Liverpool FC v Manchester City FC – Cup Final Preview
The day has finally arrived. After triumphing over Carlisle Utd., Bournemouth, Southampton and Stoke City, Liverpool have made it to the Capital One League Cup final. They meet Manchester City tomorrow afternoon in what is sure to be an enthralling encounter.Jürgen Klopp will have, in his first season as Liverpool manager, the experience of leading his team out at Wembley. The home of English football. Hopefully, this will be the first time of many. To smell the expectancy that will greet him as he walks out onto the hallowed turf. A chance for his side to win their ninth League Cup and their first major trophy since the 2011-12 season.
Of the many talking points, a notable one will surely be, the performance of ex-Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling. He will be seeking vindication for pushing through his controversial transfer at the end of last season. Like many Reds fans, I’ll be hoping the team plays well enough to win, and show the 21 year-old what a huge mistake he made in leaving.
This could be a major coup for Liverpool. Considering how badly they’ve played on occasion, reaching the final shows that they can perform when it matters. Tomorrow will be one such time. When it matters. Stuffing Southampton 6-1 in their own back yard, only to struggle to overcome a resolute Stoke side – eventually winning on penalties – really sums up this team. Blowing hot and cold doesn’t come close.
There isn’t much to go on in terms of history. As far as I’ve seen, the two teams have never met on neutral ground, so this will be a first in that respect. Of the other previous meetings, Liverpool have actually won 50% of them compared to 25% going to Citeh. Even over the last five meetings, the team in Red have won three and lost two. In the last League Cup meeting between them – the Mancunians lost. Thus, at least the histrionics give LFC the edge. So much for history, but what about tomorrow’s team selection?
According to physioroom.com, there should be a number of players returning from injury. Dejan Lovren has recovered from his illness – whatever that was. Adam Lallana, Joe Allen and Martin Skrtel are all down as being available again tomorrow. As to whether they’ll play or not is, of course, another question. Of all of them I believe Martin Skrtel is the only one that one would expect to come straight back into the side – regardless if it’s merited or not.
Overall, I think most of the squad that faced FC Augsburg in the week will get the nod. A couple of the youngsters that were on the bench on Thursday will probably make way for Lallana and Skrtel or Kolo Touré. Having said that, I’d like to see both Brad Smith and Joao Teixeira retain their places and even play an active part at some point. Both of them have plenty to offer the team so it’d be a shame if they missed out.
My starting line up would be a 4-3-3 structure consisting of: Simon Mignolet between the sticks. Ahead of him, Nathaniel Clyne, Skrtel or Touré beside Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno. Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, and James Milner in central midfield, supporting an attacking trio of Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. This has got to be the strongest 11 Liverpool have at this time. The 11 with the most goals in it, and the 11 that, in my opinion have that ‘spark’, that can make something happen when required. The 11 that can have the beating of Sterling and company – or is that Kompany? Either way, I can’t see Klopp differing too much.
A win would be a massive boost for the players, the club and the fans. In recent years, Liverpool has flattered to deceive. One outstanding performance has been followed by an insipid display that simply beggared belief. This is the chance for this team to make something happen. The chance for the team to be able to say they’ve contributed more to LFC’s history than annoying the fans every other week. Above all, a win would signify that there is a nucleus of something stirring at Anfield.
In his pre-match press conference Klopp said that “…You will see, in the game, that we really want to win this”. The 48 year-old went on to say that he has some really nice pictures in his head. Let’s be honest, without tempting fate, we all have. Me, you, the players, the rest of the supporters around the world will have the same thing. At 4:30 PM tomorrow it has to stop. Get behind the team and make them come to fruition. To quote him: “There’s absolutely no reason in this moment to have a doubt or something because… Everything is possible”. YNWA.
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