Chelsea and Liverpool go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon with both managers bringing special meaning into the match.
Should the Blues triumph at Wembley, it will be a first trophy success under boss Mauricio Pochettino which would go a long way to legitimising his place at the club during a tumultuous domestic campaign that sees Chelsea sit just inside the top half of the Premier League.
Meanwhile for Jurgen Klopp, a Carabao Cup victory would be the start of the end. With the Liverpool manager leaving the club at the end of the season, the team and the fans hope for a successful end to his tenure at Anfield. The Reds are still competing on four fronts this season and a win this afternoon would secure them a second League Cup under the German.
The last time Liverpool won the trophy was in 2021/22. That day they also faced Chelsea and after playing out a stalemate over 120 minutes the Reds triumphed 11-10 in a remarkable penalty shootout. Will they do the same today?
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Follow all the action from Wembley plus get the latest Carabao Cup final odds and tips right here:
Carabao Cup final LIVE
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Chelsea take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, live on Sky Sports Main Event
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Ryan Gravenberch subbed off injured in first half of Carabao Cup final
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76’ POST! – Gallagher turns Palmer’s pass onto the post (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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63’ DISALLOWED! – Van Dijk’s goal ruled out by VAR (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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39’ POST! – Gakpo nods the ball onto the post (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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32’ DISALLOWED! – Sterling’s goal is chalked out for offside (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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21’ SAVE! – Kelleher denies Palmer with body save (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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15’ CHANCE! – Diaz meets Gapko’s pass but can’t beat Petrovic (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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14’ SHOT! – Mac Allister’s long ranged effort finds the goalkeeper (CHE 0-0 LIV)
Chelsea FC 0 – 0 Liverpool FC
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:49 , Mike Jones
85 mins: Chance! That was the moment.
Cole Palmer receives the ball from Enzo Fernandez and dances down the right wing as Chelsea burst forward. Christopher Nkunku takes the defenders away as Palmer threads a perfect pass through to Conor Gallagher.
He tips the ball into the box but Caoimhim Kelleher is on top of him immediately and Gallagher’s shot is charged down by the goalkeeper!
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:45 , Mike Jones
82 mins: Ibrahima Konate goes in the book for a wayward challenge on Enzo Fernandez. There is a degree of desperation to proceedings now as both teams try to win the game without giving up the chance of losing it.
There are a lot of nervous faces in the crowd now.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:42 , Mike Jones
79 mins: One goal will win this game.
Whoever scores inside the 90 minutes will be crowned Carabao Cup champions. Can one of the teams find that winning goal?
Elliott picks out Gomez on the right side of the box and his effort is smoked straight into the hands of Petrovic.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:39 , Mike Jones
76 mins: Post!
Cole Palmer drives the ball down the right wing before feeding a wonderful pass into the box for Conor Gallagher. He sweeps into a gap between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate then guides the ball towards the back post.
His aim is too good and the ball hits the upright before rebounding back into play where Liverpool belt it clear.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:38 , Mike Jones
75 mins: Clark’s first impact on the game is to win a corner which Alexis Mac Allister sends into the penalty area. The ball hits Ibrahima Konate in the chest and he is unable to control it properly meaning Chelsea work it clear.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:35 , Mike Jones
73 mins: 19-year-old Bobby Clark comes on for Liverpool now for Liverpool with Conor Bradley the man taken off. There’s a touch over quarter of an hour left to play with a potential half an hour added on if this match goes to extra time.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:34 , Mike Jones
72 mins: Close! Luis Diaz goes direct and drives through the middle of Chelsea’s formation before offloading the ball to Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo shoots first time but leans back on the effort and loops it over the crossbar!
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:32 , Mike Jones
69 mins: Mauricio Pochettino has made a change for Chelsea with Christopher Nkunku brought on to replace Raheem Sterling. The Chelsea boss obviously feels a direct approach is needed to break through the Liverpool defence.
The free kick is nodded out for a corner which then gets swung into the six yard area. Axel Disasi bursts forward to meet the ball but knees his effort over the crossbar.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:30 , Mike Jones
66 mins: Andy Robertson has a couple of swipes at Conor Gallagher and takes out the Chelsea midfielder over by the Liverpool corner flag.
Chelsea have a big chance to whip the ball in here.
Disallowed! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:27 , Mike Jones
63 mins: Disallowed!
VAR has had its say on the game and Liverpool’s goal has been ruled out for offside. Wataru Endo was in a offside position when the ball was swung in.
