and Chelsea’s Champions League defence, but today was all about the League Cup – and the day belongs to Liverpool. Goodnight.
Extra! Read all about it!
Before we call time on an extraordinary day of cup final football, let’s take a recap on all that went down (and up, if we’re talking about Kepa’s penalty) at Wembley. Here’s Charlie Wyatt’s match report, hot off the press.
We had a truly classic finish with one of the greatest penalty shoots-out the new stadium has seen. And in the end, Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, the penalty king introduced to save the day, hit a terrible penalty to hand Liverpool their first domestic Cup for 10 years. It was breathless stuff.
Top ten for victorious Klopp
Not only did Jurgen Klopp become the first German manager to win the English League Cup, he also made it ten trophies in his coaching career.
An elite football manager.
Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
King Kelleher on the wall
Caoimhin Kelleher was the unlikely hero for Liverpool as they claimed the League Cup for a record ninth time.
The Reds’ back-up stopper made some fine saves during the 120 minutes and then played a pivotal part in the penalty shootout – just not in the way he would have expected.
After the first 20 kicks had been scored, attention turned to the two goalkeepers. The young Irishman struck first, putting his penalty away brilliantly, before watching on as his opposite number struck his into orbit.
It’s a mad one! Jurgen said ‘there’s a wall with all the Liverpool goalkeepers who have won cups so now you can go on that!'” Caoimhin KelleherSky Sports

Ecstatic Reds take the trophy
The celebrations continue. A late switch means that the trophy lift will take place in the stands rather than on the pitch so Liverpool’s victorious players ascend the stairs like to so many have done them.
As captain, Jordan Henderson is the one who lifts the trophy, but such is the togetherness in this Liverpool squad that they all join in – even the unused substitutes, and those not included in the matchday squad.

Redknapp slams Kepa penalty switch
Jamie Redknapp has put the boot into Chelsea’s decision to bring Kepa Arrizabalaga on for the penalty shootout – almost with as much force as the Spaniard sent his spotkick over the crossbar with.
I hope it puts to bed these substitutions of putting goalkeepers on. Edouard Mendy is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and you bring on Kepa instead of him – ridiculous! I didn’t like his behaviour when the penalties were being taken, and then he took one of the worst penalties you’ve ever seen. I don’t like it!Jamie RedknappSky Sports
Liverpool win the League Cup!
You really couldn’t make it up.
The man brought on to save the penalties (and didn’t save a single one) has missed the vital kick to hand the cup to Liverpool.
The Chelsea players huddle around Kepa Arrizabalaga, but know that this time their tactical tweak did not work. Who knows if Edouard Mendy would have saved any of those 11 Liverpool spotkicks, but he allowed very little to beat him during 120 minutes.
At one end of Wembley, a sea of red – on the pitch and in the stands – come together to celebrate the first domestic trophy of the season.

Missed! Kepa Arrizabalaga blasts over the bar!
Liverpool win the League Cup Final!
Chelsea 10-11 Liverpool

Goal! Caoimhin Kelleher scores!
What a penalty!
Chelsea 10-11 Liverpool
Goal! Trevoh Chalobah scores!
The defender makes it the full set for the outfield players. It’s down to the keepers.
Chelsea 10-10 Liverpool
Goal! Ibrahima Konate scores!
Only just! Kepa gets a hand to it, but is not strong enough to keep it out.
Chelsea 9-10 Liverpool
Goal! Thiago Silva scores!
On it goes! So nicely done by the Brazilian.
Chelsea 9-9 Liverpool
Goal! Harvey Elliott scores!
Nicely done by the teenager! Left-footed, and again Kepa dives the wrong way.
Chelsea 8-9 Liverpool
Goal! Timo Werner scores!
Just! The shot creeps under Kelleher’s hand!
Chelsea 8-8 Liverpool
Goal! Andy Robertson scores!
Low and left-footed! No chance Kepa!
Chelsea 7-8 Liverpool
Goal! N’Golo Kante saves
Cool and calm from Kante, sending Kelleher the wrong way.
Chelsea 7-7 Liverpool
Goal! Divock Origi scores!
He also opts for the middle! Kepa dives to his right.
Chelsea 6-7 Liverpool
Goal! Antonio Rudiger scores!
A straight run-up followed by a calm centre beyond Kelleher.
Chelsea 6-6 Liverpool
Goal! Diogo Jota scores!
The substitute smashes it straight down the centre. A little fortunate, perhaps, but they all count.
Chelsea 5-6 Liverpool
Goal! Jorginho scores!
A hop, skip, and Jorginho lifts it down the centre.
Chelsea 5-5 Liverpool

Goal! Mo Salah scores!
Excellent penalty! Left-footed, into the top right corner.
Chelsea 4-5 Liverpool
Goal! Reece James scores!
A short run up, but he slams it into the same corner as Alexander-Arnold. He puts his finger to his lips to silence Liverpool fans behind the goal.
Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool
Goal! Trent Alexander-Arnold scores!
No mistake! He drills it into the left corner!
Chelsea 3-4 Liverpool
Goal! Kai Havertz scores!
Again, the Chelsea man shuffles before he strikes, and then sends Kelleher the wrong way.
Chelsea 3-3 Liverpool
Goal! Virgil van Dijk scores!
Right-footed, powered into the top corner!
Chelsea 2-3 Liverpool
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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

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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.

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