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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Richard Garnett

Danny Murphy issues warning about Chelsea striker ahead of Liverpool clash in cup final

Winning the Carabao Cup Final today can relieve pressure off Liverpool as they fight for silverware on four fronts, says Danny Murphy.

The Reds are aiming to deliver a record ninth League Cup this afternoon when they face Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, but still have their sights set on glory in The Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as a Premier League title chase with Manchester City.

But former Anfield midfielder Murphy, who won a cup treble with the Reds back in 2001, believes winning today will give Jurgen Klopp's side a spring board for success for the rest of the season.

Speaking live from Wembley on Sky Sports News, Murphy said: "Always when you break a record, that's good motivation, but I think with Liverpool it's about winning as many trophies at possible.

MATCH UPDATES: Liverpool against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final

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"The one thing you get by winning a trophy in March (sic) is a bit less pressure when you're trying to achieve the trophies further on at the end of the season.

"The first time we won it back when I was playing, it created less stress for everyone, took the pressure off and then we were able to go on and enjoy the FA Cup run and UEFA Cup run. There wasn't as much pressure.

"For Liverpool, winning trophies is everything, but it's about enjoyment and playing with the freedom that they've always got. There's load of options in attacking areas and I'm really excited for them. I think it's going to be a cracker."

The Reds have a strong squad to choose from, with only Roberto Firmino definitely ruled out with injury and Murphy thinks the fitness of Diogo Jota will be key in Klopp's team selection strategy.

Murphy said: "I think it will depend on Jota's fitness. If Jota is fit, I think he will start with (Sadio) Mane and (Mohamed) Salah, with Luis Diaz coming off the bench.

"It's good that they've got options now and they're not so reliant on the normal front three of Firmino, Mane and Salah as they have been in previous season.

"I think we've seen with both Liverpool and Chelsea over the past few months just how important the substitutions can be. It's not just about the first XI, you've now got quality on both benches, that can come off the bench and win games of football with 20 minutes to go."

But when fellow Sky Sports guest, former Chelsea player William Gallas, suggested Romelu Lukaku may start the match for the Blues as a substitute, Murphy added: "If I'm a Liverpool defender, I'm pleased if he's on the bench, because he has that many attributes."

When asked about how he thought the match would finish, Murphy added: "I think Liverpool will win by the odd goal."

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