Pre match: Liverpool v Chelsea - League Cup Final, Sunday Feb 27 @16:30

Come on lets get behind this now. Cup final at wembley against this lot, first part of a possible quadruple.......buzzing for it. Im not one of these " its only the league cup" I want this.

We know Kelleher plays. Id give Konate the nod to. after that....hard to leave any stars out but I think Hendo makes it

Kelleher

Trent Konate VVD Robbo

      Hendo Thiago Fab

         Mo   Mane  Diaz

Ali, Joe, Joel Tsimikas, Milner Jones, Origi, Minamino, Eliott

Here we go!!!

First trophy of the season. Jordan can get some practice for lifting the Premier League trophy and Old Big Ears.

Really looking forward to picking up the first trophy of the season, hopeful it will be a great day out for the fans !

There’s been a few sides over the years who have been on for the quad, including ourselves. No one has yet completed the challenge.
This side of ours, I believe is the one capable of completing the Dream.
These players are now reaching a place where they are beginning to believe they are unbearable, but in a humble and respectful manner. No arrogance, just hard graft, and believing in each other.
I said the prem was never over, even when we were 12 points adrift.
I also believe the quad is on !
First step is on Sunday!
Let’s go and win it you mighty red men !

Comeooonnnn Lads, let this be the beginning of The Best Season in our History! Win fkn everything!!!


Chelsea cu*ts. F***ing hate this lot!!!

Mission STOP N'golo Kante from going anywhere near that ball. Fab, Thiago and Hendo to smother the F**k out of him whilst we run rampant all over the pitch!!!

NB: Team no longer available

We need to beat them. Brilliant springboard for the rest of the year. Come on Reds.

Come on lets get behind this now. Cup final at wembley against this lot, first part of a possible quadruple.......buzzing for it. Im not one of these " its only the league cup" I want this.

We know Kelleher plays. Id give Konate the nod to. after that....hard to leave any stars out but I think Hendo makes it

Kelleher

Trent Konate VVD Robbo

      Hendo Thiago Fab

         Mo   Mane  Diaz

Ali, Joe, Joel Tsimikas, Milner Jones, Origi, Minamino, Eliott

That team aint far off I think, will be the strongest he has got, bar kelleher in goal.

Id be shocked if he doesnt start matip, big man is on fire. Imagine his runs on the wemberleee pitch. bags of space, and bags of space for salah & mane & diaz to rip them a new one.

There’s been a few sides over the years who have been on for the quad, including ourselves. No one has yet completed the challenge.
This side of ours, I believe is the one capable of completing the Dream.
These players are now reaching a place where they are beginning to believe they are unbearable, but in a humble and respectful manner. No arrogance, just hard graft, and believing in each other.
I said the prem was never over, even when we were 12 points adrift.
I also believe the quad is on !
First step is on Sunday!
Let’s go and win it you mighty red men !

We can only really say its on if we win sunday.

Hendo's recent impressive performances should see him get the third slot in midfield alongside Fab and Thiago I would think. Centre half is interesting, I really thought Matip wouldn't play midweek to save him for Sunday but now he played I wonder if the boss is thinking about Konate for this?

Jota on the bench hopefully for half an hour if we need to chase the game.

It’s Chelsea, a team full of world class players and a world class manager.

Need to go toe to toe with our best 11.

Kelleher - already confirmed (deserved)

Robertson
VVD
Matip
TAA

Thiago
Fabinho
Henderson

Diaz
Mane
Salah

Can’t wait! Most of that team have won big big trophies in pressure moments! They’ll be able to handle the occasion

Really wanna win this now we're at Wembley!

We haven't played well against these in either match this season (both draws), but we haven't started with Thiago & Fab either.
This time we will!

Strongly fancy us to win a tight match either 2-1 (maybe after ET) or via a pen shootout with Kelleher the hero again.

COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDS!!!

Really wanna win this now we're at Wembley!

We haven't played well against these in either match this season (both draws), but we haven't started with Thiago & Fab either.
This time we will!

Strongly fancy us to win a tight match either 2-1 (maybe after ET) or via a pen shootout with Kelleher the hero again.

