Talking Tactics: Thomas has the magic Tuch but Klopp can end his run

Jurgen Klopp has yet to beat a Chelsea side managed by Thomas Tuchel, with two draws and a defeat since his fellow German arrived at Stamford Bridge.  

He will be looking to bring that unwanted record to an end today as Liverpool bid to win the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. 

Ahead of the mouth-watering showdown, we take a look at what Klopp's Reds must do to lift the trophy for the first time since 2012, when it was known as the Carling Cup.

The midfield battle

In the Premier League encounter between the teams last month, Liverpool let a 2-0 lead slip. 

They were coasting after half-hour and appeared to be well on the way to three points. Then, in the space of four minutes before the break, the hosts hit back with goals from Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic. 

A key reason behind the collapse was Liverpool's lack of control in the middle third as a relentless Chelsea did not allow their midfielders time to get their foot on the ball.

Kovacic, 27, dominated that game and even without his stunning goal, it was a man of the match display.

In previous league clashes, N’Golo Kante had been the one running the show, while Mason Mount also impressed at Anfield last season as the Blues won 1-0.

No matter who starts in midfield for Chelsea later today, Klopp must ensure his team control the middle of the park. 

Dictate the tempo

Liverpool have struggled to impose themselves on proceedings against Tuchel’s side and have been unable to play their usual game.

When they first met this term back in August, Reece James was sent off just before the break but Chelsea controlled the space in the second half.

Liverpool had plenty of the ball but it was sterile possession against a determined and well organised 10 men. 

At Stamford Bridge, the Reds had just 45% of the ball and struggled to pin the hosts. 

Klopp’s side usually wear the opposition down but they need to dictate the tempo to do that. 

That is why Thiago Alcantara could have an instrumental role in the final.

The Spanish playmaker, 30, has been almost flawless in his last few outings for Liverpool and the goals have been flowing as a result.

Set piece stand-off

Liverpool have scored 15 goals from set-pieces in the league this term, while Chelsea have racked up a commendable 10. 

And recently, Klopp’s men have used corners to great effect. 

Virgil van Dijk netted against Norwich from a corner, while Roberto Firmino opened the scoring against Inter Milan in a similar manner. 

Fabinho also bundled home a corner to win the game against Burnley and Diogo Jota converted another from close range against Leicester. 

Chelsea have had their fair share of joy from corners as well this season. 

Kai Havertz scored at Anfield with a looping header in what was a rehearsed corner-kick routine and the German attacker also scored against Lille in midweek in the Champions League clash, heading home a Hakim Ziyech delivery. 

There will be talent galore on display at the national stadium but do not be surprised if it requires a set-piece to break the deadlock.

Isolate Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku had a game to forget against Crystal Palace last Saturday — he was barely involved, touching the ball just twice in the opening 45 minutes.

The Belgian was then benched for the 2-0 win against Lille but is expected to regain his place in Tuchel’s starting XI today. 

At Anfield earlier this season, Lukaku was comfortably handled by Joel Matip and Van Dijk. 

If the defensive duo are as aggressive as they were in that fixture, Chelsea's No9 could end up isolated and frustrated. 

If the Blues are not able to make the ball stick in the final third, they will struggle to sustain attacks and it will help Liverpool control the tempo and the space. 

That will be a key battle to look out for.

Keep a lid on it

Klopp's emotion on the touchline is one of the reasons he has been so successful — but there needs to be a balance. 

Tuchel is the complete opposite. He is a meticulous planner and a shrewd tactician but, ironically, emotion could get the better of him. 

He was in Klopp’s shadow for a number of years and was viewed as his apprentice. 

Though he is now his own man, beating the coach he is so often compared to would be a statement. 

Christian Heidel, former technical director at Mainz, spoke about an incident from when Tuchel was in charge there to provide some insight into the rivalry between the two bosses.

He said: "I was saying that we, as a club, had to be a bit more engaging with our public. 

"Then a phrase slipped out and I said:, 'When Kloppo [Klopp] was here..'. At that, Thomas let rip and shouted at me. 

"What was I thinking? The conversation was over in that moment. And I thought, ‘Oops! I’ve obviously hit on a sore point’. 

"He was really upset. That’s where the rivalry with Klopp stems from."

Regardless of how the match plays out, you can guarantee both Klopp and Tuchel will be as animated as ever on the touchline. 

So expect fireworks as the Reds bid to down the European and world champions to lift the first domestic cup of the season.