CC Final: Liverpool vs Cardiff: Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Liverpool face Championship side Cardiff City on Sunday as they compete for the Carling Cup at Wembley.

The Merseysiders have now gone six years without any silverware with their last taste of success being an FA Cup win over West Ham in 2006.

This game represents Liverpool’s first appearance at the new Wembley Stadium, while this will be Cardiff’s fourth time of at the famous ground.

Team news

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has almost a fully fit squad to choose from with only long-term injury victim Lucas Leiva missing. Craig Bellamy returns to face his boyhood side after recovering from a small back complaint.

The big decision for Dalglish will be whether to start Andy Carroll up front alongside Luis Suarez after the pair impressed during last weeks 6-1 win over Brighton in the FA Cup.

It’s likely though that the Scot will choose to go with Suarez up top supported by Bellamy and either Downing or Kuyt, with Carroll on the bench.

Daniel Agger should come back in for Jamie Carragher after being rested last week while Jay Spearing could get the nod over Jordan Henderson in midfield.

Cardiff have doubts over Mark Hudson and Stephen McPhail with both unlikely to be risked in such an important game, and may only make the bench.

Tom Heaton is also struggling with an ankle injury with David Marshall ready to step in should he miss out.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Liverpool are obviously strong favourites for the game but Kenny Dalglish will be mindful of what happened to Arsenal in last years Carling Cup final, where they lost in the final minute to Birmingham City. So no doubt Dalglish will be pointing to that game to ensure his players are fully focused and not taking the opposition too lightly.

The Reds should win this one despite a spirited performance from Cardiff. Liverpool 2-0 Cardiff.

What are your thoughts on the game? Please leave your opinions in the comments section below…