Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's League Cup final between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley! It is the first piece of silverware up for grabs this season, and both managers will have their different reasons for being desperate to grab hold of it. It promises to be a cracking contest between two of English football's biggest sides, who always serve up goals when they meet. We have a bumper two-hour build-up for you, so let's get started with a look at Liverpool...

In their heyday, Liverpool fans referred to Wembley as Anfield South, such was the frequency that they played at the national stadium. However, trips there have been too scarce in recent seasons, and silverware even more so. The Reds won this competition in 2012, but that is their only trophy since that FA Cup final victory over West Ham United in 2006 - 10 years ago now. For a club the size of Liverpool, one trophy in the space of a decade is not good enough, and they have a chance to begin to make amends for a relative barren spell here today.

For Jurgen Klopp, it is a chance to mark his first season at the club with a trophy, just four months after succeeding Brendan Rodgers as manager. Rodgers gave Liverpool some great times, not least their enthralling title challenge, but he wasn't able to deliver a single trophy during his time in charge, so for Klopp to get one under his belt so early in his tenure would be a major boost. His record in reaching cup finals is impeccable - he has managed it in each of his last five seasons as a manager - but his record in cup finals is one that may concern Liverpool fans. He has lost his last three, including the 2013 Champions League final here at Wembley.

Cup finals are all about the performances on the day, though, and Liverpool have shown at times this season that they are capable of putting any team to the sword when they are on song. Man City know that as well as anyone having been thrashed 4-1 in their own back yard the last time these two sides met, while other notable results for Liverpool include a 3-1 win over Chelsea and putting six past both Southampton and Aston Villa. If they can replicate that sort of display this afternoon then there is a big chance they will be celebrating at the end of it. Such performances and results have been all too inconsistent, though, which is the main criticism of Liverpool so far under Klopp.

LEAGUE CUP FINAL MEMORIES: Throughout this build-up I will be interjecting past successes for both of these sides, who can claim 11 League Cup trophies between them. The bulk of those have gone to Liverpool, who won this competition for the first time in 1981. They needed a replay on that occasion, though, drawing 1-1 with West Ham United at Wembley before winning 2-1 at Villa Park. The first meeting saw an incredible piece of goalkeeping by Terry McDermott, and an even more incredible decision not to send him off.

For Liverpool, today may well prove to be the biggest day in their season, with the top four in the Premier League looking unlikely due to the nine-point gap that separates them from this afternoon's opponents. After today, the Reds will probably prioritise the Europa League as their most likely route into the Champions League next season, and they will have extra incentive to progress beyond the last 16 having been drawn against arch-rivals Manchester United for the first time ever in European competition. Neither side have exactly done credit to their history this season, but that tie still promises to be an unmissable clash as the two biggest rivals in English football finally take their battle to the continental stage.

Liverpool reached the last 16 courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Augsburg on Thursday, just edging past the Bundesliga strugglers on aggregate having drawn the first leg 0-0 in Germany. In truth, it wasn't the most impressive warm-up for such a big match as today, but they got the job done in the end to keep their Europa League hopes alive. It was James Milner who got the decisive goal, scoring from the penalty spot after just five minutes in the second leg and, while Liverpool will have been frustrated not to have killed the game off, the main thing was to get through.

That victory made it three consecutive clean sheets for Liverpool, which is the first time they have managed that under Klopp. That have not kept four clean sheets on the bounce in all competitions for more than five years, last doing so between January and February 2011, and in truth it is hard to see them matching that record this afternoon. This fixture always seems to provide goals and Liverpool, who have the worst defensive record in the top half of the Premier League table, will do very well to keep the attacking talents of Man City quiet. The recent run of clean sheets does at least point to an improvement, though.

LEAGUE CUP FINAL MEMORIES: One year after picking up the title for the first time, Liverpool were back at Wembley looking to make it consecutive triumphs in the League Cup. This time they came up against Tottenham Hotspur and, with replays in the final now scrapped, the match went all the way to extra time. It was, however, Liverpool who emerged victorious as they pulled off a 3-1 win without the need for a penalty shootout.

