Thomas Tuchel has named his Chelsea side that will march out at Wembley to try and win the Carabao Cup final this afternoon.
The Blues face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, a match up that has seen neither side manage to outdo one another when they faced off in the league, with a 1-1 and 2-2 draw across both games.
But today, there can only be one winner, whether that’s settled in regulation time, extra-time or a penalty shootout at the home of English football.
The match marks a fifth final for the West London club under Tuchel since he took charge last year, having already guided the team to a Champions League final, FA Cup final, UEFA Super Cup final and a Club World Cup final before today.
Despite finals being something of a regular occurrence under the German coach, he said his words to the players will likely be about the process they go through daily, saying before the match: “It’s not decided yet [Exactly what he will say to the players] but I think maybe a lot of times I say we take care of the daily process.
“You don’t take care of the final on the day of the final, you take care of the final on a daily basis before when nobody thinks about the final.
“This is what brings you there and then the closer you get, the more routine, the more behaviours and principles must be installed so that you can trust yourself and be free.”
And the coach has since made his decision on who he will entrust to win the game for his side.
Edouard Mendy starts in goal, despite the impressive outings of Kepa Arrizabalaga in this competition.
It's back to a back three for Chelsea as Trevoh Chalobah, Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva play at centre-back, with Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta at wing-back.
The midfield pivot is N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, while Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic play behind Kai Havertz up front.
It remains a big call from Tuchel to leave out summer signing Romelu Lukaku who makes the bench, while Reece James' return to the squad will be seen as a positive.
Meanwhile, the in-form Hakim Ziyech is not involved in the squad, despite the manager saying he was fine on Friday.
Chelsea fans had their thoughts over the team on social media.
@Ricss1w: "Huh no Ziyech?!!!!"
@_CFCBilly: "James back in the squad sheet tears in my eyes."
@ClinicalKai: "Where’s Ziyech???"
@CFCArmy12: "Azpi and Alonso against Salah and mane? No Ziyech even on the bench?"
@90sSophie: "Kai, come to our rescue again."
@CFC_Kaii: "CHALOBAH HAS RETURNED. MOUNT STARTING TOO. REECE ON THE BENCH. OH MY DAYS WE ARE BACK. let’s get this trophy."
@CFCAboudi: "Alonso vs Salah."
