Manchester City have already seen one route to Wembley dashed this season and could stumble at the semi-final hurdle in the Carling Cup.
City salvaged only pride on Sunday when beaten by rivals United in the FA Cup, they trailed 3-0 at halftime before rallying to within a goal of the Red Devils, and all of a sudden Roberto Mancini’s squad looks a little thin.
That defeat, having played for 80 minutes with ten men following Vincent Kompany’s controversial sending off, will have hurt against their near neighbours and the games are now coming thick and fast for the Italian and his troops.
The Premier League title is, quite clearly, City’s main target in 2012 and the feeling is that they might just take their eye of the ball against Liverpool over two legs.
With the first semi-final clash at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday the Reds will benefit from the final 90 minutes, or possibly more, being played at Anfield and at 2.30 to progress I take Kenny’s men to get the job done.
With Yaya and Kolo Toure both on African Cup of Nations duty, plus an injury list containing the likes of Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko and David Silva, City will be relying on their huge squad to deliver but Liverpool were able to rest key men against Oldham on Friday night and could well prove hard to beat.
A draw would certainly suit the visitors and, with their generally excellent away record this season, that is certainly not beyond them.
Beaten 3-0 in the corresponding Premier League fixture last month they might have been but Liverpool did have their chances in the first half of that clash and the score line flattered the table toppers.
A repeat of that outcome is unlikely and with excellent cup pedigree over the last decade it is the Merseysiders that are tipped to grace the final, despite the fact they will play both legs without the suspended Luis Suarez.
2pts Back Liverpool To Qualify (vs. Man City)