Sky Sports pundit says it’s “game on” in the Carabao Cup final | OneFootball

Gary Neville believes Chelsea’s performance at The Etihad on Saturday evening has given the Blues a ‘real chance’ of beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Sunday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men are currently on a three match unbeaten run following up 3-1 wins away at Aston Villa and Crystal Palace with a deserved point against the defending champions.

Opponents Liverpool recorded a thumping 4-1 victory away at Brentford to stay top of the league but it did come at a potentially hefty price.

The Reds lost Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones during the victory in West London with Alisson Becker and Trent Alexander-Arnold already out.

Neville believes this weekends fixtures have played out well for the Stamford Bridge outfit and they have a ‘real chance’ of winning a first domestic trophy since 2018.

Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast the 48 year old said: “Liverpool are favourites next week, let’s be clear, but Chelsea have a real chance.”

“What they showed yesterday is that when a team push up the pitch, which Liverpool do, they can counter-attack and be really dangerous.”

“I think it suits Chelsea. Jackson needs space to run into, Sterling needs space to run into, Palmer likes to deliver passes into space. I think Chelsea find it harder like they did against Crystal Palace the other night that sit with ten on the edge of the box.”

“I think it’s game on. I’m really looking forward to it. Liverpool will know they’re in for a game.”

Chelsea will be looking to return to winning ways at Wembley having lost their last five Wembley finals  including both domestic cup finals on penalties against Liverpool in 2022.