Chelsea takes on Liverpool in the FA Cup final on Saturday afternoon in a game that both sides will be desperate to win. It is the second major trophy to be decided in England following the Carabao Cup, the final of which was completed by the same sides back in February.
Thomas Tuchel is looking to secure the fourth trophy of his spell as Chelsea manager today, while Jurgen Klopp will be eager to keep alive hopes of a historic quadruple. Chelsea were beaten in the final of last season's tournament as well, a Youri Tielemans screamer securing the famous cup for Leicester City.
The Blues do not have a good record at Wembley in recent years, also losing the final to Arsenal in 2020, so they will be hoping their luck is about to change if they are to avoid becoming the first team to ever lose three consecutive FA Cup finals.
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One aspect that could prove key in the final are substitutes. Tuchel sprung a couple of surprises with his starting line-up with Mateo Kovacic and Trevoh Chalobah among those to start, despite the former being a major injury doubt. In the Liverpool camp, a front three of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane have been chosen for the clash.
Both teams have benefited from substitutions throughout the season, and today will likely be the same. Unlike a Premier League game, however, both Tuchel and Klopp will be able to make five substitutes in the 90 minutes, as well as an added one if the game goes to extra time.
For Chelsea, it is a rule that will mean the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and N'Golo Kante all have an impact from the bench throughout the 90 minutes. It also increases the likelihood of Tuchel once again bringing Kepa Arrizabalaga off the bench in extra time if the game looks destined for penalties.
