FA CUP; Chelsea vs Liverpool predicted starting XI; preview, prediction, team news, injury update and kickoff

FA CUP; Chelsea vs Liverpool predicted starting XI; preview, prediction, team news, injury update and kickoff

Liverpool’s hunt for a quadruple will be put to the test when they go toe-to-toe with Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

Preview

Just a few months ago, Liverpool defeated Thomas Tuchel’s side in the Carabao Cup final, with Kepa Arrizabalaga missing the 22nd spot-kick of the penalty shootout, sparking scenes of celebration in Wembley’s red end.

Liverpool FC (photo by Getty images)

After a 1-1 draw with Tottenham last weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s team has faltered in their pursuit of the Premier League crown, but with a Champions League final confrontation with Real Madrid at the end of the month, they will be eager to maintain their momentum.

Liverpool FA Cup form:

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Liverpool form (all competitions):

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Chelsea FA Cup form:

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Chelsea form (all competitions):

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Team news

Chelsea will be missing Reece James and Andreas Christensen, who are recovering from thigh and back ailments, respectively. While Ben Chilwell is having surgery to repair his ACL.

After suffering a knee injury against Aston Villa, Thiago Silva could return for Chelsea, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Timo Werner will miss out after testing positive for Covid-19.

Chelsea defeated Sheffield United 2-0 to advance to the semifinals of the FA Cup. (Photo by Getty Images)

Virgil Van Dijk, Fabinho, and Curtis Jones have all been cleared to return to training after testing positive for Covid-19.

Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino were not seen in training on Thursday, although their availability has not been confirmed.

Predicted Liverpool Starting XI (4-3-3): Alisson, Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Thiago, Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane, Mo Salah

Chelsea predicted starting XI:

Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Alonso; Mount; Havertz, Lukaku

Prediction; Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Kickoff; Saturday may 14, 16:45pm (WAT)