Plenty is at stake when Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City meet Liverpool this evening with the Capital One trophy up for grabs at Wembley.
While the match is thousands of miles away from the UAE, City fans can watch the action unfold on the big screen at the Sky Blue Fan Zone, at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City.
Open from 20:00 ahead of the 20:30 kick-off, it promises to be an intriguing final in London.
City coach, Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping to end his final season with a trophy, while his opposite number Jurgen Klopp can win his first English silverware.
Fans will be in for a treat with a wide array of talent on the pitch.
Pellegrini can call on his stars – skipper Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling, who are all expected to play at the iconic stadium.
His side booked their berth after a hard-fought 4-3 aggregate semi-final victory over Everton, having knocked out Hull City, Crystal Palace and Sunderland in the earlier rounds.
Their opponents will certainly provide a stern test for a City side, who last lifted the trophy in 2014.
Liverpool have many happy memories of winning this competition, having triumphed eight times. But they’ve not tasted success since 2012 after defeating Cardiff City on penalties.
It was the same method saw them qualify for this year’s final after beating Stoke City at Anfield having overcome Bournemouth, Southampton and Carlisle.
Ready for action: Man City
Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge will be among the players in Liverpool’s starting 11 and given the extraordinary talent on the pitch, it’s very likely there will be goals with both sides finding the back of the net in each match during the last eight meetings.
Given the significance of the match, City goalkeeper Joe Hart has urged Sky Blue fans to turn up in numbers and show their support.
He said: “We are a club that is growing all the time and it’s a really important we are always competing for trophies and titles each season.
“The players are aware of the growing fan base from around the world and it’s great to see this support really happening in Abu Dhabi with the game screening and the City Football Schools.”
“This is something we can all be proud of and we are always thankful to the fans for their support.”
What: Manchester City v Liverpool screening of Capital One Cup final.
When: Sunday. Open from 20:00, kick-off at 20:30
Where: Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.skybluenewsuae.com.