He blocked a defender from getting to Virgil van Dijk and thus the goal doesn’t stand.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (Van Dijk, 60’)⚽️
16:25 , Mike Jones
60 mins: Liverpool take the lead!
They win a free kick over on the left wing which Andy Robertson swings into the middle of the penalty area. Ben Chilwell is marking Virgil van Dijk but gets brushed aside as the Liverpool captain gets his head to the ball first.
He nods it into the bottom corner of the net and sends Liverpool in front.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:22 , Mike Jones
57 mins: Cole Palmer drives down the wing but in the absence of options he takes a shot a smokes it wide of goal.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:16 , Mike Jones
54 mins: Nearly!
There’s a collective groan from the Chelsea fans as they fail to make use of a fantastic opportunity. There’s too much space between Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley meaning Nicolas Jackson gets to carry the ball into the box.
He slips it to Conor Gallagher who picks out Enzo Fernandez. Raheem Sterling is free and wants the ball but Fernandez attempts to backheel a shot into the net and messes up.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:13 , Mike Jones
51 mins: Harvey Elliott is always eager to chase after the ball and nicks it away from Enzo Fernandez only to run the ball out of play on right wing.
Chelsea then send it long towards Nicolas Jackson. The forward gets into a tangle with Ibrahima Konate and both men hit the deck.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:10 , Mike Jones
48 mins: Close! Luis Diaz is played in behind down the left and carries the ball into the box. He looks to square the ball but Axel Disasi is on hand to turn it behind for a corner.
The initial ball is nodded away by the Blues but a scrap in the edge of the box sees the ball bobble loose to Endo who whips a shot wide of the far post!
Second half! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:07 , Mike Jones
Chelsea get the ball rolling at Wembley once again.
This is a big 45 minutes for Liverpool, Chelsea have more experienced options from the bench so the longer this match goes on the better off the Blues will be.
An opening goal could be crucial for either team.
Ryan Gravenberch adds to Liverpool’s mounting injury woes
16:04 , Mike Jones
Liverpool’s injury woes took a turn for the worse when Ryan Gravenberch was carried off on a stretcher less than half an hour into the Carabao Cup final.
Jurgen Klopp was already forced into naming a youthful side, with very few experienced options on the bench for the clash.
Conor Bradley was named in the starting XI, with first-choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out with a lateral collateral ligament injury.
Ryan Gravenberch adds to Liverpool’s mounting injury woes
Why do Liverpool fans boo the national anthem?
16:00 , Mike Jones
Many Liverpool fans booed the national anthem as it was played at Wembley Stadium before Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Liverpool supporters have a long-held opposition towards the establishment, with the booing of the national anthem becoming widespread in the 1980s and during the Conservative government’s “managed decline” of the city. The failings of the government following the Hillsborough disaster further entrenched those feelings.
That anger against social and economic inequality among a left-leaning city and fanbase have remained, and the national anthem continues to be booed when Liverpool play showpiece finals, and those exceptional moments when the national anthem is played before Premier League games, as was the case on the day of King Charles III’s coronation.
Why do Liverpool fans boo the national anthem?
Carabao Cup build-up marred by ticketing chaos outside Wembley
15:56 , Mike Jones
The Carabao Cup final was hit by ticketing issues in the build up to kick off that saw at least hundreds of fans queuing outside the gate.
In the half an hour before kick off, there were crowds of both sets of fans left struggling to get in.
Sky Sports reported that there was an issue initially affecting Liverpool fans, but the same problem was also evident at both gates.
Carabao Cup build-up marred by ticketing chaos outside Wembley
Half-time! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:52 , Mike Jones
45+6 mins: The whistle goes to end an event filled first half at Wembley. The only thing lacking is a goal. Plenty of talking points for the managers at the break.
Everything is still to play for in the second half.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:49 , Mike Jones
45+3 mins: Now then. We’ve got a scuffle on our hands after a coming together between Conor Bradley and Ben Chilwell. The pair square off and have a little barney which earns both players a yellow card but things quickly settle down.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:46 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Liverpool’s attacking players line up to take shots from inside the box but Chelsea hold their nerve and manage to keep the ball out before scooping it away from the danger zone.
There’s six minutes of added time to play at the end of this half.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:44 , Mike Jones
42 mins: Half time is quickly approaching with the teams still deadlocked at Wembley. This has been a thoroughly entertaining first half though neither side has managed to find the back of the net.
Will there be a goal before the break?
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:41 , Mike Jones
39 mins: Post!
