Liverpool vs Man City: Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield for their Carling Cup second leg tonight holding a 1-0 advantage after Steven Gerrard sealed a vital away win last week.

The victors know a clash with Cardiff awaits them in the final at Wembley, after the Welsh club beat fellow Championship side Crystal Palace in a penalty shootout last night.

Neither side will have a better chance for silverware this season and Kenny Dalglish will know he has a golden opportunity to end Liverpool’s six year wait for a trophy.

Team News

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is likely to make changes following Saturday’s disappointing display against Bolton. Jay Spearing could come back into midfield after recovering from injury while Stewart Downing may also be in line for a recall after being dropped against Bolton, Henderson and Maxi are likely to make way.

Dirk Kuyt may also come in for the out-of-form Andy Carroll up front.

City are yet to confirm (at the time of writing) whether they will appeal the FA charge imposed on striker Mario Balotelli. If they accept, the Italian will be suspended for tonights game. However, should the Blues decide to appeal, Balotelli will be available to play.

Roberto Mancini must also make do without captain Vincent Kompany who serves the final game of his four-match ban, so Savic will continue to play alongside Lescott at the back.

Brothers Kolo and Yaya Toure are also unavailable due to their participation in the African Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast. Nigel De Jong has struggled to establish himself this year so James Milner is likely to continue in midfield with Gareth Barry.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Liverpool have been poor at home this season drawing far too many games, although the majority of those results have come against lower league opposition, and the Anfield crowd should ensure the players are up for this one. It’s likely to be an edgy game with both sides giving little away. I can see another home draw for Liverpool here, but one that takes them to Wembley. 1-1 draw but City will push them all the way.

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