The European championships are in full swing. On the agenda this weekend are three fixtures of particular interest. Chelsea and Liverpool contest the Carabao Cup final. In Germany, Bayern Munich (2nd) host RB Leipzig (5th).
Chelsea-Liverpool: the perfect opportunity for the Blues
Chelsea and Liverpool will meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday February 25 (3pm GMT). A golden opportunity for the Blues to salvage part of their complicated season. Despite investing heavily last summer, the London club is still struggling to get off the ground. Nicolas Jackson and company have alternated between good and bad form since the start of the season. They are currently 10th in the Premier League.
Winning this final would do them a world of good. "We need to win this trophy for ourselves and for the fans, because they expect a lot from this team. This trophy can be important for everyone for the rest of the season and for the club," said Malo Gusto in comments relayed by Standard Sport.
And the Blues have what it takes
Their latest performance against Manchester City (1-1) on the previous matchday of the league campaign is a case in point. Mauricio Pochettino's men upset the English and European champions.In this double-header with the Citizens, they picked up two precious points. This latest performance could inspire Mauricio Pochettino's men against the Reds, who are in disconcerting form.
Liverpool are certainly one of the most buoyant teams in Europe at the moment. Liverpool have been league leaders for several weeks now. In their last 15 matches, the Reds have lost just once (to Arsenal 3-1). They have won 3 of their last 3 outings, scoring 11 goals and conceding just 3. This just goes to show the strength of Jürgen Kloop's team, who have been without Mohamed Salah for several matches now.
The Egyptian striker, who returned to action against Brentford (1-4), was forced to withdraw for the following match against Luton Town (4-1). The club continues to monitor his condition, as well as that of Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai. Three important players in the Reds squad who could make their return against the Blues.The German coach will certainly need them.
Bayern Munich, win to stay alive
Bayern Munich are having a tough time of it.Reigning German champions, the Bavarians (2nd) are being dropped in the league by Bayer Leverkusen (1st). The latter defeated Mainz (2-1) on Friday, February 23. This relegated Bayern to 11 points with a game in hand. The Bavarians are also on a run of 3 consecutive defeats in all competitions. This has certainly prompted the club to announce the departure of Thomas Tuchel. The German coach will no longer be at the helm of the team next season. Which just goes to show the club's current situation when they take on RB Leipzig this Saturday, February 24 (17:30 GMT).
A team aiming for the top 3. Leipzig recently lost the Champions League to Real Madrid (0-1), but managed to bounce back very quickly. Amadou Haïdara and company beat Borussia Mönchengladbach (2-0). A victory that could inspire them against a less inspired Bayern Munich.