Diaz comes down the left side and links up with Mac Allister. The ball is rolled back to Robertson who lifts a dainty cross into the penalty area.
Gakpo leaps into the air, wins the header and nods it into the back post before Chelsea scramble it clear!
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:38 , Mike Jones
36 mins: Sterling makes adart down the left wing and collects a chipped pass over the top. He feeds it into the box for Gallagher who pulls it back.
Palmer is on hand but gets beaten to the ball and Kelleher smothers the danger.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:34 , Mike Jones
32 mins: Disallowed!
Chelsea get the ball in the back of the net first as an aerial ball comes over to Cole Palmer. He feeds it down the line for Nicolas Jackson’s run through the middle of the centre-backs.
He collects the ball, drives into the right side of the box and curls a pass across to Raheem Sterling who slots it home with ease.
The assistant referee sends the offside flag up and a quick delay for a VAR check shows that his decision was correct.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:32 , Mike Jones
30 mins: Chelsea have settled down a bit. They’re seeing more of the ball and getting into Liverpool’s half as the Reds try to gel in the new formation.
Jurgen Klopp doesn’t look to have relaxed on the sidelines yet. He’s still ticking.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:28 , Mike Jones
27 mins: The lack of experienced substitutes for Liverpool mean that Jurgen Klopp does not have a like-for-like replacement for Ryan Gravenberch.
Jurgen Klopp is fuming with the officials on the sidelines over that tackle.
Liverpool have undergone a formation changes with Gomez slotting in at right-back and Conor Bradley pushed onto the right wing and Harvey Elliott dropped into midfield.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:26 , Mike Jones
24 mins: Ryan Gravenberch is the victim of a heavy tackle that gets Mo Salah and many of the Liverpool back room staff out of their seats.
Moises Caicedo landed on Gravenberch’s ankle which twisted under him. The stretcher is being brought out for the Liverpool midfielder which is another injury they don’t need.
Joe Gomez is getting ready to come on.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:22 , Mike Jones
21 mins: Save!
Huge moment. Chelsea break up the pitch after feeding the ball across to Conor Gallagher on the right side. He curls a low pass across the box and picks out Raheem Sterling on the run.
Sterling can’t control the ball but it bounces into the path of Cole Palmer who rattles one at goal only for Caoimhim Kelleher to leap to his left and stop the ball with his body.
Massive save from the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:20 , Mike Jones
20 mins: Conor Bradley is fed the ball after drifting into midfield and spins away from Enzo Fernandez. He carries it within range of goal and takes a shot only for the first defender, may Ben Chilwell, to get the block in.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:18 , Mike Jones
18 mins: The Liverpool fans have been the loudest inside the stadium and their team is replicating that enthusiasm on the pitch. Chelsea, bar a couple of set pieces, haven’t really threatened and look nervous and shaky at the back.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:16 , Mike Jones
15 mins: Chance!
Axel Disasi is caught in possession deep inside his own half by Cody Gakpo. Gakpo releases the ball to Luis Diaz who takes it into the area and shoots only for Petrovic to drop low and smother the effort.
Big opportunity for Liverpool that one.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:15 , Mike Jones
14 mins: Shot! Liverpool burst up the pitch on the break and move the ball around the box before Luis Diaz’s shot is blocked just inside the penalty area.
The Reds recover possession through Wataru Endo who pokes it up to Alexis Mac Allister. He drills a shot from range and fizzes the effort into the hands of Djordje Petrovic.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:13 , Mike Jones
12 mins: Chelsea win themselves the first corner of the match which Ben Chilwell, Chelsea’s captain today, whips into the middle of the box.
Caoimhim Kelleher comes out to punch the ball away but it drops to Conor Gallagher. He looks the keep the pressure on and wins a free kick after Luis Diaz bundles him to the ground.
The free kick is then swung into the box but Liverpool work it safely away.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:11 , Mike Jones
9 mins: The Reds are awarded a couple of free kick over in the right side of the pitch. Both are whipped into the penalty area by Alexis Mac Allister but neither challenges the goalkeeper.
These opening stages belong to Liverpool though, they’re the team pressing the issue at present.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:07 , Mike Jones
6 mins: There are a few nerves knocking around from both teams. Levi Colwill strides out from the back with the ball and dances around Conor Bradley.
He touches it a little too far away from his own feet though and Alexis Mac Allister is quickly across to intercept. Colwill is forceful in trying to recover it and brings down the Liveprool midfielder.
