Carabao Cup Final Preview – Chelsea vs Walsall
Sunday 2 March 2053, Wembley Stadium
Chelsea vs Walsall 
It’s football’s ultimate mismatch — on paper. England’s richest, most dominant club. Versus a third-tier team with a 14th-place domestic position, modest facilities, and a home ground that seats fewer people than Chelsea’s season ticket list.
But matches aren’t played on spreadsheets. They’re played on grass — or, in Wembley’s case, a synthetic mix. And this Sunday, Walsall will walk out under the arch to face Chelsea in the 2053 Carabao Cup Final, with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Chelsea: The Empire Machine
Managed by the steely Romanian tactician Calin Dimario, Chelsea have been ruthless this season — top of the Premier League by 12 points, unbeaten in the Carabao Cup, and still active in Europe. They’ve won 36 league titles and 28 Champions Leagues. Their last domestic cup final? Just last year. Their trophy room? Overflowing.
The Drogba Arena side comes into this final as overwhelming favourites. Led by star names like Joby Holwell, Johnny Jenkins, Pele, and Netanel Sahar, Chelsea field a team worth nearly £1 billion. Their captain Holwell is on £250,000 a week — more than Walsall’s entire squad combined.
“We respect every opponent,” Dimario told reporters. “But we also expect to win.”
Walsall: The Giant-Killing Dream
By contrast, Walsall sit mid-table in Sky Bet League One. They’ve never won a top-level trophy. Their squad features players like David Clark, Paul Anderson, and Ant Agius, who played non-league football just five years ago.
Yet under the radar and under the lights, Walsall have stunned Fulham, Middlesbrough, and most recently Premier League Bournemouth to earn their place at Wembley.
“It’s a miracle,” said Jaud Machochi, the 20-year-old midfielder who bagged a goal and assist in the semi-final second leg. “But we’re not here to swap shirts — we’re here to win.”
Manager Beaux Stratful, a club legend and local lad, has galvanised a fanbase of just 6,464 season ticket holders into daring to dream.
Player to Watch – Chelsea: Netanel Sahar
Quick, lethal, and born for finals. The Israeli striker has scored 8 in the competition, including a brace against Man City in the semi-final first leg. Wembley turf suits him — and Walsall’s back line will need a plan.
Player to Watch – Walsall: Ant Agius
He’s got a rocket for a left foot and scored in both legs of the semi. Agius, 25, is Walsall’s talisman and free-kick specialist. If they win, he’ll need to do something magical.
What the Fans Say
Dave, Walsall season ticket holder: “I’ve followed this club for 40 years. I never thought I’d see us at Wembley again, let alone against Chelsea. They’ve got space rockets. We’ve got a minibus. But we believe.”
Leila, Chelsea fan from Hounslow: “Honestly? We should smash them. But I remember Barnsley. I remember Bradford. You never know with cups.”
Head-to-Head
- Last Meeting: None in recent memory. This is a first.
- Finals Experience: Chelsea have played 42 domestic finals. Walsall have played 0.
- Budget: Chelsea’s wage bill is 82x higher than Walsall’s.
How They Got Here
Chelsea brushed aside City with a 6–1 aggregate semi-final win. Their road included wins over Man Utd, QPR, and Wolves.
Walsall edged past Bournemouth with a 5–3 aggregate win, after a 1–1 first leg and a heroic 4–2 comeback at home.
Prediction
The betting markets have Chelsea 1/20 to lift the trophy. But Walsall have heart, a bit of quality, and absolutely no pressure.
Football’s funny like that.
Kickoff is 2 March 2053 at Wembley Stadium. 90,000 expected. One ball. Two dreams.