COME ON YOU MIGHTY REDS!!!

Were a different animal since last we played, almost fully fit squad, lots of options.

They dont score many goals, so if we can get an early lead, we should win it.

Were a different animal since last we played, almost fully fit squad, lots of options.

They dont score many goals, so if we can get an early lead, we should win it.

We learned (or remembered) how to hold a lead. That has been the biggest difference in our turnaround.

Is Reese James back healthy for them? he was huge for them.

We learned (or remembered) how to hold a lead. That has been the biggest difference in our turnaround.

Is Reese James back healthy for them? he was huge for them.

Yea we are defo much more solid, and awesome at offsides.

No idea if james is fit.

No strikers for chelsea, false 9s, late, timed runs from mid to try and outplay our offside trap, thats how I think chelsea will set up

Firmino won't be involved.  Jota possibly.  Kelleher definitely in goal.

Ultimately you need a bit of luck in these finals goes without saying.  Especially if it gets as far as pens.

Obviously hope we get the win otherwise we'll only have the treble to focus on!!

Tough times being a red! 🥳

Its going to be intriguing. Nervous edge of the seat stuff id wager.

Maybe a Kelleher will be the hero

Its going to be intriguing. Nervous edge of the seat stuff id wager.

Maybe a Kelleher will be the hero

Think Mo is going to have a stormer, he will be desperate for a trophy after losing out at AFCON

Jota off the bench to score the winner .Going to be one goal in it for me will be very tight

Jota off the bench to score the winner .Going to be one goal in it for me will be very tight

If anyone is going to score the winner coming off the bench, it's going to be Divock after he puts on his cape and comes on the field.

      Kelleher
TAA Matip VVD Robbo
  Hendo Fab Thiago
 Salah Mane Diaz

Strongest team, though you never know with Jürgen, he might tweak the middle and leave Hendo/Thiago to come on later.
Big game for the keeper, hasn't played in a while, but hasn't let us down so far so good luck to Kelleher.
What a signing Diaz has been, already a starter, hit the ground running and given people a lift, new blood round the place.

We're coming into this in good form. Chavs still missing Chilwell and James, who gave them a lot of go forward, and hopefully Mo and Diaz can get some success against Alonso and Cesar.  Doubt Lumpkaku will start, but might see him later when their booting it forward chasing the game

Silverware would be nice. The Hendo shuffle...
COYRs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There’s been a few sides over the years who have been on for the quad, including ourselves. No one has yet completed the challenge.
This side of ours, I believe is the one capable of completing the Dream.
These players are now reaching a place where they are beginning to believe they are unbearable, but in a humble and respectful manner. No arrogance, just hard graft, and believing in each other.
I said the prem was never over, even when we were 12 points adrift.
I also believe the quad is on !
First step is on Sunday!
Let’s go and win it you mighty red men !

Comeooonnnn Lads, let this be the beginning of The Best Season in our History! Win fkn everything!!!


Chelsea cu*ts. F***ing hate this lot!!!

Mission STOP N'golo Kante from going anywhere near that ball. Fab, Thiago and Hendo to smother the F**k out of him whilst we run rampant all over the pitch!!!

SSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHH

Don't mention a F***ing thing about any quad.

Every time it used to get mentioned about Utd, City etc they always go and F**k it up.


Stick to our mantra of one game at a time and let's beat Chelsea.

Hopeful our front three Salah, Mane and Diaz will carry on their superb form on Sunday, with Thiago, Fab and Henderson in midfield. I am confident, we can beat Chelsea on Sunday.

https://youtu.be/Z5yqGDn6WLg

Come on reds, not the most important trophy in the world but one we have great history in.

We need more silver in the cabinet under Klopp and this is and opportunity, come on Liverpool!

It's funny how Chelsea have spent so much dirty Russian Politics and Oil money on high profile forwards, but their best tactic is to set up a wall and try to counterattack. Tuchel knows if they come out and try to play football with us we will give them a hammering and just boat race them. I expect a lot of fouls and a low scoring game, but I'm betting on our Reds to make the vital breakthrough.

For the final, will they go straight to penalties if the score is level after 90 minutes or would they play 30 extra minutes for this one?

