German tacticians go head to head at Wembley – Carabao Cup final talking points

Chelsea’s much-vaunted defence will take on Liverpool’s free-scoring attack in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the major talking points ahead of the Wembley showdown.

Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel have faced each other 17 times in management. Liverpool’s boss boasts nine victories, with Tuchel prevailing just three times. Klopp has so far been unable to get the better of Tuchel in England however. Tuchel has led Chelsea to one win and two draws against Liverpool. Both Premier League encounters this season have ended honours even. First Chelsea’s 10 men battled to a creditable 1-1 draw at Anfield in August, before the Blues hit back from the brink to snatch a 2-2 result at Stamford Bridge in January. Both encounters this season have proved open, attacking and entertaining contests. Should Sunday’s final follow suit, the Wembley crowd will be treated to a tussle fit to decide the destination of a major trophy.

Liverpool’s decorated recent run under Klopp has pushed the League Cup down the Reds’ priority pecking order. But Manchester City’s Premier League dominance this season leaves the Carabao Cup as a bigger target, even if the title race is back on. City’s shock loss to Tottenham has put Liverpool back in the Premier League hunt, but that will not mean any focus is lost on Sunday. This is the Reds’ first chance to lift something tangible this season, and Klopp and company will not intend to waste it. The FA Cup and Champions League are still possibilities, but no one of an Anfield persuasion will want to let this trophy tilt pass by.

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku continues to fight for fluency and rhythm at Chelsea, following his club-record £98million summer switch from Inter Milan. The