Free kick to Liverpool.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:04 , Mike Jones
3 mins: The first few minutes see Liverpool attempt to take control of the ball. Ryan Gravenberch and Andy Robertson combine for a run down the left wing but they are quickly stopped and the ball comes rolling softly to Chelsea’s back line.
Malo Gusto then miscontrols the ball and lets it run out for a throw in. There’s a battle in the middle of the pitch once Liverpool launch the ball back into play but the ball is won by Conor Gallagher who won’t be afraid of throwing himself about this afternoon.
Kick off! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:01 , Mike Jones
The Liverpool fans boo the national anthem as they do most times they come to Wembley. The players shake hands with each other and jog out onto the pitch.
Liverpool get the ball rolling and work it over to the left wing where the ball is sent out of play.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:55 , Mike Jones
Here come the teams.
Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino lead out their respective teams to thunderous applause with chants of ‘Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool!’ echoing around the arena.
The travelling fans are the loudest at the minute but can Chelsea silence them? EFL chair Rick Parry leads the executive party and starts to shake hands with the players.
The atmosphere is bubbling nicely, kick off is up next…
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:53 , Mike Jones
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to Sky Sports: “It is always the same. You can never take it for granted and I would never do that. We are here and we should give it a try.
“Chelsea had good results before we faced them and after we faced them. We caused them problems and that is the plan for today.”
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:50 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino’s side reached the final by beating AFC Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough.
In 34 games in all competitions under Pochettino so far, Chelsea have won 17 times, drawn six and lost 11. A victory today would be their biggest under the Argentine coach.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:45 , Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp could become the third Liverpool manager to win the League Cup trophy on more than one occasion. Bob Paisley won three and Gerard Houllier two.
Klopp has lost just one of his 13 games against Mauricio Pochettino in his managerial career with seven wins and five draws.
Carabao Cup final LIVE – Ticketing issues
14:41 , Sonia Twigg
There have been reports of ticketing issues for fans outside the stadium.
The problem was first affecting the Liverpool fans, but has since been causing problems for Chelsea fans and there are significant crowds and queuing from both sets of fans at the gates.
Why the Carabao Cup is so much more than just a trophy to Liverpool and Chelsea
14:40 , Mike Jones
In the last few days, Mauricio Pochettino has reminded his Chelsea players of the embarrassment they felt coming off the pitch at Anfield a few weeks ago. Liverpool eviscerated them 4-1. But Jurgen Klopp’s squad haven’t really dwelt on that victory themselves. They’ve had too much happening. Liverpool are going full steam ahead for four trophies.
This League Cup may well be a first on a few levels, but also a last.
It is at least possible it will be the last trophy that Klopp wins with Liverpool. It could well be a special afternoon, even if it isn’t totally realised on the day.
Why the Carabao Cup is much more than just a trophy to Liverpool and Chelsea
Van Dijk on Chelsea
14:35 , Mike Jones
“The thing is, and I think how we always have been in our success and in our focus, is that we focus on ourselves,” says Virgil van Dijk.
“Obviously they have their goals but I want to look at our goals, I want to achieve our goals that we have and we want to go out there and win the final.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game because Chelsea is a very good team with very good individual players that can make a difference.
“So, we have to be very good but I am definitely looking forward to the final and hopefully we can make it a proud Liverpool day and get our first trophy.”
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:30 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino opened up about how he is feeling ahead of this afternoon’s final and claimed he is ‘relaxed and calm’ after a solid week of preparation.
“I am so relaxed,” Pochettino said, “I’m 51 years old, I am more experienced, I’ve played finals in Paris – I think the approach is very calm and relaxed. Of course, we go to work and when the moment arrives to play, then we will start to feel the adrenaline and of course, we want to win.
“But, like I told the players, we need to start the game at 3pm on Sunday. If we started thinking about the game one week before then we would spend too much energy.
“Preparing for the game is different from starting the game because we are preparing in a really good way. We are so happy with how things are going this week. We are going to arrive in a very good condition to challenge Liverpool.”
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:25 , Mike Jones
Chelsea are looking to win their first domestic trophy since 2018, but they know they will need to be better than when they played Liverpool recently.
They were hammered 4-1 at Anfield in January though the Reds have since racked up quite an injury list of key players which could even things out.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:20 , Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp’s men are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Chelsea in all competitions, since a 1-0 league defeat at Anfield in March 2021.
The Reds have also kept four clean sheets in the last six encounters.
