CHELSEA and Liverpool have been hoovering up trophies in recent seasons so it's fitting they face off for the first piece of English silverware this term in the Carabao Cup Final.
Both teams have been European and World champions in the last three years, with the Blues adding that missing global trophy to their cabinet just a couple of weeks ago.
But it's Liverpool who look most likely to reign in England's top flight this season, with a thumping 6-0 midweek win over Leeds cutting Manchester City's lead to just three points.
Chelsea are 10 points adrift of the Reds having played a game more but are now showing signs of getting back to their best.
They were impressive on Tuesday against Lille in the Champions League, with the 2-0 triumph bringing up my bet of a Chelsea win to nil.
Thomas Tuchel is struggling to get the best out of record signing Romelu Lukaku, with the big Belgian dropped in midweek after touching the ball just seven times against Crystal Palace.
So it will be interesting to see if Lukaku starts at Wembley as the Blues bid to deny Liverpool a first domestic cup triumph in a decade.
How the bookies view it
There isn't much between these sides but Liverpool have been in better form and that's why they are 8/11 favourites (William Hill) to lift the trophy with Chelsea as big as 6/5 with BoyleSports.
To finish the job inside 90 minutes, the Reds are 7/5 at Mansionbet while Tuchel's side are 27/11 at VBet. The draw at 90 minutes pays 23/10 at Bet365 and that might be the best option on the evidence of this season's head-to-head.
Recent head to head
Both meetings this season have ended in stalemates, with a 1-1 draw at Anfield followed by a 2-2 thriller at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea came from 2-0 down to level in a breathtaking first half (below).
There has been little between these teams of late, with the last 11 meetings producing four Liverpool wins, three Chelsea victories and four draws. But the Blues have held the edge in the domestic cups, winning their last three ties against the Anfield men.
Players to watch
Kai Havertz should start up front instead of Lukaku after scoring against Lille in midweek and the German has a habit of scoring in big games. He's 15/4 with Unibet for anytime scorer which looks pretty generous.
It's hard to look past red-hot Mo Salah for a Liverpool goal and the Egyptian is 7/4 for a goal at SportNation which looks terrific value given he's scored four goals in his last three games. Salah is also 15/4 at McBookie for an assist if you fancy longer odds.
Anything else catch the eye?
I'd be surprised if we saw a repeat of that Stamford Bridge thriller with Chelsea keeping clean sheets in three of their last four. Under 2.5 goals is just 5/7 at SBK but the half-time draw is better value at 21/20 with SportNation.
I'd expect Klopp's side to be on the front foot for most of the match so I like the look of Liverpool -1 in the corner handicap. That bet has landed in five of the last six meetings and pays 20/21 with BetVictor here.
With a cup up for grabs we could see some tasty challenges and that makes the card markets worth a look. Liverpool attack down the flanks and Blues full-back Cesar Azpilicueta looks overpriced for a card at 15/4 with Bet365.
This EFL Cup match between Chelsea and Liverpool will be played on Feb 27, 2022 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Chelsea vs Liverpool prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
Wish all the best