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Three things to look for in Carabao Cup final: System switches

By Vansh Ambashta

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea FC celebrates scoring a goal which is later disallowed during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on February 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea FC celebrates scoring a goal which is later disallowed during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on February 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea FC celebrates scoring a goal which is later disallowed during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on February 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea FC celebrates scoring a goal which is later disallowed during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on February 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

2. System and personnel

Tuchel has primarily favoured a three-at-the-back system during his 13 months at Chelsea. The wingbacks looked prepared to take the league by storm at the beginning of the season. Young English duo Ben Chilwell and Reece James were complementing the attack well and the defence seemed secure. However, with injuries to both wingbacks and a number of other players, the Blues’ depth has been tested this season. The team is finally getting back to full strength, other than the absence of Chilwell for the remainder of the year. Nevertheless, due to the solutions during the tough winter period, Chelsea now has options.

For a brief period over the last three months, Tuchel switched to a back four, and this system seemed to work for a number of reasons. This allowed Hakim Ziyech to start in his favoured position out wide. His chemistry with Mason Mount on the right was promising and their exchanges caused all sorts of problems for Tottenham in the recent Premier League game.

It was a relief to see Ziyech slowly finding his rhythm with most of Chelsea’s forwards misfiring recently. It was unfortunate to see the Moroccan come off with an injury against Lille though. According to the latest reports, the injury is not serious and Ziyech could feature against Liverpool. Mount faces a similar challenge as he recovers from an injury he picked up against Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup final.

Playing a back four would also give Tuchel to flexibility to field Malang Sarr as a left back instead of Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard was poor in both games against Liverpool in the Premier League and he was partially responsible for the goals conceded, as well. Tuchel has a huge call to make about the personnel on the left and whoever he picks will have to deal with the constant threat of Mohamed Salah, who happens to be in brilliant form at the moment.

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