Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already confirmed backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will start the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

However, despite the talented Irishman being given a show of faith for the showpiece event at Wembley, Klopp may opt for a more experienced lineup elsewhere.

Having previously fielded a mixture of youth and rotated squad players to reach this stage, the German has some big calls to make against a well-drilled Chelsea outfit.

Perhaps the biggest discussion will come over who should be given the nod in midfield, with Fabinho all but a shoo-in, there are at least six players vying for the two remaining spaces.

Previously Klopp has turned to at least one of Harvey Elliott, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to offer additional dynamism in the midfield, but this occasion calls for a more ‘been there and done it’ selection.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has amassed 518 career outings and taken the Reds to Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup glory.

Meanwhile, Thiago boasts a glittering, trophy-laden career as well as winning a plethora of individual awards along the way. Including being named Man of the Match for Bayern Munich in the Champions League final victory in 2019/20.

That big game expereince could prove pivotal to lift ensure we see the shuffle…

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Coming out on top of the midfield battle can be so important to win any game, let alone a final.

Fielding a trio of Fabinho, Henderson and Thiago gives Liverpool the ideal balance and the upper hand against the likes of N’Golo Kane, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount or Jorginho.

Plus, should the game call for an injection of pace or creativity with five substitutes in normal time to use, introducing Elliott, Keita, Jones or indeed Oxlade-Chamberlain from the bench could be a masterstroke.

Predicted XI: Caoimhin Kelleher; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago; Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane.

Subs: Alisson, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, Naby Keita, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Diogo Jota, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi, James Milner.

Should Jordan Henderson Start Against Chelsea?

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