Alexis Mac Allister interview: How Liverpool’s ‘doctor’ fixed Jurgen Klopp’s midfield
14:15 , Mike Jones
Alexis Mac Allister has a daily habit, one the vast majority of footballers past and present can only envy. It is a reminder that he won football’s ultimate prize. “I look at it every single day,” he said.
‘It’ being his World Cup winner’s medal.
As the Argentinian prepares for his first final since possibly the greatest World Cup final of them all, a cerebral footballer, the architect of many a move, is constructing an idea.
“My plan is to one day create a little museum at home, a room where everything is there,” he said. “I have a replica of the World Cup, the medal and some more trophies – they are all in a safe place for now – and my plan is to be able to have a place for them where I can always see them.”
How Liverpool’s ‘football doctor’ fixed Jurgen Klopp’s midfield
How to watch the Carabao Cup final
14:10 , Mike Jones
Here’s a reminder of how to keep track of today’s match: Liverpool vs Chelsea will kick-off at 3pm on Sunday 25 February at Wembley Stadium.
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Coverage starts from 2pm on Main Event and from 2:30pm on Sky Sports Football.
If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Chelsea vs Liverpool team changes
14:08 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino makes no changes to the Chelsea line-up that faced Manchester City last time out and earned a 1-1 in the Premier League. The Blues are clicking and should have a strong chance of taking the game to Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp meanwhile makes two changes to the Liverpool side that defeated Luton last time out. Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez are replaced with Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson.
The big news is that Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez are not fit to play any part in the game.
Chelsea vs Liverpool line-ups
14:02 , Mike Jones
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez, Gallagher; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Endo; Elliott, Gakpo, Diaz
Klopp’s departure brings added incentive for Liverpool
13:55 , Mike Jones
Virgil van Dijk was asked if Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of the season means that Liverpool are more determined to win trophies and send the manager off in style.
“Yeah, I think everyone reacts obviously differently towards the news, like we all said over the last couple of weeks, all the players have given their reaction,” the Reds captain answered.
“But we want to focus on the task ahead of us and obviously the final is waiting for us, and that is what we are looking forward to all together: together with the players, together with the staff, together with the manager, and we want to make that a special day and get our first trophy of the season.
“That’s how we focus on the situation and the end of the season will be probably very emotional for a lot of people, including the manager, but we are not there yet. We shouldn’t look too far ahead, we should look at what is in front of us and that’s what we want to do.”
Carabao Cup final LIVE
13:48 , Mike Jones
The players from both have already arrived at the ground and surveyed the turf while the fans are making their way to Wembley full of cheer and excitement hoping to their team lift the trophy this afternoon.
Chelsea fans are already arriving in the capital en masse, and some have set up camp at a pub near Kings Cross, even hanging flags from lamposts outside.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
13:40 , Mike Jones
Liverpool have scored the fastest ever goal in this fixture, and it came against Chelsea. John Arne Riise struck after just 45 seconds in the 2005 showpiece, though the Blues won 3-2 after extra-time.
If today’s match starts in such a fashion we’ll be in for a cracking game.
‘Carabao Cup final more important for us now than winning Champions League’
13:32 , Mike Jones
“I think this is arguably more important,” Ben Chilwell says, as the Chelsea defender considers the significance of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool when compared to one of the club’s greatest nights: winning the Champions League in Porto.
Chilwell is one of the survivors of that night three years ago, one of only three members of the Chelsea squad along with Reece James and Thiago Silva to have brought a trophy back to Stamford Bridge.
If that underlines the scale of the transformation at Chelsea since the club last lifted silverware, with seismic change both on and off the pitch contributing to what has often appeared to be the confused mess of their current plight, it is almost as if Chilwell understands that he is talking about two different clubs: Chelsea then and Chelsea now.
Ben Chilwell: ‘Carabao Cup final more important than winning Champions League’
Van Dijk on playing in big finals
13:23 , Mike Jones
Virgil van Dijk says that it’s always a ‘special feeling’ to participate in a cup final and that a victory at Wembley this afternoon would give his team a ‘massive boost’ for the bck end of the season.
“It’s a special feeling,” said the Liverpool captain,
“Playing finals for this football club is something out of this world and obviously you don’t want to lose finals first and foremost, but it is always a special thing and it is the first chance for silverware.
“Hopefully, if it happens, it will give us a massive boost for the last part of the season. It’s amazing and we all should enjoy the occasion, but definitely be out there and show the quality that we have.”
