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| Good old Reina! That man knows how to party... |
16 years since they last visited Wembley, Liverpool this time have Cardiff waiting there for them. The Championship side took two of their games all the way to penalties in their road to Wembley with Liverpool winning outright in all of their games.
Cardiff's form isn't at it's best, not that this sort of thing tends to matter in finals but the Welsh side have only won 1 in their last 5 league games. Liverpool's run of form in the league isn't exactly any better, with 1 win out of their last 5 league games too. Liverpool have been successful in their two FA Cup games over this period though beating Manchester United and putting 6 past Brighton... Admittedly with some help.
For Cardiff they have doubts hanging over Stephen McPhail and their captain Mark Hudson will also be subject to a late decision on whether he'll make the start. Their goalkeeper however Tom Heaton is now fit and ready for the final.
For Liverpool there were worries over Craig Bellamy's fitness but the Welshman has had an injection and is expected to be utilised against his former side.
Dalglish i think must be congratulated on his tactics throughout this competition and also on his level of commitment to it. We knew at the start of the season this wasn't going to be a fantastic league campaign but we always had the aim of 4th, some managers would have used the League Cup to play their youngsters but Dalglish never did, he took this competition very seriously and his tactics and changes most notably in the two legs with Man City were nothing short of brilliant, i just hope the lads can go out there and finish off the job for him on Sunday.
Stat Sandwich
- Liverpool have scored in every one of their last 11 league cup games.
- This is Cardiff's first ever appearance in a League Cup final.
- Liverpool have beaten 3 Premier League sides, one Championship side and one League One side to get to Wembley.
I've managed to convince a mate to drive three of us up to Liverpool on Sunday to watch the match and I'm almost as excited about watching my first Liverpool final with some other Liverpool fans instead of alone as those of you who are lucky enough to be going to Wembley, i can guarantee it! Haha.
Of course on paper Liverpool are favourites but these things never go according to plan and going on Liverpool's last two wins in finals... Well we all know we don't make it easy for ourselves.
I think if Bellamy is fit enough to start then he should, he's a fantastic player for us and is exactly the sort of character you want in your side for a final. I'm also looking forward to another Suarez goal, after everything that has been going on, what a story it would be for Suarez to net one and get to lift a trophy with his Liverpool team mates.
The faces of Gerrard and Reina should it be a full time victory are also exciting me, i can already imagine Reina's celebrations...
I just hope and pray we do it, because we all know they can.
Enjoy the match folks!