Salah and Nunez fit? How Liverpool could line up vs Chelsea in Carabao Cup final predicted

The first piece of silverware of the season in 2023/24 is almost upon us, with the Carabao Cup on Sunday.

Though traditionally the least cared about of the available trophies, it is still a trophy nonetheless — and one that has added significance for Liverpool this year.

Not only are the Reds are looking to extend their record to ten League Cup titles, but a win would represent one competition ticked off as Jurgen Klopp's men chase down an unprecedented quadruple this season.

However, whatever happens in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League, the Carabao Cup on its own is a huge opportunity to make history for the club, lifelong memories for fans and secure glory for Klopp as we approach the final weeks of the manager's illustrious era at Anfield.

Liverpool are the favourites going into the Wembley showdown, with big-spending opponents Chelsea struggling to find any footing in terms of consistency this season.

The Reds also saw off Mauricio Pochettino's side 4-1 as recently as last month, while they've won their last two finals against the Blues.

Those two meetings (in the 2022 FA Cup and Carabao Cup) ended in penalty shootouts, however, and with key personnel missing for Liverpool this time around, this final is unlikely to be as straightforward as the Premier League encounter in January.

Here's how Liverpool could line up for the Carabao Cup final on 25 February.

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Klopp had already revealed his intention to keep faith in Caoimhin Kelleher for the showdown with Chelsea, regardless of Alisson Becker's fitness, with the Irishman now set for his second Carabao Cup final.

After the semi-final win over Fulham, the manager told reporters: "Caoihm is a top, top goalie and when Ali is fit, then he doesn’t have a lot of games, I want to give him desperately the opportunity to play.

"This competition I told Ali before the season, two years ago actually…that’s how it works."

While that decision is already made, the biggest defensive issue for Klopp comes at right back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out of the final with a knee injury.

20-year-old Conor Bradley is likely to deputise following his superb showings since the start of the year, not least his Man of the Match display against Chelsea in January.

Joe Gomez is another option, though the youngster appears more likely to get the nod as long as he's fit.

Virgil van Dijk will lead the team out for his first final as captain, while Ibrahima Konate should be paired with him.

With Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas fit again, as well as Gomez, Klopp has options on the left, but the Scotsman could be the one to start.

Midfield

Along with Alexander-Arnold, the biggest absences for Liverpool ahead of the trip to Wembley are in midfield with Curtis Jones unavailable and Dominik Szoboszlai a major doubt.

Szoboszlai has suffered an injury setback with the recurrence of a hamstring complaint. Meanwhile, Jones took a heavy blow to the ankle in Saturday's win over Brentford and left the Gtech Community Stadium on crutches.

While Jones is officially out of contention for the final, there is a chance Szoboszlai could feature, though a bench role appears more likely at this stage.

Their absences would be a blow, with both players establishing themselves as first-choice in Klopp's engine room this season.

Harvey Elliott, after a standout displays against Burnley and Luton, is in prime position to take over the right-sided berth in midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister, so often used in the holding role could be pushed forward to compensate for Jones' loss on the left, leaving Wataru Endo at the base of the three.

With Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic also injured, Ryan Gravenberch is the only other fit and available senior midfield option, though youngsters Bobby Clark and James McConnell could also be on the bench.

Attack

The return of Mohamed Salah is up in the air, with the Egyptian left out of the win over Luton with an issue, following his goalscoring return against Brentford.

Should Salah be available, fitness may also determine the choice of the other two in attack.

Diogo Jota was another injury casualty from the win at Brentford, while there are concerns over Darwin Nuñez after he too was forced to skip the win over Luton.

On Friday, Pep Lijnders revealed there is a chance that the Uruguayan, along with Salah, could still make the final.

If he's fit, Nuñez, who hit the woodwork a record four time the last time Liverpool played Chelsea, is the most likely to start up front. His chaotic energy and ability to keep on creating chances likely gives him the edge in big games such as this.

Luis Diaz, who has two goals and an assist in six games against the Blues, is set to continue on the left, with Cody Gakpo left as an impact option from the bench.

The Dutchman is Liverpool's top scorer in the Carabao Cup this season with four.

Predicted Liverpool starting XI vs Chelsea

(4-3-3): Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nuñez, Diaz