Why Wolves will be hoping Liverpool lift the Carabao Cup in Sunday’s final against Chelsea.
There are two massive games on Sunday that should concern Wolves fans. Firstly, Gary O’Neil’s side face Sheffield United at Molineux looking to get revenge for the earlier defeat against the Blades this season.
Another game which could have a massive impact on Wolves’ campaign is the Carabao Cup final.
Liverpool face Chelsea in a bid to win their first trophy of the season. The Reds go into the tie as favourites as Jurgen Klopp begins his farewell tour.
However, Wolves will be hoping that Liverpool continue their fine form and lift the trophy as a Chelsea victory could effect Wolves’ season.
Chelsea cup victory could have implications for Wolves
O’Neil has got Wolves really ticking at the moment. Preseason predictions of relegation have all but been eradicated with the side currently sitting 11th in the table.
This form has now put Wolves just three points off seventh place which could give them a European spot at the end of the season.
However, Chelsea, who Wolves are also competing against for Europe could automatically take this spot. The winner of the Carabao Cup automatically qualifies for the Europa Conference League. Therefore, if Chelsea wins the cup on Sunday and Wolves finish seventh and above them in the league, they will not qualify for Europe.
If Liverpool were to win the cup, this would not affect Wolves if they do finish seventh. The Reds are highly unlikely to finish seventh and will probably qualify for the Champions League. This means that the Europa Conference League spot in the league will remain.
Wolves have actually been victims of this before. Back in the 2019/20 season, the club finished seventh in the Premier League once again but didn’t qualify for Europe. This was because Arsenal beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final while finishing below Wolves. Therefore, the Gunners were awarded the European spot.
Wolves in Europe is very much possible
While it may be unlikely that Wolves do finish seventh it is possible. VAR has cost Wolves points multiple times this season which could have seen O’Neil’s side already sitting seventh.
A Chelsea cup victory would all but rule out a European run for Wolves next season unless they somehow win the FA Cup, finish sixth or the Blues finish sixth or higher.
It is much safer to hope Liverpool get the job done on Sunday and allow fans to dream about European football for a bit longer.