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Football London
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Rohan Jivan

Three ways Chelsea can line up against Liverpool as Thomas Tuchel faces Reece James dilemma

Chelsea are up against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in what looks set to be a mouthwatering contest between two high profile managers.

The Blues go into Sunday's high octane clash with significant confidence, following the club's 2-0 victory in the Champions League round of 16, first leg tie against Lille.

Both Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic added their names on the scoresheet, ensuring that the west Londoner now have a healthy lead going into the return fixture next month.

Meanwhile, their opponents Liverpool have been in scintillating form and are currently on a nine-game winning streak, with Jurgen Klopp's side's latest victory coming against Leeds at Anfield in what a devastating 6-0 drubbing.

In terms of potential team lineups, Thomas Tuchel delivered a promising update, stating that every player participated in the latest training session barring Ben Chilwell, who is ruled out for the rest of the season.

With this in mind, football.london takes a look at three possible ways the German winning manager could field his side in a way that gives them the best chances of clinching more silverware.

Reece James dilemma

A player who could feature on Sunday is dynamic fullback Reece James, with Tuchel stating that the 22-year-old has "looked brilliant in the last two training sessions".

The England wing-back has been sidelined ever since suffering a hamstring injury during the club's 1-1 Premier League draw against Brighton at Stamford Bridge back in December.

James was an integral cog to the way Tuchel's 3-4-3 system functioned in an attacking sense prior to picking up a significant knock.

An advocate of positional play, the former PSG manager regularly attacks with a front five and James was crucial to the quality of chances created from the right flank so it wouldn't be surprising at all if he was to start on Sunday.

James' potential inclusion to the side could result in Andreas Christensen being removed from the starting XI, with Cesar Azpilicueta moving into right centre back.

Option 1: (3-4-3) Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; James, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso; Ziyech, Havertz, Pulisic.

Jorginho's return

Italian international Jorginho was an unused substitute in the club's most recent game against Lille but there is the likelihood that Tuchel will bring the 30-year-old back into the team.

The former Napoli midfielder is a dividing figure amongst the Chelsea fan base, with some arguing that he is integral to the team in possession, whilst others believe he doesn't offer enough presence without the ball.

But given the fact that Jorginho is an important player for Tuchel, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him back in the fold along with Christensen retaining his place in the back three.

Option 2: (3-4-3) Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Ziyech, Havertz, Pulisic.

Lukaku's potential opportunity

Club record signing Romelu Lukaku has so far failed to meet fan expectations since joining the club back in the summer.

His latest display came in the west Londoners' 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace, where the Belgium international managed just seven touches in total over the course of ninety minutes.

But despite the fact that Kai Havertz delivered an impressive performance in last Tuesday's Champions League tie, notching the opener, Lukaku could be favoured because of how his physical profile is more suited in dealing with the physicality that Liverpool's two centre backs possess.

Option 3: (3-4-3) Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Ziyech, Lukaku, Pulisic.

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