How Chelsea could line up against Liverpool in Carabao Cup final with near-full strength squad but will Lukaku play?

CHELSEA will bid to add to their Club World Cup triumph when they face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

Thomas Tuchel's side suffered Wembley disappointment last season when they were beaten 1-0 by Leicester in the FA Cup final.


But the German coach will be hoping it's second time lucky at England's national stadium.

And it remains to be seen whether Tuchel will start £97million striker Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian forward was dropped for the Champions League last 16 clash with Lille on Tuesday evening – which the Blues won 2-0.

Kai Havertz led the line up front – and Tuchel has confirmed everyone remains fit for Sunday.

He said: "Everybody trained out on the pitch today except Ben Chilwell which is brilliant news.

"That's pretty much it. [Ziyech and Kovacic] are both okay."

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Another way Chelsea could line up in the Carabao Cup final

The likely scenario is that Tuchel continues with the side he fielded against French champions Lille.

That consists of Edouard Mendy in goal, marshalled by a back three of Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen.

Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta will be hoping to remain Tuchel's trusted wingbacks.

In midfield, the superb pair of Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante are set to keep their places.

And a dynamic front three of Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Havertz are expected to be selected to start the match.

But Chelsea have a host of options they could turn to if they want to shake things up.

Reece James is back in training and could take Azpilicueta's place on the right.

Speaking about the English full-back, Tuchel said: 'Reece James, even if I wanted to answer I'm not sure if I could answer, he looked brilliant in the last two sessions, let's see if the crazy side of me wins and I put him on the pitch.

"He looked so strong and confident that it is tempting. Still two days to go and we will take the decision."

Jorginho may be preferred to Kovacic in the heart of the midfield.

And then in attack there is still a major debate around not only Lukaku but also Mason Mount.

But talking specifically about Lukaku, Tuchel added: "Romelu [Lukaku] has been good like everyone else, we know he is an important player, if you pay a lot of money there is always focus on the player.

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"He played a lot of consecutive matches, and is in a similar situation with Jorginho. The focus is on Romelu and I understand why.

"Inside it is very clear, the players accept it. There are no hard feelings from Romelu, me or anyone else. Only 11 players can start and that will never change."

The Carabao Cup final kicks off at 4:30pm on Sunday, February 27.

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