Liverpool vs Manchester City: Capital One Cup final preview

Sport360 staff 10:51 28/02/2016
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  • Both sides boost an array of attacking talent in their ranks.

    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has the chance to win silverware in his first season in charge at Anfield at Wembley on Sunday while Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping to complete his Manchester City managerial career with another trophy to his name.

    The Kop club have not won a trophy since securing the Capital One Cup in 2012 while City last got their hands on silverware in 2014, when they won the league and league cup double.

    Sport360.com analyse the key battles on and off the pitch and get the views of club legends on the Wembley showdown.

    Three key battles

    Klopp and Pellegrini go head-to-head at Wembley on Sunday.

    Klopp and Pellegrini go head-to-head at Wembley on Sunday.

    Klopp had Pellegrini’s number in the 4-1 win as City’s defence was dismantled. One needs a trophy the other a morale boost.

    Sergio Aguero and Daniel Sturridge could provide the key for both sides in front of goal.

    Sergio Aguero and Daniel Sturridge could provide the key for both sides in front of goal.

    This match will be won or lost in this box office clash. Sturridge is the Reds’ only genuine goalscorer while Aguero is on fire.

    Playmakers Silva and Coutinho could be the key creators for both sides.

    Playmakers Silva and Coutinho will be the creators-in-chief for both sides.

    Coutinho is often the dagger in City hearts and ran the show in November. Silva, though, has returned to form after injury.

    What the legends say 

    Manchester City legends Shaun Goater and Mike Summerbee have their say on the Wembley showdown.

    Manchester City legends Shaun Goater and Mike Summerbee have their say on the Wembley dual.

    GOATER:

    It’s a bit out there but I think City are wounded animals so I’m going with 4-1.

    It’s a big shout but I really think City are wounded from the recent result against Tottenham, the league defeat by Liverpool and the questions about whether they are playing for Pellegrini.

    At the end of the day, these players want to do it for themselves and for City, so I’m going with a big win.

    SUMMERBEE:

    It’s a very, very important trophy. You can feel the atmosphere is different when you win it.

    I always look at it as an old pro. Never take anything for granted.

    People have come to me and said ‘you’ll beat them’ and I say ‘no, it’s a tough game’. I have great respect for Liverpool and great respect for their manager, as well.

    It’ll be a bit of a spectacle as well, a very entertaining, attacking game.

    Kop idols Steven Gerrard and John Barnes make their predictions.

    Kop idols Steven Gerrard and John Barnes make their predictions.

    GERRARD: 

    I believe they (Liverpool) will do it. They have an extra element which will make a massive difference: Jurgen Klopp.

    They have the players to hurt the City defence – Roberto Firmino,Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge can do some damage.

    City’s weakness is in defence, especially if Vincent Kompany is not 100 per cent, or if Joe Hart is not selected over Willy Cabellero.

    BARNES:

    It’s Liverpool’s best chance for a trophy in Jurgen Klopp’s first year.

    It’s always nice to win silverware and we’re here in the final so let’s give it a good go. I think it will be a high-scoring game because they are two good attacking teams so I’m going to go for a 3-2 win for Liverpool.

    Likely line-ups

    Liverpool-Manchester-City-Football

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