Paul Merson warns Chelsea that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson can ‘wreak havoc’ in the Carabao Cup final if Liverpool target Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
Writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson believes the full-back battle will be key to who wins at Wembley on Sunday. The Reds travel to north London looking to lift their first EFL Cup since the 2011/12 term. The Blues, meanwhile, last won the competition in 2014/15.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have overcome opposition from Arsenal, Leicester City, Preston North End and Norwich City to reach the final. As for Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel’s team have beaten Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, Southampton and Aston Villa to reach the Wembley clash.
Alexander-Arnold has so far only featured in the Carabao Cup during Liverpool’s semi-final ties with Arsenal. Robertson, likewise, faced the Gunners, plus a cameo against Norwich in September. Azpilicueta faced Spurs and Brentford, while Alonso played all but against Villa.
Liverpool eliminated Arsenal from the Carabao Cup 2-0 on aggregate in the semis after a phenomenal performance from Alexander-Arnold. He provided both assists at the Emirates Stadium for the Reds to win the second-leg, including a stunning long ball for Diogo Jota.
Neither Robertson nor Azpilicueta have created a goal in the cup this season, while Alonso assisted once against Tottenham. The Spaniard has created four across all competitions, one more than Azpilicueta, eight fewer than Robertson and 12 less than Alexander-Arnold.
Merson tips Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold, Robertson to ‘wreak havoc’ vs Chelsea
Merson expects Alexander-Arnold and Robertson will enjoy chances to further stretch their records if Liverpool can pen Azpilicueta and Alonso back into Chelsea territory on Sunday.
“When it comes to the threat posed by Liverpool’s full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson can wreak havoc with the quality of their deliveries,” Merson wrote.
“If Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso get pinned back, the Liverpool pair will bend crosses into the box for their front three to feed on.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