Liverpool have not exactly made things easy for themselves on their way to this final, or indeed in cup competitions this season. They were taken to replays in both of their FA Cup fixtures and have needed penalties twice en route to today's appearance at Wembley too. League Two side Carlisle were the first to take them all the way following a 1-1 draw at Anfield, but Brendan Rodgers's side managed to avoid an embarrassing defeat to progress. Bournemouth were then dispatched by a solitary goal in the next round, again at Anfield, before Liverpool thrashed Southampton 6-1 at St Mary's in by far their standout performance of this season's competition.

That victory set up a semi-final showdown with Stoke, and the Reds appeared to be on course for Wembley when Jordon Ibe's goal gave them a 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Britannia Stadium. However, they succumbed to a Marko Arnautovic strike at Anfield as the match went all the way to penalties, when Simon Mignolet and Joe Allen proved to be the heroes in a 6-5 shootout victory. Counting that latter game as a win for Liverpool, the Reds have only lost one of their last 10 outings in this competition having also reached the semi-finals last season.

In all competitions, though, Liverpool do not come into this match in particularly good form. They have shown recent improvement by going three games unbeaten, but looking a little further back they have won only two of their last eight matches in all competitions, drawing three and losing three of those. That includes two cup matches - their semi-final second leg against Stoke and the FA Cup exit at the hands of West Ham - in which they were taken further than the 90 minutes which, as you will see over the course of this build-up, has been a theme of their finals too. In three of their last five League Cup rounds they have been taken to either extra time or penalties, so don't be surprised if we get more than the 90 again here today.

LEAGUE CUP FINAL MEMORIES: Another year, another League Cup final for Liverpool, who picked up their third consecutive triumph in the competition with a victory over their bitter rivals Manchester United. It was a poignant occasion for the Merseysiders as legendary manager Bob Paisley led them out at Wembley for the last time, and he was fittingly sent up the steps to collect the trophy after a 2-1 victory over the Red Devils (via extra time, of course).

Liverpool are today bidding for back-to-back wins over top-flight opposition for the first time in 2016, having overcome Bundesliga outfit Augsburg on Thursday. The only previous occasions that they have recorded back-to-back wins since the turn of the year saw them beat Exeter in an FA Cup replay and then Norwich in that 5-4 thriller in the Premier League, which gives an indication of their inconsistency this season. They face a difficult run coming up too - including their Europa League double-header against Manchester United, five of their next six games in all competitions are against team currently above them in the Premier League table, including a league meeting with today's opponents on Wednesday.

That Wednesday meeting will be a bigger match for Manchester City than it will be for Liverpool as Manuel Pellegrini's side still have a lot to play for in the Premier League. Their title hopes took another blow yesterday with Leicester's late goal against Norwich sending the Foxes nine points clear of City, but so far it has been good news today, with both Arsenal and Tottenham currently losing. That would, of course, be a bonus for City, but it doesn't exactly help their task of chasing down Leicester, who could be 12 points clear by the time City play again due to the Foxes playing on Tuesday night.

City will not give up on winning the Premier League title until it is mathematically possible, of course, but the gap between them and Leicester only serves to put more emphasis on today's match too. Pellegrini will be desperate to sign off with at least one trophy this season and, while it is looking likely that they will reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in the club's history, it is hard to see them going all the way in Europe and beating the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid this season. The League Cup, then, is by far their most likely chance of silverware this season, and they will be giving it their full attention today.

LEAGUE CUP FINAL MEMORIES: We've had some Liverpool memories, so let's take a look at Man City's finest moments in this competition. They actually won the trophy 11 years before Liverpool lifted it for the first time, making the 1970 final for the first of three appearances in the showpiece that decade. West Bromwich Albion were their opponents, but despite the Baggies taking the lead, City fought back to pick up their maiden success in the competition. A special shout out to the groundsman at Wembley for this one...

We'll continue looking at Manchester City in a moment, but first up, some team news...

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Lucas, Sakho, Moreno; Can, Henderson, Milner; Firmino, Coutinho, Sturridge
Subs: Bogdan, Toure, Benteke, Lallana, Allen, Origi, Flanagan

We will bring you Man City's team news when it comes, but first up let's take a look at that Liverpool lineup. The first thing to note is that Lucas Leiva is handed a start at centre-back, where he has impressed as a makeshift defender at times this season. Klopp does have Kolo Toure available, but with Skrtel and Lovren both still not deemed ready to make the squad, he has opted to continue with Lucas alongside Sakho at the heart of the defence, just as he did in the Europa League on Thursday.

