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This weekend provides us with a brief distraction from the tense Premier League title race. On Sunday, all attention will shift to the first domestic cup final of the season: that of the Capital One Cup. Liverpool will be gunning for their first silverware under Jürgen Klopp, while Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini may well be going for his last -- he's being replaced by Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. Both of these sides have been oddly erratic this season, and there really is no predicting how this one will turn out.
In theory, it's City who have the edge. The Citizens are considerably stronger on paper than their Merseyside opponents, and an attack comprising of Sergio Agüero, David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Yaya Touré is enough to terrify any defense. But having said that, they're rather weaker at the back than they should be, with Nicolás Otamendi having failed to impress, and captain Vincent Kompany struggling to stay fit for extended periods. There's no doubt that Liverpool have a good chance of winning this game.
Key player: Yaya Touré (Manchester City)
it's no coincidence that when Manchester City play well, Yaya Touré plays well; when City play badly, it's often because Touré's not pulling his weight. His aversion to defensive duties must be accommodated by Pellegrini; and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Ivorian continuing in an attacking midfield role at Wembley, with Fernando and Fernandinho providing cover in the defensive midfield areas. It seem this is the best way the Chilean coach can strike the all-important midfield balance.
Recent history
Liverpool have won their last two encounters with Manchester City, including a brilliant 4-1 victory away at the Etihad Stadium in November. Roberto Firmino turned in a man-of-the-match performance in that encounter, scoring a highly impressive brace. City have lost three of their last four competitive clashes with the Merseysiders, with their only victory in that run coming at home in August 2014.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Joe Gomez, Danny Ings (knee); Martin Škrtel, Joe Allen (hamstring). In doubt: Adam Lallana (calf); Dejan Lovren (illness); Jordan Rossiter (hamstring).
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Samir Nasri (hamstring); Fabian Delph (calf); Kevin De Bruyne (knee). In doubt: Wilfried Bony (calf); Jesús Navas (hamstring).
Liverpool still have a fairly lengthy injury list, but center back Škrtel is their only regular first-teamer on it. Nevertheless, Klopp will certainly be hoping to have the useful Lallana and Lovren back available.
City have no new additions to their injury list, which comprises of a creative midfield trio of Nasri, Delph and De Bruyne. However, backup striker Bony could be fit enough to make the bench, and winger Navas will also hope to be involved.
Match date/time: Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. local
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada); fuboTV (US); Sky Go (UK)