Chelsea vs Liverpool combined XI ahead of Wembley battle
The Blues and the Reds set to battle for the first Silverware of the season in English Football
Chelsea have lifted the Carabao Cup five times, with the most recent victory in 2015. Liverpool is the most successful club in the competition, having lifted the trophy on nine occasions, more than any other club. Both teams competed twice at Wembley last season, in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup Finals respectively. Each match ended in a draw after full-time; Liverpool prevailed on penalties on both occasions.
Ahead of the anticipated final at the 'home of football' on Sunday afternoon, PoL have identified a combined XI in a 4-3-3 formation. Currently injured or unavailable players have been omitted from the selection process.
Goalkeeper
Đorđe Petrović — Chelsea
With the availability of first-choice goalkeepers of either side still in doubt, we have leaned towards Đorđe Petrović in goal for this massive encounter. Petrovic has made 16 appearances, with 10 of those being in the Premier League since replacing Roberto Sanches in goal. He has kept four clean sheets in all competitions. Caoimhin Kelleher, on the other hand, has made 15 appearances with two clean sheets. Overall, Petrovic is the more assured of the two goalkeepers. Alisson Becker would be the No.1 if fit.
Right back
Malo Gusto — Chelsea
The slot is between Conor Bradley and Malo Gusto. Bradley has deputized well in the absence of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, scoring one goal (against Chelsea) and providing five assists in 11 appearances this season. Gusto has made 24 appearances this season, providing six assists. The Frenchman has performed exceedingly well in the past few weeks, handling the tricky Jeremy Doku very well in the encounter with Manchester City at the Etihad last weekend. Of these two, Gusto has had a better season.