Jamie Carragher still backs Liverpool to edge Chelsea in next Sunday’s Carabao Cup final – even after the Blues picked up a shock point against Manchester City.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side did both Liverpool and Arsenal a solid on Saturday as his side held City to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad, stunting a winning run that hadn’t seen Pep Guardiola drop a point in the league since December 16.
The result keeps Liverpool four points clear of City at the top of the table, while Arsenal sit just two points adrift of top spot after thrashing Burnley 5-0.
For Chelsea, it acts as a timely confidence booster ahead of next weekend’s shot at silverware, taking on the Reds for Carabao Cup glory.
But despite their uptick in form, Anfield legend Carragher is sticking firm on his belief that Liverpool will reign supreme at Wembley.
“Chelsea had to take something from the game into the cup final. You had to build some belief,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.
“Playing away at Man City is a tougher game than playing Liverpool at Wembley. Liverpool’s injuries as well, I think it will be a tight game. I think Liverpool will just have the edge.”
Carragher follows the suit of many in predicting that the finale will be a closely-fought contest, despite the rift between the two sides in the table.
This largely goes off precedent – Liverpool’s last two domestic finals have come against Chelsea, and both were decided on penalties after goalless draws were played out.
Reds fans will hope their side can emulate their recent performance against the Blues, which saw surging prospect Conor Bradley score and bag two assists in a 4-1 romping at Anfield.
The final takes place on Sunday February 25, with kick-off at Wembley scheduled for 3pm.