Indeed, it is a completely unchanged lineup from the one that took to the field against Augsburg on Thursday as Klopp keeps faith with the XI that got his side through to the last 16 of the Europa League. That includes a start for former Man City players Daniel Sturridge and James Milner, the latter of whom got the all-important goal in midweek. It is Sturridge who Liverpool will be hoping provides the main goal threat, though, with the striker finally starting to string a decent run of games together following a hellish spell of injuries.

There will also be threats from the Brazilian duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, who combined brilliantly to tear Man City to shreds in the last meeting between these two sides. It was a truly electric performance from the pair on that occasion, and if they can link up anywhere near as well as that this evening then the Man City defence could be in for a long afternoon once again. Behind them in midfield, Can and the energetic Henderson, who would lift the trophy as captain should Liverpool win, are alongside Milner.

In addition to the inclusion of Lucas at the back for Liverpool, Clyne and Moreno are once again named at the full-backs, with the latter in particular having been criticised at times this season for deserting his defensive duties on more than one occasion. There is no doubt that he likes to get forward, but with the players at Man City's disposal he really needs to keep a watchful eye on not leaving his fellow defenders too exposed this afternoon. Mignolet, meanwhile, continues between the sticks for the Reds.

MAN CITY STARTING XI: Caballero; Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho, Toure, Silva, Sterling; Aguero
Subs: Hart, Kolarov, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Navas, Iheanacho, Bony

What can we make of that Man City side, then? Well, most of the big names are present, with the notable exception of Joe Hart as Manuel Pellegrini includes Willy Caballero in goal this afternoon. Caballero has been City's cup goalkeeper all season, but the temptation is always there to revert to your strongest possible side in a final. Pellegrini has resisted that, however, keeping faith with Caballero as expected.

That is the only change made by Pellegrini to the side that won in Kiev on Wednesday night as City keep all of their attacking big guns in. Sergio Aguero is, of course, the main danger for Liverpool to look out for, the Argentine scoring again in midweek to maintain his deadly form at the moment. He is always good for a goal, and even in the 4-1 demolition job of his side at the hands of Liverpool the last time these two met, he managed to get his name on the scoresheet and give City a glimmer of hope right at the end of the first half.

Toure and Silva also joined Aguero on the scoresheet in Kiev, and that duo are once again involved this afternoon. City's team sheet suggests that Toure will be in a more advanced midfield role, but against Kiev he played deeper and Fernandinho was the man chosen on the right of the three just behind the striker. That seemed to help City press really well high up the field, which was a big part of their comfortable victory, so it will be interesting to see whether Pellegrini employs that tactic again here. It is a big day for Raheem Sterling too, who left Liverpool in acrimonious circumstances last summer in order to win trophies. I'm sure the irony would not be lost on him should his new side lose to his old side for the first silverware available since his move.

Defence has been an area where City have struggled this season, largely due to the absence of Kompany, but the Belgian is back now and captains the side today hoping to make another trip up the stairs of Wembley to lift another trophy. Kompany's return has brought a much better cohesion to the Man City defence, which was something that was sorely lacking when Liverpool ran out such convincing winners at the Etihad in November. His presence could well be City's best hope that a repeat does not occur this afternoon.

LEAGUE CUP FINAL MEMORIES: Having lost in the 1974 final, Man City returned to Wembley in 1976 looking to pick up their second League Cup crown. Newcastle United were the opponents on this occasion, but City downed the Magpies courtesy of a fine Dennis Tueart overhead kick that he later described as the best goal of his career.

Like Liverpool, Man City do not come into this match in the best form. They have actually lost each of their last three domestic outings, with all of those defeats being particularly damaging. Title rivals Leicester and Tottenham both went to the Etihad and won in succession to leave City off the pace at the top of the table, while Pellegrini then seemingly sacrificed the FA Cup by naming a severely weakened side to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They were duly put to the sword with a 5-1 defeat, meaning that they have conceded 10 goals in their last three matches on English soil.

