So, the first piece of domestic silverware of the season/year is heading its way to Liverpool. Klopp’s kids came of age on the Wembley turf, beating Chelsea to secure the Reds’ 10th League Cup success.
Liverpool skipper, Virgil Van Dijk, the most senior head on the pitch nodding home at the dying embers of extra-time to clinch the Carabao Cup crown. Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino, looked a crushed man at the final whistle.
It is a third runners-up medal for the Argentinian during his time in English club football. The Blues also still have nothing to show for their billion-pound spending spree over the past couple of seasons.
Neither Klopp nor Poch have time to dwell on their success and failure though as further domestic Cup action looms large. The FA Cup resumes this coming week and both Liverpool and Chelsea are still in the mix.
For Liverpool it’s another chance to give their German managerial maestro the fondest of farewells before he departs. For Chelsea, it’s the last route to glory this season, with qualifying for Europe 2024/25 even looking a hard stretch now.
Embed from Getty ImagesCan Maidstone Conjure Up More Cup Magic?
The 8-game 5th Round schedule kicks off this Monday night with one of the most eagerly anticipated contests. Non-league Maidstone’s cup escapades continue the road as they travel to the CBS Arena to tackle Championship-outfit Coventry. The Stones from the National League South are the first 6th-tier team to reach the last-16 stage since Blyth Spartans in 1977-78. They will become the lowest-ranked side ever to reach the quarter-finals if they can perform another miracle.
Maidstone’s Cup journey started many moons ago. They beat Steyning Town from the Southern Combination Premier Division 4-1 in the 2nd Qualifying Round back in September. Two more away wins took them to the First Round proper where they were on the road again, and despatched 7th-tier Chesham.
They would first face higher-ranked opposition in the Second Round, beating League 2 Barrow on their own patch. Next came a home victory over League 1 Stevenage. It would be their 2-1 win over high-flying Championship Ipswich at Portman Road in the 4th Round, which would propel them into the nation’s hearts though.
Embed from Getty ImagesMaidstone boss George Elokobi has rightly received many plaudits for the way he’s managed the dazzling Cup run. He is aroused an amazing spirit at the Kent club and the supporters and players adore him. Will he have his troops primed and ready again? Maidstone’s defence have been impressive throughout their Cup campaign, conceding just three goals in seven games.
They know they cannot afford any sloppiness against Coventry. It’s been plain sailing for the Sky Blues in the FA Cup so far. Recording stress-free 6-2 and 4-1 home victories in the previous two rounds. Coventry’s 3-0 league reverse at the CBS Arena versus Preston on Friday night will have given Maidstone a lift though. It was Mark Robins side’s only second home defeat of the season.
Will The Big Guns Blast Into the Quarters?
The top-2 in the Premier League is still going strong and Pep and Klopp always have a glint in their eye when any silverware is up for grabs. Defending champions Man City, who are looking to become the first side since Arsenal (2015) to go back-to-back, travel to Luton on Tuesday night.
The Hatters have conceded 13 goals in their last four and should struggle to contain Pep’s posse. Liverpool entertain Southampton on Wednesday, just three days after their Carabao Cup success at Wembley. With Klopp’s injury list growing, he will need his wonder kids to shine brightly once again. A home tie at Anfield helps of course and the fact the Saints have lost 3 of their last four league matches.
Embed from Getty ImagesHow Will Chelsea React To Their Wembley Woes?
Like Liverpool, Chelsea, are back in Cup action, just three days after their Wembley encounter. One positive for Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues is that they are playing in front of their home faithful at Stamford Bridge. A negative though, is that a rampant Leeds Utd are the visitors.
Also Read: Bashir’s Heroics Put England in Control Against India
Daniel Farke’s Whites have won six on the bounce, the latest of those a stunning comeback win against Championship leaders, Leicester, on Friday night. They are also unbeaten in 2024. Will the raucous travelling Yorkshire fans heap further pressure on the Blues’ Argentinian boss?
The Full Fifth Round schedule:
MONDAY 26TH FEBRUARY
Coventry v Maidstone (live on ITV4)
TUESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY
Bournemouth v Leicester (live on BBC iPlayer)
Blackburn v Newcastle (live on BBC One)
Luton v Man City (live on ITV1)
WEDNESDAY 28TH FEBRUARY
Chelsea v Leeds (live on ITV4)
Nottm Forest v Man Utd (live on BBC One)
Wolves v Brighton (live on BBC iPlayer)
Liverpool v Southampton (live on ITV1)
Also Read:
The World’s Richest Horse Race – Who’s In The Sheikh-Up For Saudi Cup Honours?
Countdown To The 2024 Cheltenham Festival
Jurel, Kuldeep, And Ashwin Turn Momentum Around
World Superbikes – Will Jonathan Rea Grab a Super 7th?
Premier League Darts: Night 4 – Will Littler Be a Hit or a Miss?
Fran Kirby Withdraws from England Squad with Knee Injury
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
