Liverpool 4/9 to qualify for Wembley

Liverpool are 4/9 to qualify for Wembley when they host Manchester City in their second leg Carling Cup semi-final this evening. The Reds take a goal advantage into tonight’s match but with City having a squad full of creative flair and talent, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish knows his side must be on the top of their game if they are going to make their first Wembley final since 1996.

The good news for all Liverpool fans is that they have only lost one of their last 24 home games in all competitions (won 13 and drawn 10) and haven’t been beaten by City in nine games at Anfield. It’s 8/5 (William Hill) for Liverpool to win in 90 minutes (7/4 Manchester City and 12/5 Draw) and 15/2 that they once again overcome Manchester City 1-0.

The three previous games that these two sides have battled out in all competitions this season have been full of action with two red cards, two penalties scored and six goals. Tonight’s match looks like it could be another fiery affair as both sides will be desperate to make Wembley. It’s 10/3 (William Hill) that a player gets sent off and 18/1 (BlueSq) that both sides see a player sent for an early bath.

One football betting market that will surely be popular is the total goals in the match. It’s 5/6 (Stan James) for there to be under 2.5 goals in the match and with two of their three fixtures this season containing under three goals, the 5/6 could be a profitable bet. Another market that could see a return is the both teams to score betting. Liverpool have conceded exactly one goal in nine of their last 12 home games and with City having one of the best attacking options in world football, the 5/6 available with Ladbrokes for both teams to score looks another interesting betting option.

Previous Meetings 2011/12 Season

11th Jan 2012 - Carling Cup semi-final 1st leg – Manchester City 0-1 Liverpool
3rd Jan 2012 - Premier League – Manchester City 3-0 Liverpool
27th Nov 2011 – Premier League – Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

Team News

Liverpool

After losing out to Bolton at the weekend Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is guaranteed to make some changes. Jay Spearing is expected to return to the squad having missed the Liverpool’s last two matches with a hamstring problem and winger Stuart Downing could be recalled to the starting XI after being dropped to the bench against Bolton. Luis Suarez is still banned for the Reds so Dalglish will have to weigh-up the option of playing Craig Bellamy for the second time inside four days or to start with Andy Carroll as a lone striker.

Manchester City

City are still without captain Vincent Kompany as he serves his last game of his four match ban so that could see Stefan Savic keep his place in the team. Mario Balotelli is also expected to be banned unless City decides to appeal his four-match suspension by 6pm this evening. The only other players that City will be without are Yaya Toure and Kolo Toure as both players are away on international duty.

Carling Cup Outright Betting

With Cardiff City waiting in the wings both sides will be eager to qualify and add to their impressive trophy haul. It’s 8/11 (Sky Bet) that Liverpool go on to lift their eighth Carling Cup title with City 5/2 (BetVictor). Cardiff are the outsiders of the three at 9/2.

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