‘Chelsea will win this battle if…’ Paul Merson gives Carabao Cup final prediction

Paul Merson has given his prediction for the Carabao Cup final clash between Chelsea and Liverpool on Sunday.

Many pundits have given their prediction for this game, but Paul Merson believes there are a lot of probabilities that’ll make the game swing either way.

The Gunners legend has backed Chelsea to win the tie, only if Liverpool injury problems continue until the D Day at Wembley.

“I’m more confident for Chelsea’s chances than I was after the Liverpool game when they lost 4-1 at Anfield in January,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“It all depends on who is fit for Liverpool – if Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones are fit, it is a different story. If they aren’t fit, I think it is a heads-or-tails football match.

“If they are fit, especially Salah, and Curtis Jones – he is playing well and brings out the best in Alexis Mac Allister because he has the legs in the team – that would just swing it Liverpool’s way.

“But if they don’t play, it is a funny old game, football. Three or four weeks ago, you are thinking Chelsea don’t have much chance after being blown away at Anfield.

“Now all of a sudden, Chelsea are playing half-decent at the right time. Second half at Palace, they did well and at Man City the other day. For me, they are just playing well at the right time and I think they have a good balance.

“If Curtis Jones isn’t fit, then I think Chelsea win that midfield battle.”

Chelsea play Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday at the Wembley Stadium.