Steve McManaman states prediction for Liverpool v Man City

Steve McManaman believes Liverpool are capable of springing a surprise in the League Cup final on Sunday.

The Reds secured a morale-boosting 1-0 win against Augsburg in the Europa League on Thursday night as James Milner’s penalty secured their place in the last-16 draw.

If Liverpool can spring on them like they did last time then they can have some joy

Steve McManaman

Manchester City, meanwhile, were justified in their decision to rest their big names for their FA Cup defeat last Sunday as the Citizens were 3-1 winners in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in Kyiv on Wednesday night.

Former Liverpool and City midfielder McManaman talked up the Reds’s chances of winning a record ninth League Cup crown at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.

“Liverpool are suited to play on the counter attack like they did at the Etihad, and at Chelsea away earlier in the season,” McManaman told Liverpool Echo.

“They’re comfortable like that, rather than having the ball and having to break teams down and so on. They struggle with that.

“Manchester City, with the players they have, will play an expansive style, and Liverpool have to approach the game like they did at the Etihad; be nice and compact, and then when they see the chance to break and create go and do it.

“They were excellent in the Etihad, and City I think will play the same type of game. We know how they want to play, they’ll have the majority of possession, but if Liverpool can spring on them like they did last time then they can have some joy.”

Liverpool are in eighth place in the Premier League table and nine points behind Manchester City, who occupy the final Champions League qualifying spot.

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The Reds were 4-1 winners against City at the Etihad Stadium in their Premier League meeting earlier this season.