It's funny how Chelsea have spent so much dirty Russian Politics and Oil money on high profile forwards, but their best tactic is to set up a wall and try to counterattack. Tuchel knows if they come out and try to play football with us we will give them a hammering and just boat race them. I expect a lot of fouls and a low scoring game, but I'm betting on our Reds to make the vital breakthrough.

For the final, will they go straight to penalties if the score is level after 90 minutes or would they play 30 extra minutes for this one?

ET then Pens

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1496938229282443279

https://m.facebook.com/LiverpoolFC/videos/league-cup-preview-show-/689388542078826/

Place is buzzing for the game what

Place is buzzing for the game what

Ha ha - the reality will kick in at the pub tomorrow

Ha ha - the reality will kick in at the pub tomorrow

Wembley, cup final, against these hounds. Its huge

First 20 mins is all important as both teams suss each other out, I'm buzzing for this final, we've done the hard bit by getting to Wembley so let's get out there and win it !!!

I think it will be a close encounter with the mighty redmen winning by the odd goal, I just hope it's a good game for all the fans travelling down wembley way and that everyone keeps safe and enjoys the day.

 

Wemberley Wemberley were the greatest team in Europe and were going to wemberley...

Our record at Wembley since it got revamped isnt great, was fairly solid at the old Wembley, so no better team to get it going again at Wembley

Well, it's Wembley-eve, looking forward to a shiny new toy tomorrow

CMON BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!

Think it would be a symbolising gesture if Chelsea wear their Blue kit with Blue socks and we wear our old all Yellow kit and instead of the pre-match line formed the Ukraine flag. Second half we could revert back to red.

Shouldn't we refuse to play against a side who is owned by putins friend, and who is known to donate money to him? I don't know guys. I came here after watching a 7 year old on tele, loose her dad in a Russian attack. Chelsea are funded and owned by a guy who is close to and donates money to putin.

I mean somebody needs to take the first step to put pressure on fa/government so they can force these rich Russians to cut ties with Putin. Maybe that will stop the madness. I am not sure but I feel dirty us playing against them.

If I was a Chelsea fan, I would have cut ties with the club until Roman either condemns Putin or he sells the club.

Shouldn't we refuse to play against a side who is owned by putins friend, and who is known to donate money to him? I don't know guys. I came here after watching a 7 year old on tele, loose her dad in a Russian attack. Chelsea are funded and owned by a guy who is close to and donates money to putin.

I mean somebody needs to take the first step to put pressure on fa/government so they can force these rich Russians to cut ties with Putin. Maybe that will stop the madness. I am not sure but I feel dirty us playing against them.

If I was a Chelsea fan, I would have cut ties with the club until Roman either condemns Putin or he sells the club.

Very good point, it will feel awkward tomorrow for the Chelsea fans or club in general when everyone shows their support for Ukraine and whatever words anyone wants against Russia. This also may explain the timing of Roman Abramovich's actions. After all the same sort of source that is now funding the attack on Ukraine funded Chelsea's 16 years of success.

Shouldn't we refuse to play against a side who is owned by putins friend, and who is known to donate money to him?

Nah, let's smash them instead. Less glory and money for them.

Shouldn't we refuse to play against a side who is owned by putins friend, and who is known to donate money to him? I don't know guys. I came here after watching a 7 year old on tele, loose her dad in a Russian attack. Chelsea are funded and owned by a guy who is close to and donates money to putin.

I mean somebody needs to take the first step to put pressure on fa/government so they can force these rich Russians to cut ties with Putin. Maybe that will stop the madness. I am not sure but I feel dirty us playing against them.

If I was a Chelsea fan, I would have cut ties with the club until Roman either condemns Putin or he sells the club.

Why should we back out of a great accomplishment because the owner of the other team keeps bad company?

If the football world wants to enact higher standards over who can own a team or whatever, that's fine. But these players (and their support) have earned the opportunity to finish a great run here.  By rule this would be a forfeit for us and a Cup win for Chelsea. The only one who would get punished by us backing out of the game would be us.

Can't F***ing wait now!

