4 months ago
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Chelsea are gearing up for the most important clash in years as they prepare for the Carabao Cup final with Liverpool.
Unfortunately, Mauricio Pochettino has less-than a full catalog of stars to choose from.
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Victory over Jurgen Klopp's side would ensure that the Blues are playing European football next term, with the winner of the Wembley clash guaranteed a spot in the play-off round of the Europa Conference League.
While Liverpool have loftier ambitions, Chelsea's poor form in the Premier League means that European qualification could be tricky through the Premier League.
Success in the FA Cup would also see them back in continental competition, but there's no underestimating the importance of the Carabao Cup final in determining the direction of travel for the west Londoners.
Naming a side to get the job done will not be easy for Pochettino though, so who could he select? talkSPORT.com takes a look...
With the Wembley clash less than two weeks away, Chelsea are facing the prospect of being without a number of key stars, most notably in defence.
Reece James, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are long-term absentees, however Pochettino's defensive options took an even bigger blow during recent days.
Chelsea's 3-1 win over Aston Villa was great for their FA Cup prospects, but not so good for Benoit Badiashile who was forced off with 10 minutes remaining due to a hamstring injury.
Things got even worse in the victory over Crystal Palace with the same scoreline, as Malo Gusto and Thiago Silva hobbled off.
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Silva appeared to be holding his groin after blocking a shot, as he made his way off to be replaced by Levi Colwill.
As for Gusto, he also hobbled off with Pochettino suggesting that his withdrawal was due to 'tiredness'.
Old footage shows Enzo Fernandez replicating his celebration at Benfica leaving Chelsea fans unsure about recent full-time gesture
With the right-back likely to be okay, it means that he could join Axel Disasi, Colwill and Ben Chilwell in a back four in front of Djorde Petrovic.
Chelsea's midfield trio is really starting to take shape with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher finding form and a goalscoring touch in recent weeks.
That will be particularly useful in supporting the Blues' attack who have struggled for end-product.
Nicolas Jackson has returned from AFCON and will be hoping to play a big role after starting against both Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
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Cole Palmer is undroppable right after scoring 14 goals and providing nine assists.
Chelsea's need for a centre forward is clear for all to see, but Christopher Nkunku could be the answer.
The French forward has scored twice in eight games as he looks to build up his fitness following a serious knee injury, a tally that will be encouraging - particularly given that one of those efforts came against the Reds at the end of January.
But with that game ending 4-1, Nkunku will be desperate to ensure that Chelsea's day ends with a much more favorable scoreline under the Wembley arch.
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