Liverpool midfielder Fabinho believes that the Reds must stop N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic from having an impact on the game at Wembley this evening.

The two Chelsea stars played an influential role in helping Thomas Tuchel’s side come from 2-0 down in the league match at Stamford Bridge last month, and Fabinho says the Reds must win the battle in the middle of the park to ensure victory in the Carabao Cup final:

“I remember our last game against Chelsea – the midfield was really important. I remember Kovacic scored a really nice goal and he and Kante played a good game. We did well too. We had to keep pressing them and they kept the ball well and moved it from side to side, so we had to work really hard.”

“I think on Sunday it’ll be similar. We have to work hard, to try and press them and recover the ball, and with the ball to create spaces and make chances.”

Kovacic did pick up an injury in the win against Lille midweek and, while he is expected to be available for the clash tonight, it remains to be seen how fit the Croatian international actually is.

When it comes to Kante, his threat is obvious. The Blues will be relying on him in midfield, and it will be up to the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to handle the French World Cup winner better than the last time the two teams met.