Carling Cup Final Preview: Liverpool v Cardiff (4pm KO, Live on Sky Sports 1)

Liverpool are a top priced 9/20 to beat Cardiff in 90 minutes and land their first piece of silverware for six years, but the Welsh side will be no pushover in what promises to be a hard fought clash.

The 18-time English league champions, whose last trophies came in 2006 with victories in the FA Cup and Community Shield, go into the game on a high after thrashing of Brighton 6-1 in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Kenny Dalglish’s side have overcome the likes of Chelsea and Man City to reach the final, while Championship side Cardiff have had a much easier run.

Malky Mackay’s side have beaten Oxford United, Huddersfield Town, Leicester City, Burnley, Blackburn and Crystal Palace on the way to Wembley but are a decent outfit who are likely to battle hard and make it hard for the Merseysiders.

However they need to leave behind their recent form having won just one of the 5 games, and that makes Liverpool look worthy odds-on shots for glory.

Craig Bellamy has been outstanding for Liverpool this season and having had injections to ease his back problems will be keen to make a start against his former club.

He is a tremendous player to have at your disposal in big games, and is sure to cause the Cardiff back-line all sorts of problems if given the green light by Dalglish to be involved from the off.

If he does make the starting X1 then the standout 6/1 with BetVictor about him netting the opener looks worthy of a wager.

I fancy Liverpool to edge it 2-1 in normal time, and that is a 17/2 shot with Hills.

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