Pochettino insists Chelsea ‘ready’ to win Carabao Cup final against Liverpool
13:15 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino believes Chelsea are “ready” to win the Carabao Cup after recent results that have altered the course of their season ahead of Sunday’s final.
The meeting with Liverpool at Wembley will be the club’s first final since co-owner Todd Boehly took charge and embarked on a radical overhaul that has so far not brought success.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
13:07 , Mike Jones
Of Liverpool’s nine previous League Cup final victories, only two were achieved inside 90 minutes with those being against Bolton Wanderers in 1995 and Manchester United in 2003.
The other seven required extra-time, penalty shootouts or replays.
Don’t judge me on winning titles, says Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino
12:58 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino has urged Chelsea supporters not to judge him on whether or not his team lifts the Carabao Cup at Wembley on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool stand in the way of a first trophy since co-owner Todd Boehly bought the club in May 2022 and began a radical overhaul.
The Argentinian is also aiming to win silverware for the first time in England, having been runner-up in this competition to his current club in 2015 while in charge of Tottenham.
Don’t judge me on winning titles, says Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino
Klopp and Liverpool stars inspect Wembley pitch ahead of final
12:50 , Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool players were seen inspecting the Wembley pitch ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
The two sides go toe-to-toe for the first domestic silverware of the season on Sunday 25 February.
Liverpool are looking to win a record-extending 12th League Cup, while Chelsea are chasing their sixth crown.
The Blues are also looking to win their first domestic trophy since 2018 after losing three Wembley finals in a row – including both Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals to Liverpool on penalties two years ago.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
12:42 , Mike Jones
Liverpool are aiming to lift the trophy for a record 10th time, which would put them two successes ahead of Manchester City. In comparison Chelsea have won the League Cup five times with their most recent success coming in 2014-15.
Van Dijk ‘proud’ to captain Liverpool at Wembley
12:34 , Mike Jones
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he is ‘very proud’ to lead out the Reds at Wembley this afternoon as the Merseyside club looks to win another trophy during the tenure of Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds face Chelsea in a repeat of the 2022 Carabao Cup final with this match the club’s first final since Van Dijk’s appointment as captain.
“Very proud, very proud,” Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com. “Of course it was, I won’t say a relief, but [I had] the feeling of being proud when we obviously got the job done at Fulham and it will be a very proud day, a special day.
“Hopefully we can make it the best possible outcome by winning the cup and taking it back to Liverpool.
“I very much look forward to it. I very much look forward to seeing all our fans there of course, and hopefully getting our first silverware of the season.
“Obviously in this competition a lot of youngsters have contributed to where we are at the moment so everyone can feel proud and connected to where we are at the moment – and I think that’s why it’s good that we are there.”
Mauricio Pochettino ‘waking up’ Chelsea’s winning mentality ahead of Carabao Cup final
12:26 , Mike Jones
Malo Gusto believes Mauricio Pochettino is “waking up” a winning mentality in Chelsea’s young squad as they prepare for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
The Argentinian’s resurgent team face Liverpool at Wembley looking to claim the club’s first silverware since co-owner Todd Boehly took over in May 2022.
In that time there has been an almost total overhaul of personnel both on the pitch and behind the scenes, with over £1bn spent on assembling a team with the youngest average age in the Premier League.
Pochettino ‘waking up’ Chelsea’s winning mentality ahead of Carabao Cup final
Pochettino not taking Liverpool lightly despite injuries
12:17 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino knows that Liverpool’s ever-growing injury list is not an excuse for his team to slack and believe that the Reds will not be as formidable a threat at Wembley this afternoon.
Pochettino stressed that it was important for the team not to alter their expectations of Liverpool who are a side which will provide a tough challenge no matter their starting line-up.
“I understand always, I never like to see your opponent or teams suffer injured players,” Pochettino said, “Of course we empathise because we were dealing with it from the beginning.
“I understand that always it’s difficult. I think always in the middle when the dynamic is positive, if you suffer some injuries you can manage. You can find solutions that can work easy, but when it is from the beginning and you still need to create a positive dynamic, always you are chasing the rabbit.
“But I understand that the circumstances are maybe not easy today for the opponent, but the competition is the competition.
“We cannot complain, we cannot find things that can affect the players who are going to compete. For sure Liverpool are going to be Liverpool and we need to go there thinking that we need to beat Liverpool.”
Pochettino on leading Chelsea in a final at Wembley
12:08 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino says he and his team are proud to take charge of Chelsea on such a momentous occasion with a trophy at stake.
