Key battles that may determine the outcome of Chelsea vs Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final

This Sunday's Carabao Cup final will see Chelsea and Liverpool clash at Wembley Stadium to win the season's first silverware.

Previously, Liverpool secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Chelsea but much has transpired since then. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's manager, doesn't view his team as the favourites for this match, hinting at the shift in both teams' form in the past weeks.

Liverpool has been hit hard by injuries while Chelsea, undefeated in their last three games, recently showcased arguably their best performance of the season by drawing 1-1 against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Based on these dynamics, an exciting match is expected. The outcome of the Carabao Cup could hinge on who emerges victoriously from five key clashes on the field.

Multiple injuries to Liverpool's squad, including Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, and the sure absence of Diogo Jota, means Luis Diaz, the Colombian winger, could be the anchor of Liverpool's attack at Wembley.

Diaz is expected to play on his preferred left side against the in-form Malo Gusto of Chelsea. Gusto, who recently outperformed Manchester City's Jeremy Doku, will need to replicate his performance against Diaz to secure a win for Chelsea.

Diaz will need to monitor Gusto's offensive moves and not neglect his defensive responsibilities.

Chelsea's performance lagged all across the board in their previous game against Liverpool, with the midfield underperforming significantly. Moises Caicedo was particularly criticised, but Enzo Fernandez's disappointing performance was perhaps more concerning.

However, Fernandez's game has significantly improved since that match. Whether it's down to a tactical adjustment or a physical change as Mauricio Pochettino suggests, he now has an opportunity to alter his image against international teammate Alexis Mac Allister.

Mac Allister, a commendable acquisition for Liverpool, will have his work cut out for him, with Curtis Jones definitely out and Dominik Szoboszlai possibly missing even a spot on the bench pending a fitness test.

Despite Nunuez's absence, Nicolas Jackson's chaotic and unpredictable playing style could cause trouble. Jackson's inconsistency harks back to the Uruguayan's performance last season.

Jackson will face strong opposition from Virgil van Dijk, one of the top defenders in the game. Van Dijk will aim to not make the same mistakes against Jackson that Manchester City did.

If van Dijk succeeds in containing Jackson, Chelsea's offensive game could stumble.

It's remarkable what six months can do to a team. During the summer, Chelsea beat Liverpool to sign Moises Caicedo for £115m while Liverpool spent £16m on Wataru Endo, a lesser-known, ageing midfielder. Liverpool stooped to becoming a social-media joke with their 'panic buy'.

However, midway through the season, the situation has reversed. Endo has evolved into a formidable defensive midfielder, providing the presence that Caicedo was expected to bring, at a fraction of the cost.

Endo will aim to maintain simplicity, regain possession and support his creative teammates, whereas Caicedo's role will be more versatile. The player who best executes his role could be key to winning the trophy.

Chelsea will rely on their standout player of the season, Cole Palmer, to secure this victory.

Palmer, who has been playing on the right, will face Andy Robertson, a player who must prevent Palmer from getting into his groove. If Robertson can shut Palmer down, it could be a game-changer for Liverpool.

On the defensive, Palmer isn't known for helping out, giving Robertson some room to launch an attack or a potent cross or two.