The first major honour in England this season will be handed out on Sunday, as Liverpool and Chelsea collide in the Carabao Cup final. It will be the second time that these two sides have collided in the final of the competition, with the Reds coming out on top from the penalty spot at Wembley in 2022.
This weekend, Liverpool will be the clear favourites to record a record-extending tenth win in the EFL Cup.
Carabao Cup Final Odds
Liverpool will be the heavy favourites to win the cup final this weekend, and they are currently priced up at 11/10 with BetXchange. A victory for Chelsea in 90 minutes is available at 22/10, with the draw priced at 27/10.
Clashes between these sides have been typically low-scoring affairs, with over 2.5 goals could be a popular selection this weekend at 13/20.
Recent Carabao Cup Winners
Liverpool will be playing in their second Carabao Cup final in three seasons after beating Chelsea in 2022. However, for the most part, the trophy has lived in Manchester since 2016, with City winning the prize on five occasions, and United landing victories in 2017 and 2023.
City also recorded EFL Cup final wins in four successive seasons between 2018 and 2021. Chelsea’s most recent success came in 2015, earning a fifth triumph after landing a 2-0 win over Tottenham at Wembley. Chelsea and Liverpool also clashed in the 2005 final in Cardiff, with the Blues winning a first major trophy under Jose Mourinho with a 3-2 success.
Chelsea’s Route To The Final
Chelsea will be targeting a first major honour under Mauricio Pochettino at Wembley. The Blues started their Carabao Cup campaign in the second round with a nervy 2-1 success over AFC Wimbledon. Their run continued with a 1-0 win against Brighton at Stamford Bridge, before securing a 2-0 success in the round of 16 at home against Blackburn.
Chelsea needed a late comeback to avoid an exit in the quarterfinal stage, before forcing through on penalties. In the first leg of their semi-final, Chelsea fell to a 1-0 away defeat against Middlesbrough, but they turned the tie on its head in quick time in the second leg after registering a 6-1 win at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool’s Route To The Final
The Reds have been consistent across all competitions this season, and that has been no different in the EFL Cup. They secured a comfortable win in the third round to overcome Leicester City with a 3-1 success, before beating Bournemouth on the road in an entertaining clash at the Vitality Stadium in the round of 16.
Liverpool produced their best performance in the EFL Cup so far in the quarterfinals, as they beat West Ham 5-1 at Anfield. They needed to come from behind in their first leg of the semi-final against Fulham, but their two late goals were crucial after playing out a 1-1 draw in the return fixture in London.
Carabao Cup Final Prediction
Liverpool were impressive winners against Chelsea in the Premier League in January, as they eased to a straightforward 4-1 success at Anfield. We expect the Reds to claim EFL Cup success this weekend, and they could achieve that by a two-goal margin.
