Liverpool duo absolutely crucial to winning the 2024 Carabao Cup final

Heading into the 2024 Carabao Cup final, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will be sweating a little bit as he considers the depth of his current options.

His players responded brilliantly to going 1-0 down to Luton Town on Wednesday evening ultimately winning the game 4-1 to ensure they will remain top of the Premier League this weekend.

However, it was another gruelling game that took a lot out of his already depleted side. Harvey Elliott had to be helped to his feet by Conor Bradley at full-time after a tirelessly excellent performance.

Throughout the 90 minutes, he was the most outstanding player on the pitch and became the first player this season to create seven big chances from open play in a single game in the Premier League. Without Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, the 20-year-old was needed to find that spark.

And boy, did he!

Elliott also rounded out the scoring with a powerfully accurate shot into the top left corner in the 90th minute.

Assuming Liverpool cannot select Salah and Nunez, Klopp is going to need his entire starting lineup to fire on all cylinders if the Reds are to lift the Carabao Cup trophy again.

Harvey Elliott and Luis Diaz will be Liverpool's most important players at Wembley on Sunday

It's hard to decide between Diaz and Elliott for who will be the most important player for Liverpool on Sunday. The match will likely be end-to-end given the injury-savaged nature of both squads this season and Klopp will need his attacking players to salvage any chances to score they can.

Given Liverpool have gone to penalties in the EFL Cup final more times than any other team (6), they need to be particularly aware of the looming threat of extra time and a penalty shoot-out.

Given Elliott now holds the record for most open play chances created in the Premier League this season, he will be a player the Reds turn to for creativity on the biggest stage.

He completed his 100th match in all competitions for Liverpool on Wednesday and could mark the start of his next century of games with a trophy.

Meanwhile, Diaz will be required to provide the pace and width in attack on the break. Suppose Nunez and Salah are unable to play, with Diogo Jota certain to miss the clash with a medial ligament tear. In that case, the Colombian winger will be relied on at times to make the difference.

Cody Gakpo is a fantastic player as well and after scoring against Luton along with Diaz and Elliott, he will be feeling confident ahead of the final.

The omens suggest Liverpool will lift the 2024 Carabao Cup trophy but Chelsea are showing signs of resurgence under Mauricio Pochettino.