@Matkafee Chelsea vs. Liverpool EFL Cup Final Betting Preview - 2/27

For the first time in forever, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City won't be adding this piece of silverware to their ever growing trophy case. Dispatched in penalties by West Ham in the Round of 16, their defense was ended before it could properly begin. So, for the first time in five years a new club will be lifting the EFL cup. Sunday’s final will be contested between the five time winners Chelsea and the eight time winners Liverpool.

When handicapping this match I believe we must start by looking at the managers. Thomas Tuchel, although pragmatic, has been a serial winner and will be keen to claim his first domestic trophy in England.

Jurgen Klopp has never put much stock in this competition, using it mostly as an opportunity to rotate his squad while focusing on the bigger competitions. Neither manager is under any pressure but if you asked me who needs it more, I’d have to say it's the Chelsea boss.

Both clubs are in form and enjoying long unbeaten runs. Winning a mid-season trophy and continuing momentum into the business end of the season is important. Tuchel will be faced with some difficult decisions with his squad selection. Does he name an unchanged eleven from the team that defeated Lille on Tuesday? Lukaku, Werner and Mount will all be pushing for a role from the start and these are big calls for the German boss.

Klopp’s only decision to make is whether to start Diogo Jota or the new boy Luis Diaz up top with Mane and Salah.

Cup finals are usually cagey, low scoring affairs and both premier league matches between these clubs ended in a draw. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if this went to penalties to decide the winner. This final is so difficult to call and for these reasons I’m passing on the 90-minute result.

My bet for the EFL Cup final is for Liverpool to win the cup at -154.