Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Rohan Jivan

Paul Merson says Thomas Tuchel has tough call ahead of Chelsea vs Liverpool in Carabao Cup final

Chelsea take on Liverpool on Sunday afternoon in the Carabao Cup final in what looks set to be a mouthwatering contest between two high-profile managers.

The Blues go into Sunday's high-octane clash with significant confidence, following the club's 2-0 victory in the Champions League round of 16, first leg tie against Lille.

Both Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic added their names on the scoresheet, ensuring that the west Londoners now have a healthy lead going into the return fixture next month.

Meanwhile, their opponents Liverpool have been in scintillating form and are currently on a nine-game winning streak, with Jurgen Klopp's side's latest victory coming against Leeds at Anfield in what a devastating 6-0 drubbing.

German manager Thomas Tuchel will certainly have plenty of decisions to make, one of which is whether he decides to select right-back Reece James, who has participated in the club's latest training session and could be available to start.

Arguably the biggest call to make revolves around the midfield partnership and Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes that it will be tough on whoever is left out.

“Thomas Tuchel, though, needs to decide who starts in the middle of the park, with Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho all vying for a spot," Merson said.

Who are the teams you love to hate? Which teams do you have a soft spot for? Take part in our League of Love & Hate survey

"I feel sorry for the one who is going to miss out, because they are all top players in their own right."

Tuchel favoured a Mateo Kovacic and N'golo Kante partnership in their last game, with Jorginho left on the bench, so it will be interesting to see if the former PSG manager favours continuity or decides to bring the Italian international back into the starting XI.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.