CHELSEA VS LIVERPOOL: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool have a chance to add to their honours list tomorrow when they take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley. It’s been three draws in regulation time against Chelsea this season so the Reds know the task at hand. Here’s the predicted lineup.

You can find the match preview here.

Fabinho’s injury aside, Jürgen Klopp has a full squad available to choose from. Having played the Blues thrice already this season, he will have an idea of what the best personnel is to hurt Thomas Tuchel’s side.

In goal will be Alisson Becker. Kelleher started the League Cup final as a reward for a string of solid performances throughout the competition. The manager declared Alisson the ‘FA Cup goalie’ ahead of the fifth round tie against Norwich and the Brazilian has been ever present since.

In defence, there is sure to be a recall for Andy Robertson. The left back was given the midweek off as he was completely left out of the matchday squad for the trip to Villa. He had been showing signs of fatigue recently and was due a well earned break.

With Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk sure starters, the only decision the manager has to make in defence is who partners the Dutchman. Matip returned to the side on Tuesday night and was brilliant, even scoring the equaliser.

Konaté is however the only player in the squad to have played in every round of the competition so far. There could be an argument to say he’s earned a starting spot for the final. With Lukaku likely to start, you wouldn’t rule out the manager giving the young Frenchman a go.

In midfield, Fabinho’s absence makes it a straightforward selection. Skipper Jordan Henderson will play in the holding role, with Thiago and Naby Keita playing either side of him. James Milner, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott will offer options off the bench.

The front line is also easy to predict, with Luis Diaz and Sadio Mané in scintillating form. The Colombian will reprise his role on the left wing, with Sadio down the middle. On the right will be Mo Salah. The Egyptian was only afforded a 20 minute cameo against Villa and is set for a recall.

He is on a run of six games without a goal so tomorrow would be the perfect time to end the drought. Diogo Jota and fit again Robert Firmino will offer forward options off the bench, and with five substitutes allowed (six if it goes to extra time), we could see both of them feature.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Keita, Thiago, Salah, Mané, Diaz.

Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Konaté, Tsimikas, Milner, Jones, Elliott, Jota, Firmino.