“It means a lot for us, me and my coaching staff, to have the possibility to arrive in a final and to challenge a team like Liverpool to win our first title here, 11 years after we arrived at Southampton,” the Argentine explained.
“It’s a dream for us and we have the possibility. We have 90 minutes to achieve that and we are going to fight. I think the team is ready, we are going to be very competitive and it is an amazing chance for us.
“Wembley is like home, because we played a lot there with Tottenham. It feels like going back to your home, because after one-and-a-half years competing there we created a very good bond between Wembley, the team and everyone there.
“For sure it is going to be special to play there and special if we win. We are going to give our best to compete, be better than Liverpool and deserve to lift the trophy.”
Reds back at Wembley
12:00 , Mike Jones
Liverpool are making their 14th appearance in the League Cup final. This is their 44th appearance at Wembley, with 22 wins to date.
Will they make it 23 wins by defeating Chelsea this afternoon?
Why the Carabao Cup is so much more than just a trophy to Liverpool and Chelsea
11:52 , Mike Jones
In the last few days, Mauricio Pochettino has reminded his Chelsea players of the embarrassment they felt coming off the pitch at Anfield a few weeks ago. Liverpool eviscerated them 4-1. But Jurgen Klopp’s squad haven’t really dwelt on that victory themselves. They’ve had too much happening. Liverpool are going full steam ahead for four trophies.
This League Cup may well be a first on a few levels, but also a last.
It is at least possible it will be the last trophy that Klopp wins with Liverpool. It could well be a special afternoon, even if it isn’t totally realised on the day.
Why the Carabao Cup is much more than just a trophy to Liverpool and Chelsea
Thiago Silva could be fit for Carabao Cup final
11:44 , Mike Jones
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed Thiago Silva has a chance of being passed fit in time to return for today’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Speaking earlier in the week Pochettino said he is 99% certain of his starting XI but is waiting to see if some of the injured players in his squad will be fit.
“We need to assess a few players still to see if they can be involved on Sunday,” said Pochettino on Friday. “We will know tomorrow if we can recover some players from injury.
“Thiago has a chance, tomorrow we will see if he is ready to be involved in the game.
“I have decided who will be the goalkeeper. 99 per cent my team is in my head. I have not told the players yet because always, anything can happen.
“So I prefer to wait until tomorrow, or maybe after tomorrow.”
Klopp on Kelleher’s importance to Liverpool
11:35 , Mike Jones
In the absence of Alisson Becker, Caoimhin Kelleher will start in goal for Liverpool for today’s final. He also played in the Carabao Cup final in 2022 and scored the winning penalty in the shootout.
Klopp was full of praise for his second goalkeeper and says that Kelleher deserves the chance to feature in another cup final.
“I know Caoimh for eight years so I saw him growing… literally! He deserves it, he is a fantastic goalkeeper. I think I was not shy of mentioning that in public,” he said.
“You know we have this wall at the goalie area [at the AXA Training Centre], which Adrian is on because he won the Super Cup, and Caoimh went on after that night at Wembley, which was a pretty special night for him and for us.
“He just deserves it, let me say it like that, of all the things. We have so many nice stories at the moment with our own kids getting through to the first team.
“And I think having Alisson Becker in the club as the No.1 – if I would have to make a world XI tomorrow, he would be the goalie – being then No.2 is top because you can learn so many things.
“But of course you need game time as well, and giving him that now in the Europa League in the group stage and the Carabao Cup, he played a lot of games. Getting through to the final is for sure a pretty special story for him.”
Carabao Cup final LIVE
11:26 , Mike Jones
Chelsea and Liverpool have met in two previous League Cup finals (2005 and 2022) and two previous FA Cup finals (2012 and 2022).
This will be the first fixture to have been played in five different major domestic finals in English football history.
Liverpool’s last victory over Chelsea
11:17 , Mike Jones
Here’s a reminder of what happened the last time these two teams met. It was a Premier League game at Anfield back in January and Liverpool were the better side by far.
Diogo Jota, Conor Bradley, Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz all scored that day as the Reds romped to a 4-1 victory. Will they repeat that type of performance at Wembley?
Liverpool’s thrashing of Chelsea reveals true impact of Jurgen Klopp decision
Klopp on facing Chelsea… again
11:09 , Mike Jones
Liverpool’s two cup final victories in 2022, the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, both came at the expense of Chelsea. The two teams face off against each other again today though Jurgen Klopp says that past results count for nothing in a final.