They did, however, return to winning ways on Wednesday with a very impressive victory over Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine. It was the easiest tie City had ever received in the knockout stages of the Champions League, but a trip to the Ukraine is still a difficult obstacle to overcome for any side. City put in a textbook away performance to run out 3-1 winners, though, putting one foot in the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in their history. There was a nervy few moments at 2-1 as Kiev tried to get back into the game, and Hart was called upon to make a fine save to keep his side in front, but Toure's late third has surely killed the tie off.

Whether that trip to Ukraine and back has an impact on the performances of those City players today remains to be seen, but however slight the advantage may be, you have to feel that Liverpool will have been better off playing their European fixture at home, albeit a day later. The victory over Kiev was perhaps justification for Pellegrini's decision to name a side that included six teenagers and five full debutants in the FA Cup, which caused some controversy. There was never any chance that Pellegrini would do the same today, however, even with a big Premier League game against Liverpool coming up on Wednesday.

LEAGUE CUP FINAL MEMORIES: When City reached their third final of the 1970s, they wouldn't have expected that it would take them almost 40 years to return to the League Cup final, but they finally broke that barren spell in 2014 - the most success of either of these two sides in this competition. It was Pellegrini's first trophy in English football as his side came from behind to beat Sunderland, and a victory today may well make the same trophy his last in English football too.

City have been the most impressive side in this season's competition, so they will certainly feel that they deserve to lift the trophy this afternoon. They cruised through the first few rounds, thrashing Sunderland 4-1, Crystal Palace 5-1 and Hull 4-1 to reach the semi-finals in convincing fashion. Notably, both sides scored in all of those games, which was a theme that continued in the semis, but usually City had the firepower to outscore their opponents comfortably.

Their only hint of a slip-up came in the semi-final, when they came up against Liverpool's local rivals Everton. The Toffees appeared to be on course to set up an all-Merseyside final when they beat Chelsea 2-1 in the first leg at Goodison Park, but City overturned that deficit with a 3-1 win in the return leg to book their place in the final. That latter result was not without its controversy, with the ball running out of play in the build-up to the crucial second goal, but City had numerous other chances to score and in the end deserved their 4-3 aggregate victory.

That means that they have scored an impressive 17 goals in their five League Cup games this season, conceding six in the process. Perhaps just as impressively, City have had no fewer than nine different goalscorers in the competition so far, in addition to one own goal, so they certainly have goals throughout their squad. Should Aguero happen to have a rare off-day, City have Bony back from injury available on the bench, in addition to Kelechi Iheanacho, who always seems to grab himself a goal when he features.

LEAGUE CUP FINAL MEMORIES: Unfortunately for the Man City fans, I have run out of triumphs for you, so back to Liverpool I go and, while this game was not exactly memorable, the occasion certainly was. Liverpool and Everton met in the first all-Merseyside final in 1984 and, after a goalless draw at Wembley, Liverpool won the replay 1-0 to lift the trophy for an unprecedented and still unmatched fourth consecutive season.

Man City will have had one eye on Premier League results today, and there is good news and bad news for them. Spurs came from behind to beat Swansea and close the gap to Leicester back to two points, which is the bad news, but Arsenal were beaten by Manchester United and remain only four points clear of Man City having played a game extra. That, however, also sees United close the gap on City to just three points, and Pellegrini may just be beginning to look over his shoulder a little. Fortunately for City, after the match against Liverpool on Wednesday, they take on Aston Villa and Norwich in their next two games.

They can't afford to let their focus drift away from this match, however, as defeat could have a hugely negative effect on the rest of their campaign, while victory could give them the boost they need. They have only ever won one of their six League Cup meetings with Liverpool, though, with that coming in 1969 - the first year these two met in this competition. Since then they have drawn two and lost three of their five meetings, including a 3-2 aggregate defeat in the 2011-12 semi-finals when Liverpool went on to win the trophy.

PREDICTION: Right, we're only 10 minutes away from kickoff now, which means that it is time I made a prediction! This is a very tough one to call as it all depends on which Liverpool side turn up. If they are anything below 100% then City stand a very good chance of winning, but that most recent meeting between these two sides will be in the back of the heads of both sets of players and if the Reds can replicate that performance then it will be hard to stop them. I'm going for a 2-1 Liverpool victory.

