Probable Lineups
4-2-3-1
4-2-3-1
Probable Lineups Statistical Comparison
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in Carling Cup.
Missing Players
Liverpool
Man City
Player | Reason | Status |
---|---|---|
Lucas Leiva | Out | |
Jack Robinson | Out | |
Luis Suárez | Out | |
Jay Spearing | Doubtful |
Player | Reason | Status |
---|---|---|
Vincent Kompany | Out | |
Mario Balotelli | Out | |
Yaya Touré | Out | |
Kolo Touré | Out |
Team News
Liverpool
Man City
- Liverpool could field a similar side to the one that overcame City at Anfield a fortnight ago. Their only new worry since then is that Jay Spearing is a doubt in central midfield, but Charlie Adam could always play alongside Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard in there.
- Stewart Downing did not start at Bolton at the weekend so could come back into the lineup here, while Dirk Kuyt will be hopeful of a starting berth if Dalglish decides to rest Bellamy, who played the full 90 on Saturday.
- Lucas, Robinson and Suarez remain unavailable.
- The main news for City is that Mario Balotelli is facing a 4-game suspension for stamping on the head of Scott Parker in the victory over Tottenham at the weekend. The action was missed by referee Howard Webb, who has now admitted he would have sent the Italian off had he seen it, and the FA are set to impose a retrospective ban. However, if City decide to appeal against the ban, Balotelli would be available here ahead of a hearing sometime next week.
- Captain Vincent Kompany will serve the final game of the 4-match suspension he was given for the straight red he received against United in the FA Cup.
- The Toure brothers are away at the African Cup of Nations.
- It will be interesting to see how many changes Mancini makes as he has been complaining about his squad being too thin in certain areas and will need to rest some of those who played against Spurs. However, City are a goal down from the first leg and will need to be on top form to overturn that score-line here.
0-0 sounds about right to me. Liverpool will do anything to get some silverware this season and after the weekend will have a point to prove. Their defence certainly looks more solid
It'll be interesting to see whether Mancini wants to fully concentrate on the league this year, or push for all the silverware they can. They're never going to play a weakened side (as they don't have one!)but they might rest some key players
mancini keeps compaining about the lack of midfielders he has. anyone care to explain that to me? not many teams can bring in johnson and de jong when nthey want
I cannot believe Mancini will keep faith in Savic again tonight... Surely Richards to drop into the middle!?
Both teams have some very important players out at the moment, but I think City could suffer at the hands of the Kop and a Liverpool team in dire need of a big performance. 1-0 reds
1-1 draw seems about right.