“The result we had here [a 4-1 league win over Chelsea at Anfield last month] doesn’t help, of course we have to play the game again and it’s like firing the opponent up slightly,” said the Liverpool boss.
“The final is a completely different game, there’s no home ground obviously. We played them now a couple of times in a final and we know one part is blue and one is red. We know what our people are able to do, but the Chelsea people will be looking forward to it as well.
“But everybody knows, a final, there is no favourite, it starts at nil and for each little advantage you want to have, you have to work incredibly hard.
“The two Chelsea games in the finals [in 2022], I remember as two of the best draws I’ve ever been part of in my entire life because it was from a tactical point of view incredible, from an intensity point of view incredible, and then 0-0, 0-0 – strange one.”
Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool reaching Carabao Cup final
11:00 , Mike Jones
Despite missing the pre-match press conference Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, hasn’t been silent ahead of today’s League Cup showpiece.
Speaking with Liverpoolfc.com Klopp was asked if he thought his team deserved to be in the final and the German was absolutely certain that they did.
“Oh, 100 per cent. I have no doubt about it. Really tough opponents and really great performances.” said Klopp when assessing Liverpool’s route to Wembley.
“We changed a lot, changed the teams a lot. For us the competition was a benefit as well, if you want, because at that time we had pretty much 95 per cent of the squad available and we could play them all and we did. So it’s great.
“It’s the Caoimhin Kelleher competition as well, so he has the chance to win the second trophy of his career, which is absolutely great. He won already a lot, but standing in the goal I know that maybe feels for the boys slightly different. He plays the second final, let me say it like that. That’s all really cool.
“So far, only positives about the competition.”
Pep Lijnders gives Liverpool injury update
10:52 , Mike Jones
Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders took the pre-match press conference on Friday for the Carabao Cup final and provided an update on the Reds’ state of injuries.
He said: “Dom [Szoboszlai], Darwin [Nunez] and Mo [Salah]: we have to really see. We have two more days, today’s session and tomorrow’s session, and we will check if they can be there. It will be great if they can.”
Mohamed Salah injury update as Liverpool given boost ahead of Carabao Cup final
10:43 , Mike Jones
Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai could all be fit for the Carabao Cup final as Liverpool have hope they could welcome three players back against Chelsea at Wembley.
But their injury problems have worsened in another respect with confirmation that Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold will all be out for at least another month and will miss the potential Premier League title decider against Manchester City.
It also means that Alexander-Arnold will miss England’s games against Brazil and Belgium, while the in-form Jones will be denied the chance of a first senior international call-up.
Mohamed Salah injury update as Liverpool given boost ahead of Carabao Cup final
Chelsea vs Liverpool prediction
10:35 , Mike Jones
The last time these two teams met in the League Cup final the match ended in a goalless draw after 120 minutes. It went to penalties with the Reds coming out on top 11-10 in what is remembered a penalty shootout classic.
Since then Mauricio Pochettino has come in as Chelsea boss and attempted to instill a more aggressive flair to their play which has seen limited success.
Jurgen Klopp meanwhile is redeveloping Liverpool after departures from the squad who triumphed in this competition a couple of years ago. They are more raw yet equally exciting and this match is set to be a thrilling affair.
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool (Liverpool win on penalties).
Chelsea vs Liverpool predicted line-ups
10:26 , Mike Jones
With both managers juggling injuries and absentees here’s how we think the teams will line up for this afternoon’s final. Chelsea seemingly have the more settled XI though Liverpool’s experience and strong forward line mya prove to be the difference.
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez, Gallagher; Sterling, Palmer, Jackson
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
What is the early team news?
10:18 , Mike Jones
Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva could be available for the Blues but Mauricio Pochettino also has a lenghty list of absentees, with Brenoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka all out.
Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai face “last-minute” fitness tests but could be available for Liverpool, but the Reds will be without goalkeeper Alisson Becker, vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota.
How to watch the Carabao Cup final
10:09 , Mike Jones
Liverpool vs Chelsea will kick-off at 3pm on Sunday 25 February at Wembley Stadium.
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Coverage starts from 2pm on Main Event and from 2:30pm on Sky Sports Football.
If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Good morning!
10:01 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Carabao Cup final. Chelsea and Liverpool go head-to-head in a repeat of the 2021-22 league cup final as the two sides clash at Wembley this afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp is hoping to end his time as Liverpool boss with more silverware while Mauricio Pochettino is searching for a first trophy as Chelsea manager.
We’ll have all the latest updates throughout the morning so stick around as we build up to kick off at 3pm.