Not long to go

Jota back in the squad, let's get this done Boyz! Bring it Home.

Yeah, lets win it for the 9th time and get one ahead of Citeh 

We thinking CB's are VVD and Konate for this or stick with Joel and Big Virg?

I'm thinking Jürgen goes with Konate.

We need to beat these terrorists. We have the whole world against their owner. We need this so much.

Ynwa Ukraine 🇺🇦

Getting the coach in an hour & will be straight on the cans. Can't wait 🍻

Got a feeling we might do them by a decent margin today. Just think all of the Abramovich stuff which came out last night may throw them off a bit. We'll certainly be in a better frame of mind, we're in better form and we're probably much fitter and better prepared. Be gutted for Jota if he's unable to start and play a big part as he's contributed so much to this cup run and is yet to win a major trophy in his career (I don't even think he's played in a major final). That being said Diaz has shown in the last few matches that he's more than capable of occupying a place in the front three.

Going to go 4-1 Liverpool. Up the reds!

Cannot wait for this game.

Days like today is what it's all about.

Can't wait for this one.
I'm in kings cross Travelodge, can anyone with any knowledge of London transport tell me which tube is best?

Can't wait for this one.
I'm in kings cross Travelodge, can anyone with any knowledge of London transport tell me which tube is best?

You can take the Met line to Wembley Park ( 20 mins ) then walk from there which is about 10mins

Can't wait for this one.
I'm in kings cross Travelodge, can anyone with any knowledge of London transport tell me which tube is best?

You can take the Met line to Wembley Park ( 20 mins ) then walk from there which is about 10mins

Thanks

I can’t cope with the sitting around waiting for ko, so working till 2:00 keep my mind off it and remain stable 😂

Good morning Reds everywhere, just woke up, no I don’t mean I’m more socially aware, from a sleep which was alcohol induced, so I’m nursing a bit of a hangover, fry up on the go, preceded with ice cold Irn Bru, feeling better already,…..

It’s here at last, a day out at Wemberlee, a day where we once again light up North London with our colour’s our flags & banners, where the swirling of red&white scarfs at the final whistle will be a sight to behold, belting out “You’ll never walk Alone” with the tears flowing with joy & happiness so looking forward to all those celebrations, a league cup final, A domestic cup final we haven’t had for a wee while, but the taste will be so sweet we will want more….


Our boys will be ready, not just fitness levels but mentally, Jürgen and his staff are specialists at preparation for these kind of games, big games where a win is the ultimate no matter what, everyone knows what their task is, everyone on the same wavelength, we work as a unit together as one, we are the mentality monsters, we know how to get things done, especially finals…

The X1 to start …..
                                      Kelleher
                        Trent   Matip   Virgil   Robbo
                          Hendo  Fabinho  Thiago
                             Salah  Mane  Diaz

       Bench;  Alisson, Konate, Kostas, Milner, Naby lad, Jones, Ox, Taki, Jota, Gomez, Divock


Much debate whether Konate plays with Virgil but as accomplished as Konate is, I think Matip is better suited, he gets my nod, big shout out to Kelleher, he must be absolutely buzzin, to play in a major final and more importantly knowing that he has Jürgen’s trust, that in itself will fill him with confidence, with Trent, Joel, Virgil & Robbo in front of him is extra special for him,

Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago are probably our strongest midfield trio, ably backed by Milner, Naby Ox, Jones, don’t think Harvey will feature, so plenty of options and trust, up top it’s possible Jota starts but given that he struggled to be fit I doubt Jürgen will throw him in at the start, so for me it will be Salah, Mane & Diaz, with Mane through the middle,

Five subs are allowed giving us extra options,  probably see Milner, Jota, Taki, & Divock, & Ox or Naby, bit of a lottery depending on how we’re doing?


Think it’ll be as tight as a Nun’s punanni with only one or two in it either way, however, I think at the moment we are flying and will take some beating, so I’m edging us to win it within 120, can’t see it going to pens but if it does, well I’m biased, 5-4 to us.



3-1 Mighty Redmen



                                                                            Y  N  W  A

Working today and then going to be rushing to the pub, come on reds!!

