Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
Sunday sees Chelsea and Liverpool meet in the Carabao Cup final, just two years on from their meeting at Wembley. While the Blues have had a tough time in the following couple of seasons, the Reds are in the same position as they were in 2022 – eying the first trophy in a potential quadruple.
Ahead of the cup final, we’ve taken a look at the key trends from recent finals, previous meetings between the pair and the makeup of the two squads. You can see our comprehensive list of Carabao Cup final trends below, alongside a great betting offer.
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Match result market is the way to go
While it’s common to see major finals decided in extra time and even penalties, this competition does tend to wrap up fairly quickly. Across the last 11 EFL Cup finals, just three have gone past 90 minutes. Of those other eight, five matches have tended to be settled by two goals or more. While finals can be cagey occasions, this competition does seem to offer a little more freedom.
That lends itself to an open 90 minutes, something we’ve predicted in our Chelsea vs Liverpool match prediction. With goals expected, those without a Paddy Power account should consider their fantastic 30/1 offer for at least one goal to be scored in this huge clash.
Bleak run for capital clubs
The EFL Cup has been won by London clubs on 12 occasions, but clubs from the capital are on a rotten run in this competition. None of the last eight finals have been won by a side from London, with seven of those going to one of the Manchester clubs. The other was Liverpool’s 2022 win over Chelsea, one of the rare years in which the Reds have pushed for the domestic cups.
Four of the last six Carabao Cup finals have seen a London side beaten in the final, while the last side from the capital to lift the trophy – Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2015 – beat another London side to lift the trophy. To make matters worse for Blues fans, the Spurs manager that day was Mauricio Pochettino.
Klopp has cleared cup curse
Liverpool are worthy favourites heading into this clash – despite their injury issues. Not only are they clearly the stronger team, they’re also comfortably the best prepared for this kind of encounter.
It starts with the two managers, with Pochettino winning a single cup final as a manager – the 2021 Coupe de France during his spell with PSG. On the other hand, Jurgen Klopp is enjoying the most glittering period of his career with Liverpool, having arrived at Anfield with three losses in his first four cup finals he managed. With the Reds, he has won five of his nine cup final appearances.
Klopp has won five of his last six finals, a run which started with a 2019 Champions League victory over Pochettino’s Spurs. Since then, he’s beaten Chelsea to three trophies – the 2019 UEFA Super Cup along with both domestic trophies in 2022.
Reds chasing landmark
While the Reds are going after a quadruple, they are also chasing history in this competition. While Manchester City have made huge strides in the EFL Cup in recent years, Liverpool remain the most successful side in its history. They’ve won the trophy nine times and they could be the first team to hit double figures.
Liverpool are the most successful side in English football with 45 major trophy wins, but Manchester United moved to 43 trophies with their Carabao Cup win last term. The Reds are on course for a huge trophy haul, which they’ll hope to start on Sunday.
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