LEAGUE CUP FINAL MEMORIES: Liverpool have only won the trophy twice without needing either extra time, a replay or penalties, and the first of those occasions came in 1995. They came up against Bolton Wanderers at Wembley on that occasion, but the Trotters were blown away by a majestic individual performance from Steve McManaman as Liverpool won the trophy for a fifth time.

These two sides have thrown up some thoroughly entertaining fixtures in recent seasons, with 32 goals in the last eight meetings and both teams getting on the scoresheet in all of those games. Liverpool have won the last two meetings, though, and three of the last four, including that scintillating 4-1 victory at the Etihad this season. Mangala's own goal set Liverpool on their way in that match, and further strikes from Coutinho and Firmino saw them race into a 3-0 lead after just 32 minutes. Aguero pulled one back, but Skrtel slammed home a fourth with nine minutes remaining to seal the memorable victory.

This will be the first time that these two have ever met in a final of any competition, but they were drawn against each other in the semi-final of this very tournament six years ago. Liverpool won the first leg at the Etihad 1-0 before welcoming City to Anfield, where goals from Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy helped the Reds clinch the 2-2 draw they needed to progress to the final, where they would go on to beat Cardiff City on penalties.

Right, the players are out for this special occasion at Wembley, and we're very nearly ready to get going for the first cup final of the English football season. There has been at least one goal in each half of 10 of the last 11 League Cup finals, so hopefully we are in for more goals this afternoon. Right now, the greater noise is coming from the Liverpool fans, but will they be shouting quite as loud come the full-time whistle?

LEAGUE CUP FINAL MEMORIES: I think we have time for one final memory to get us all in the mood for this mouth-watering clash. Having beaten Birmingham on penalties as part of their treble in 2001, Liverpool once again met bitter rivals Manchester United in the final two years later looking for their seventh success. It was a great game, with Liverpool indebted to a few Jerzy Dudek saves as goals from Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen sealed a 2-0 victory at the Millennium Stadium.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! There is a great atmosphere inside Wembley as Liverpool get us underway for the first English cup final of the season!

SAVE! Really quick start for Liverpool, and Caballero is tested in the opening minute. Sturridge works the ball out wide to the left for Moreno, whose low shot across goal is collected by the keeper.

This match has started at a really good tempo, with Liverpool seeing more of the ball so far and knocking the ball about really confidently. The atmosphere is electric as Steven Gerrard's name rings out from the Liverpool fans.

Milner almost gets a chance to test Caballero as he collects the ball on the edge of the box before spinning and getting an early shot away, His effort is blocked before Caballero is called into action, though.

Liverpool will be really encouraged by this start. They are knocking the ball about really nicely and Coutinho and Firmino look up for it, popping everywhere. Coutinho tries to send a cheeky no-look pass through to Clyne, but it is too heavy.

City win a free kick in a dangerous position on their first real attack of the game, with the heavily-booed Sterling the man to get it...

Silva swings it in and Sakho clears it as far as Fernandinho, who fires an ambitious first-time volley well over the crossbar.

City are just beginning to settle into the game a little more right now having been on the back foot for the majority of the opening 10 minutes. Liverpool started at a good tempo, which is often a good sign for the rest of the game under Klopp.

Good work from Fernandinho down the right flank as he bounces off a challenge from Moreno and keeps his feet. His eventual cross into the box is deflected straight into the arms of Mignolet, though.

We're 15 minutes into this final, and the possession is split evenly so far. Absolutely nothing to separate the teams up to this point!

Concern for Liverpool here as Can and Sakho clash heads with each other and both go down in a heap and look to be in a lot of pain. Klopp will not want to be forced into any early changes in this match, yet alone two due to a clash between his own players.

Toure was called out to warm up for a moment there, but both Sakho and Can look alright now. Sakho is the more shaken of the pair, but he is a tough cookie and it will take more than that to force him off in a cup final.

There were a few questions over Lucas at centre-back against Aguero, Silva and co, but he has made a very solid start to this game alongside Sakho.

Sterling wins another free kick in a good crossing position on the left, but once again Liverpool deal with Silva's delivery comfortably. They are looking a lot more sturdy from set pieces today than they have more much of the season.

