For Liverpool fans, the wait is finally over. The Reds face the might of Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City at Wembley in the Capital One Cup final on Sunday, looking to win their first piece of silverware since 2012.
For Liverpool, it is a matter of ensuring participation in the Europa League next season. The Reds were expected to perform much better after former Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp was brought in, but it seems that the players have taken some time to adjust to his methods. Some experts have said that Klopp himself is getting used to management in England, and that he needs to change his training techniques to prevent his players from getting injured.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will be looking to win as many trophies as possible in Manuel Pellegrini’s last season at the club. The Chilean has conducted himself with a lot of dignity — before and after Pep Guardiola’s appointment was made official — and commands a lot of respect from the players and the media alike.
Lineups
Liverpool
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Mignolet; Moreno, Sakho, Lucas, Clyne; Can, Henderson, Milner; Coutinho, Firmino, Sturridge.
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Caballero; Clichy, Kompany, Otamendi, Sagna; Fernando, Fernandinho; Silva, Toure, Sterling; Aguero.
Key Stats
- Manchester City have conceded at least one goal in each of their League Cup matches this season.
- Liverpool, on the other hand, have conceded just three goals in their last five matches in the League Cup.
- Despite their vulnerability in defence, Manchester City have found the back of the net 18 times in their last five League Cup matches.
- Liverpool have scored exactly half that number of goals in their last five matches in the competition.
Prediction
Liverpool 2-3 Manchester City
With both managers preferring an attacking style of football, we might be in for quite an exciting match on Sunday. Manchester City will likely have the lion’s share of possession, but Liverpool’s gegenpressing could cause the Citizens some trouble in this match. However, Pellegrini’s men will be keen for revenge, and have enough of an attacking threat to outscore Liverpool.
Odds (Paddy Power)
Liverpool: 2/1
Draw: 12/5
Manchester City: 11/8