We’ve got more than them to win this, this afternoon…

Hopefully 1 of the first of 4 trophies for us this season…👍🏼

Jesus can't it be 4:30 already..absolutely buzzin. Rang my local to book my seat at the bar place will be rammed.

My wife's birthday dinner today and we've a table booked for 6pm.

37 weeks pregnant so I'm not wanting to cross her

Hopefully we've it sewn up by 5.45 when we have to leave and I don't need to sit on the phone until its over 🤣

My wife's birthday dinner today and we've a table booked for 6pm.

37 weeks pregnant so I'm not wanting to cross her

Hopefully we've it sewn up by 5.45 when we have to leave and I don't need to sit on the phone until its over 🤣

Good luck to you and your mrs pal

I know Kelleher will play but it is a cup final and we should put out our best players...

No debate for me Kelleher should and will start the game.

After that it's full strength for me and I include the skipper despite a poor season as last three games or so he's been back to approaching his best.

Kelleher

Trent     Matip     Virgil     Robertson

Fabinho

Henderson    Thiago

Salah         Mane         Diaz

My wife's birthday dinner today and we've a table booked for 6pm.

37 weeks pregnant so I'm not wanting to cross her

Hopefully we've it sewn up by 5.45 when we have to leave and I don't need to sit on the phone until its over 🤣

Well it’s all your fault mate, couldn’t keep it in yer pants could ye, tut tut, shame on ye ! What happened wis ye pissed or summit, don’t you know that all male Liverpool  fans are not allowed sex until August, and only in August after which we’re all wankers, that’s what everyone calls us, anyhoo you dirty man, you better hope the latest Red holds on for another 5 hours before making his debut, …

Anyhoo Happy Birthday to yer Missus, be nice to her, don’t get locking her in a cupboard for instance when the game’s on, you’ll pay for it later, trust me, all the best pal to you and especially your wife and the wee one, hope he/she hangs on.


Up the Reds




                                                                            Y  N  W  A

My wife's birthday dinner today and we've a table booked for 6pm.

37 weeks pregnant so I'm not wanting to cross her

Hopefully we've it sewn up by 5.45 when we have to leave and I don't need to sit on the phone until its over 🤣

If we go to extra time, hit the jacks pal, dont come out until its over, say you had a dose of the aul bobs and bits, something you ate, she cant have a go then lad

Well it’s all your fault mate, couldn’t keep it in yer pants could ye,






                                                                           

😂😂😂.....was it 9 months since Alis goal 🤔

Nerves kicking in now!

Nerves kicking in now!

None for me just buzzing for.it, too long since a cup final at Wembley

😂😂😂.....was it 9 months since Alis goal 🤔

 

Can’t be far off can it Brian, Hmmm ?

Gonna be a long few hours wait for this, been up since around 9:30 just watching the clock...

Gave away my ticket so being an armchair fan today.

C'mon Redmen let's smash these arseholes.

Gave away my ticket so being an armchair fan today.

C'mon Redmen let's smash these arseholes.

Hope that comes back to you down the line pal

Hope it's a good day for all reds today. Hoping Jürgen and the boys can do the business

Hope that comes back to you down the line pal

I'll be sound mate don't worry. Had already made a decision not to go, had both mine and my brothers seasies come up I was gonna tell my brother to take my nephew the match. So boxed someone from work who'd been asking me from start of season for any spares 

Paris or the run in for the league will be sound 

Gave away my ticket so being an armchair fan today.

C'mon Redmen let's smash these arseholes.

Nice touch… hope your nephew enjoys today & sings the Redmen to victory…

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1497899912587001857

Nice touch… hope your nephew enjoys today & sings the Redmen to victory…

He's not gone, only one ticket came up. My manager from work gone instead. A good long-standing Irish Red from Cork .

When it comes to finals, we don’t really do things the easy way. This century, a lot of our wins have come on pens, or we’ve won finals when we haven’t played particularly well (Arsenal in 2001, Tottenham in 2019). I’m not counting The Community Shield when it comes to this list.