OFF THE POST! Big chance for Man City to take the lead, and it falls to the man they would want too! Aguero latches on to a through-ball from Silva before cutting inside past Lucas and Sakho and curling an effort towards the bottom corner. Mignolet gets down really well to turn the ball onto the post, though.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Sakho still seems to be suffering from the clash of heads earlier, and Klopp has taken the decision to take him off and bring on Kolo Toure. Sakho is not happy at all, but that is a decision taken for his own good by Klopp and the medical team.

Sakho is distraught with that decision. He throws his water bottle down in anger on his way to the bench before hiding his head away and eventually skulking down the tunnel.

SHOT! Shooting chance for Liverpool as Firmino spins away on the edge of the box before putting his laces through it, but he leans back and lashes his effort well over.

It has been an even game so far, with Liverpool playing some nice football but Man City having come closest through Aguero, who hit the post. Both sides are wrestling for control of this match as we approach the half-hour mark.

© AFP

Neither Sturridge or Aguero have been able to get into this game too much so far, but both are capable of being quiet for long spells only to make one chance count. Aguero almost showed that when he hit the post, and Liverpool will be hoping that a similar chance falls the way of Sturridge.

Speak of the devil - Sturridge does well down the left channel to hold off Fernandinho before winning his side a free kick in a good position just outside the left of the area.

The free kick is just touched over to Coutinho, who appears to be going for goal from a tight angle. His effort turns into more of a cross, however, and it is just too high for Toure to nod in from close range.

Liverpool want a penalty at one end as Moreno goes tumbling inside the area, but the referee says no and City quickly break up the other end. It comes to Sterling on the edge of the box, but his shot hits David Silva and goes behind for a goal kick.

Chance for Liverpool to break as Moreno goes sprinting down the left flank, but Coutinho's pass just causes him to check his run. Henderson pings the ball into the middle. but Sturridge can't control it and his touch means that Milner is offside when he collects possession.

Decent spell of pressure for City as they win a couple of corners in quick succession before keeping the ball inside the Liverpool half. It once again comes to nothing, though, with a moment of pinball ending when the ball bounces off Silva and behind.

Robust challenge from Fernando as he clotheslines Coutinho after being beating with a lovely piece of skill from the Liverpool man. Both sides are struggling to get a real string of passes together at the moment though.

There have been a lot of fouls already today, and the latest sees Lucas dive in on Aguero rashly. He is fortunate not to go into the book for that challenge.

Otamendi goes down theatrically inside the box after Milner had nipped in and got an important foot to the ball just as the City defender was about to pull the trigger. A corner is given, but Otamendi is a little fortunate not to be booked for diving there.

CHANCE! Decent opening for Liverpool as the ball drops to Coutinho on the right side of the area, but he drags his attempted volley back across the area.

We will have two minutes of added time at the end of this first half.

We're goalless at half time in the League Cup final, then, and that scoreline is an accurate reflection of the game so far. There has been nothing to separate these two sides at Wembley, with neither side able to keep hold of possession for any length of time or gain any degree of control over the game.

The standout moment of the first half came from City, as Silva threaded a through-ball forward for Aguero, who cut back inside past Lucas and a disoriented Sakho before curling an effort towards the bottom corner. You'd expect him to score from that position, but he didn't get it in the corner quite enough and Mignolet was able to turn the ball against the post.

Liverpool's best moment came in the very first minute of the game as they looked to make another bright start against City. Sturridge worked the ball out wide left for Moreno, who in turn fired an effort across goal and towards the bottom far corner. However, Caballero got down and crucially held on to the ball to pass the early test.

Aside from that, there has been very little action in either area. Firmino has had one effort fly comfortably over the crossbar, while Coutinho has fluffed his lines when a volley fell to him on the right side of the area, but both goalkeepers have been well protected on the whole so far. It is all very congested in the middle of the park and neither side have been able to win that midfield battle yet.

Liverpool were forced into a sub during that first half, with Sakho being brought off against his will following a clash of heads with Emre Can. The French defender tried to carry on, but looked shaky and was eventually hauled off by Klopp to be replaced by Toure. Sakho was not at all happy with the decision, but it was the right one from Klopp in the best interests of the player.

KICKOFF: Man City get us back underway for the second half of this League Cup final, with the scores still goalless after a tense and closely-fought opening 45.

Aguero makes a break down the right flank as Aguero latches on to a long ball down the channel. The angle is against him, but that doesn't put the striker off as he fires a half-volley high and wide of the near post.

