Chelsea and Liverpool have been two of the most evenly matched sides in world football over the course of the current campaign. While the Reds are much better off in the league and sitting pretty in the Champions League final, they’ve struggled against Thomas Tuchel’s men more than any other team this season. Jurgen Klopp’s quest for the quadruple began with the Blues, and now the next leg of the unprecedented English trophy challenge will also see him square off with the reigning Champions League winners.
Although it’s been a relatively disappointing campaign for Chelsea, a treble is still on the cards. It’s maybe not the triad of trophies that supporters had hoped for at the beginning of the season, but it’s three pieces of silverware nonetheless. The Blues had their quadruple hopes crushed by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. It’s that penalty shootout victory—specifically a missed Kepa Arrizabalaga 11th spot kick—that has separated the two accomplished English sides in their three meetings this season. Thus, it goes without saying that this is destined to be another entertaining, yet nerve-racking, nail-biter. Fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gents.
Here is how The Pride of London team sees the contest playing out:
Caden Charpentier: 2-1 Chelsea
Mason Mount nets two goals, and the Blues ride high with two games remaining. Tuchel sets up the team to succeed against a squad that has been seemingly unbeatable as of late.
Anthony Gatt: 1-0 Chelsea
The Blues win the FA Cup for ninth time, Romelu Lukaku to score the winner.
Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 1-0 Chelsea
We’re doing it all again. The Blues simply have to win this one—even if Anthony Taylor is officiating—they just have to. Villarreal and Tottenham showed how Liverpool can be exposed. Hell, Chelsea showed how Liverpool can be targeted in the Carabao Cup final. The Blues cannot afford to not bring 100% in this contest.
Joseph Joe: 2-1 Chelsea (AET)
Liverpool is on a quadruple quest, the Blues are looking to end the Wembley curse of losing four finals at the historic ground, the last of which was against Liverpool. It won’t been an easy one, but one to watch out for. The game will be level at full time with the win coming in extra time. Lukaku likely to cause the upset.
Leighton September: 2-1 Chelsea
Our Wembley redemption starts on Saturday, as does the Lukaku redemption. Third time’s the charm to win a FA Cup final; Tuchel’s Chelsea to spoil the quadruple hopes! We are hungry for a domestic trophy a wise Money Mase once said. The Blues deliver on Saturday.
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Mike Malley: 2-1 Chelsea (AET)
Considering all three matchups between these two sides have ended in draws so far this season, there’s only one way for this one to finish after 90’. I’m expecting this contest to be similar to the League Cup final, but the injuries picked up by Fabinho and Mateo Kovacic mid-week will certainly impact the final outcome. Chelsea won’t lose three FA Cups in a row, and Cesar Azpilicueta will once again be hoisting that famous trophy on the Wembley pitch.
Kevin Peacock: 2-0 Chelsea
Chelsea has lost the last two cup finals and I, for one, don’t see it doing so this time around. Liverpool is the favorite, in fact, as we all know the Reds are everybody’s favorite. However, the media’s sweethearts will come unstuck against a Chelsea team that appears to have rejuvenated itself with just three games to go. With Manchester City edging toward the Premier League title, the horrific thought of Liverpool completing a quadruple of trophies is looking less likely. A Blues win can add some insurance to mitigate against that possibility. Goals from Marcos Alonso and substitute Lukaku secure the famous victory, and those that aren’t Red or charged with reporting on proceedings via microphone or keyboard can breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Nate Hofmann: 2-2 Draw (Chelsea wins on pens.)
There’s really no reason to think this will be anything other than a stressful, high pressure affair that takes years off my life. With Tottenham winning against Arsenal, there’s still a need to keep half an eye on the Premier League table, knowing that Champions League football still isn’t quite secured. That slightly misplaced focus, in addition to having one fewer day of rest, may cost the Blues a couple of goals.
Fortunately, it seems like Chelsea may have figured out a use for Lukaku (a bit too late, but still), and a big performance from the big many could decide the match. Even if he doesn’t score, his ability to occupy Virgil van Dijk and drop into midfield when needed should at least give the Blues some breathing room when Liverpool ratchets up the pressure. I think this one is a back and forth mess, and we’ll be scratching our heads wondering how we ended up tied after 90 minutes. After that, who knows.
Gabe Henderson: 2-1 Chelsea
Lukaku has come up big for the Blues lately, and if he manages to find the back of the net in this match and earn his team a win, fans will forget all about the £97.5 million price tag. Chelsea finally overcomes its rival and it doesn’t drop its second cup final at the hands of the Reds.
What is your score predictions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!