Carling Cup 
/ Michael Lintorn / 24 January 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Kenny Dalglish has twice beaten Man City twice since returning to Anfield
"Manchester City are without a victory in nine trips to Anfield and a 1-0 away first-leg lead has been converted on six of the seven occasions that it has been achieved at this stage in the competition."
Michael Lintorn expects Manchester City to exit their third competition in 50 days when fighting to overturn a 0-1 Carling Cup semi-final deficit at Anfield...
Liverpool v Man City, Wednesday 19:45 BST, Sky Sports 1, Match odds: Liverpool [2.7], Man City [2.82], The Draw [3.55]
This writer finds much to fault in terms of Kenny Dalglish's performance since returning to Liverpool, including his transfer dealings - for which Damien Comolli is also culpable - points dropped to lowly clubs, inconsistent criticism of officials and handling of the Luis Suarez affair.
One area in which he has consistently delivered in his second stint however is in getting the best out of his players in big-match environments, which is perhaps why he took the unusual step of publicly berating them after Saturday's 3-1 defeat away to Bolton.
Under Dalglish, the Reds have won two and drawn another of their four meetings with Manchester City, gone three for three against Chelsea and beaten both Manchester United and Arsenal.
And though their record at Anfield has been attacked because of the frequency with which they are held by less expensively assembled squads, they have only actually lost once in 24 games there, and require just a draw to vindicate odds of [1.41] on them qualifying.
The Opta stats give Liverpool fans plenty of reason to be optimistic, noting that Manchester City are without a victory in nine trips to Anfield and revealing that a 1-0 away first-leg lead has been converted on six of the seven occasions that it has been achieved at this stage in the competition.
Further cause for confidence is provided by the fact that, at the time of writing (ahead of the Cardiff v Crystal Palace decider), the last six semi-final second legs have all been won by the hosts.
Roberto Mancini's side - seen off by Manchester United at this point two years ago - have claimed only two wins in seven on their travels - both 1-0. And with Mario Balotelli expected to start a four-match ban for an alleged stamp on Scott Parker, [2.7] looks a hefty price on Liverpool enjoying a seventh successive cup triumph.
A Steven Gerrard penalty was all that separated the teams in the initial tie as the Premier League leaders struggled to create clear-cut chances and Liverpool defended strongly, bucking the recent tendency for this fixture to produce over 2.5 goals.
A clash between the two at Anfield is even less likely to be high scoring, with the Reds themselves managing to net more than once there just twice in nine games, and one of those against Oldham.
Seven of their last eight there facing top-flight opponents have featured two goals or fewer and with Dalglish no doubt prepared to again put plenty of bodies between Pepe Reina and Sergio Aguero and co, under 2.5 goals appeals at [1.83].
Having fired in every domestic encounter prior to their Boxing Day draw at West Brom, Manchester City have been shut out in two of their last three on the road, striking once in their last 358 minutes (almost six hours) of away action. Liverpool are [2.9] to add to that frustration.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ [1.83]
Other Recommended Bet: Liverpool to keep a clean sheet @ [2.9]
Cardiff knocked out Crystal Palace on penalties but are far from being favourites on Betfair's Carling Cup winner market, despite being the only team guaranteed a place in the final....
A 1-0 defeat at Selhurst Park leaves Cardiff with it all to do in the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final, but Michael Lintorn thinks they will deliver......
There are rumours that Liverpool are about to purchase one of the most hyped stars in the Football League, in the process weakening a side who they might face at Wembley......
No comments:
Post a Comment