'In his pocket' - Romelu Lukaku backed for bench in Carabao Cup final because of Liverpool star

Pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor expects Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku to miss out on starting the Carabao Cup final on Sunday due to previous performances against Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

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The Belgium international featured in just one of the Premier League meetings between the two sides this season as he started the 1-1 draw at Anfield back in August.

A big question for Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is who starts in attack against the Reds this weekend.

Lukaku was rested for their win over Lille in the Champions League midweek but Agbonlahor believes Tuchel may stick with Kai Havertz for the final.

“I don’t see Lukaku starting on Sunday because he’s been very poor against Van Dijk whenever he’s played against him," the former Aston Villa forward told talkSPORT.

"Van Dijk has had him in his pocket, so I think he’ll try mix it up and play Havertz again on Sunday."

Tuchel explained his decision to drop Lukaku to the bench for their Champions League clash on Tuesday night.

"Romelu is not only physically tired but mentally tired," he told reporters in his post-match press conference.

"Since the Liverpool game, he has started every match for us and played some extra time. It is like this.

"Today we went for three other players