Liverpool could target and exploit Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso during today’s FA Cup final, says pundit Paul Merson for Sportskeeda.
Merson actually thinks that Chelsea will win the cup at Wembley and end Liverpool’s hopes of the quadruple, which ha been talked about all season.
But he has highlighted Alonso as a player the Reds can exploit, especially with Mo Salah potentially keen to make a point against his old club.
Chelsea and Liverpool went toe to toe in February’s EFL Cup final, when the game somehow finished 0-0 despite a host of chances at both ends.
Liverpool could target Alonso
“Marcus Alonso has produced some big moments for Chelsea over the years, but he is a player Liverpool could target,” said Merson.
“If I’m being honest, he has no interest in defending, but he plays his own little game and can hurt Jurgen Klopp’s side while going forward, so he’ll be one to watch out for.
“When I first thought about this game, I was inkling towards a draw, but I fancy Chelsea to win it 2-1 as Fabinho’s absence swings the game in the Blues’ favour.
“The Carabao Cup final ended 0-0, but the amount of chances created on the night was absolutely mindblowing. Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool.”
Liverpool have not been at their best lately, but have been getting results, while Chelsea have kind of drifted since their Champions League exit.
If this is anything like the EFL Cup final, we are in for a treat and it remains to be seen what both managers learn from that game and put into practice here.
Alonso could have a say at either end, and Antonio Rudiger will come over and help him out against Salah, and tends to do well against the former Blues man.