Liverpool's next generation can help Klopp kick his cup hoodoo in Chelsea clash

There are very few accolades that have managed to evade Jurgen Klopp's grasp during his reign at Liverpool.

Klopp has guided the Reds to European glory and ended Liverpool's agonising 30-year wait for a domestic crown during his premiership.

But the Carabao Cup is one prize that has alluded the German, who will be bidding to end that hoodoo during Sunday's showdown with Chelsea.

Klopp has failed to replicate Liverpool's success in Europe when it comes to England's knockout competitions.

More often than not during Klopp's reign, the Premier League and Champions League have both been prioritised over the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.

That's nothing new for the Premier League's big-hitters, with the trend of fielding weakened sides in cup competitions a feature in England long before Klopp arrived on Merseyside.

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Klopp has already confirmed that he's set to make changes for Sunday's showdown with Chelsea at Wembley, including a start for back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher - and it's Kelleher and the Reds' next generation who can finally bring Klopp some fortune in his bid to clinch a showpiece win at Wembley.

The Irish shot-stopper has been called on a handful of times this year and has not looked out of place when deputising for Alisson Becker.

Kelleher's impressive displays in the competition is the primary reason behind Klopp shunning his usual first-choice goalkeeper for the clash with Chelsea.

However, Kelleher is unlikely to be the only young gun Klopp calls upon in a bid to taste success at Wembley for the first time.

Harvey Elliott has emerged as a first-team player after a stunning stint on loan at Blackburn Rovers last year and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get the nod in midfield.

Despite suffering a horrific ankle injury earlier this season, Elliott has been one of the biggest success stories at Anfield this term.

The likes of Kelleher and Elliott may be regarded as the future at Anfield, but their impressive performances this year have indicated that the Reds' next generation is ready to shine sooner rather than later.

At 25, Luis Diaz may be slightly older than Kelleher and Elliott, but he's also very much a big part of the Reds' future plans.

If anyone looks ready to be unshackled ahead of schedule, it's the Colombian magician - and it's hard to imagine Klopp not thrusting his shiny, new £37million toy straight into Sunday's big game.

Chelsea have found some form in recent weeks but they still haven't managed to rediscover the swagger that had them neck-and-neck with Liverpool and Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League earlier in the season.

While Chelsea have faltered, Liverpool have kicked it up a gear.

And the side's youngsters have been a huge factor in that, with the likes of Kelleher and Elliott more than earning their crack at playing for silverware under the famous arch.

That's not in any doubt - and Klopp's faith in the Reds next generation should see him rewarded with a long-awaited Wembley triumph on Sunday.