2001
League Cup
1-1 vs Birmingham - won on pens

FA Cup
2-1 vs Arsenal in a smash and grab

UEFA Cup
5-4 win in extra time vs Alaves 

Super Cup
3-2 vs Bayern


2003
League Cup
2-0 vs Man United

2005
League Cup
3-2 loss in extra time vs Chelsea 

Champions League
3-3 vs Milan - won on pens (definitely didn’t do it the easy way here)

Super Cup
3-1 win in extra time against CSKA Moscow

Club World Cup
1-0 loss bs São Paulo


2006
FA Cup
3-3 vs West Ham - won on pens

2007
Champions League
2-1 loss vs Milan

2012
League Cup
2-2 vs Cardiff - won on pens

FA Cup
2-1 loss vs Chelsea

2016
League Cup
1-1 vs Man City - lost on pens

Europa League
3-1 loss vs Sevilla

2018
Champions League
3-1 loss vs Madrid

2019
Champions League
2-0 win vs Tottenham

Super Cup
2-2 vs Chelsea - won on pens

Club World Cup
1-0 win vs Flamengo


I’d like it to be a bit more straight forward today, but a trophy is a trophy, and winning one in dramatic circumstances is always fun.

I’m going to make a prediction: Bobby is out and Jota looks to be a doubt, so it might be time for Origi to step up once again. He will score from the bench in a 2-1 extra time win.

He's not gone, only one ticket came up. My manager from work gone instead. A good long-standing Irish Red from Cork .

Hope your gaffer remembers that when doing the year end review.

No debate for me Kelleher should and will start the game.

After that it's full strength for me and I include the skipper despite a poor season as last three games or so he's been back to approaching his best.

Kelleher

Trent     Matip     Virgil     Robertson

Fabinho

Henderson    Thiago

Salah         Mane         Diaz

I agree, but our top 3 scorers this competition have been Taki (4), Jota (3) and Divock (2), so they're the main reason we're in the final. Wonder if Jürgen will give any of them a start (assuming Jota is healthy).

I agree, but our top 3 scorers this competition have been Taki (4), Jota (3) and Divock (2), so they're the main reason we're in the final. Wonder if Jürgen will give any of them a start (assuming Jota is healthy).

Would add Naby to that without his introduction and Jota against Leicester we wouldn't be here . Expect Jota on bench along with others who will all start mid week

Would add Naby to that without his introduction and Jota against Leicester we wouldn't be here . Expect Jota on bench along with others who will all start mid week

Good point on Naby.

It will be interesting to see what the boss does. Still got another 30+ minutes before lineup gets released. The waiting sucks.

I agree, but our top 3 scorers this competition have been Taki (4), Jota (3) and Divock (2), so they're the main reason we're in the final. Wonder if Jürgen will give any of them a start (assuming Jota is healthy).

Great point actually.

Only reason I didn't include Jota to start was fitness.

Maybe Taki deserves a start as we in reflection.

I agree, but our top 3 scorers this competition have been Taki (4), Jota (3) and Divock (2), so they're the main reason we're in the final. Wonder if Jürgen will give any of them a start (assuming Jota is healthy).

Think we'd go as strong as possible despite Taki and Origi's goals that have gotten us this far. Chelsea will be full strength and that will be a vast step up in quality compared to what we've faced on the way the final.

Not ruling out either playing some part of the game, especially if Jota isn't ready but it's a final and given the opponent, there can't be any messing about. Starting Taki and/or Origi would be a massive downgrade on the ones they would be coming in for, but that said, if one of them was to start, it would almost certainly be Origi.

I agree, but our top 3 scorers this competition have been Taki (4), Jota (3) and Divock (2), so they're the main reason we're in the final. Wonder if Jürgen will give any of them a start (assuming Jota is healthy).

Nah - full strength, we haven’t won enough under Jürgen for how good we’ve been, don’t want to take anything for granted.

Nah - full strength, we haven’t won enough under Jürgen for how good we’ve been, don’t want to take anything for granted.

Not full strength though with Kelleher playing

Team…


https://twitter.com/anythinglfc_/status/1497953644632756226?s=21

This pre-match thread is now locked.

The Live Cup Final thread is here - https://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php/topic,52937.0.html