First blood goes to Manchester City in the final! It comes from Fernandinho, but the focus will all be on Mignolet once again. Aguero held the ball up just outside the area, waiting for the overlapping run of Fernandinho before sliding the pass through to the midfielder. Fernandinho puts his laces through it and drives an effort towards goal from a tight angle that goes through Mignolet and in. The Liverpool keeper simply has to do better there.

If that proves to be the decisive goal in this match, Mignolet can expect another heap of criticism to come his way. He simply has to save it from that angle, but instead the power of the shot beat him. Liverpool now have a task on their hands to get back into this one!

YELLOW CARD! Clyne becomes the first name in the book following a foul on Sterling, who he has clashed with on a number of occasions today.

What have Liverpool got in response here? They haven't offered much going forward since the very first minute in truth, but they have the players to come up with something special at some point.

CHANCE! Liverpool create their best chance of the match so far as Sturridge pokes the ball through for Milner, but the former Man City man puts it a few yards wide of the near post when he really should have done better.

Decent spell for Liverpool here as they begin to go in search of an equalising goal. Their key attacking players are beginning to see a bit more of the ball now.

CHANCE! Oh my word, what a chance for City to double their advantage! City pour forward on the break, with Toure finding Silva, who in turn fed a pass in to Sterling. It takes a touch from a defender on the way through, but that does not excuse the miss from Sterling of all people. He simply has to score, but the ball comes off his toe and goes wide. How big could that prove to be?

CHANCE! Another big chance for City as they break forward, with Aguero being set clean through on goal with one ball forward. Moreno does really well to get back but, but then takes a risk by dangling a leg out as Aguero is cutting back inside. The Argentine goes to ground, but Michael Oliver says no. That is a big call that could have gone either way.

Two warning signs for Liverpool there regarding how dangerous City can be on the break. The game is getting increasingly open, but Liverpool don't really have much of a choice.

YELLOW CARD! He got away with one moments ago, but this time Moreno goes into the book for a trip on Fernandinho that gives City a free kick in a very good position...

SHOT! Silva goes for it, but he doesn't get enough dip on the ball and in the end it flies a yard or two over the crossbar.

Liverpool have just over 20 minutes to save this match, but right now it is Man City who are looking the more dangerous of the two sides. A second goal could well kill Liverpool off, and City are looking for exactly that right now.

SAVE! Lovely play from Aguero as he collects a pass on the edge of the box, with his first touch taking him away from the defender and into space for a shot. He drills his effort towards the bottom corner, but Mignolet gets down to make the save.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Liverpool make their second change of the afternoon, and it is an attacking one as Adam Lallana replaces Moreno,

Lallana pops up in the central attacking position and finds a bit of space inside the area, but Henderson's cross towards him is too long and another Liverpool attack breaks down.

SAVE! Another save for Mignolet to make, but this is a comfortable one as he scoops up a long-range strike from Aguero.

YELLOW CARD! Fernando picks up a yellow card for bundling his man over to prevent a Liverpool attack.

Almost a chance for Liverpool as the ball is worked out to the left channel, where Milner is in space. The ball is begging to be hit first time, but Milner clearly doesn't feel comfortable on his left and takes a touch, which allows City to get back in position and eventually clear the danger.

It is all getting a bit scrappy at the moment as Liverpool's desperation grows. They are seeing a decent amount of the ball and City are refusing to sit back and play for the 1-0 win, perhaps largely due to the fact that Liverpool really don't look like scoring.

CHANCE! Another big chance falls the way of Sterling to kill his former side off! Aguero is the creator with lovely play to skip past two defenders down the right before playing a low pass in to Sterling, who miscued his effort and scuffed it wide.

LIVERPOOL SUB: A third and final change for Liverpool, and Benteke will play no part in this final as Klopp turns to Divock Origi to replace Firmino.

Liverpool win a free kick in a good position, but Milner's delivery is really disappointing as he curls it straight into the arms of Caballero.

Liverpool have the equaliser! Sterling's clearance on the edge of his own box is blocked by Clyne, which sees the ball deflect into the path of Sturridge in the area. He feeds the ball right across the face of goal for Lallana at the back post, but his effort comes back off the post. The ball, though, rebounds straight to Coutinho, who keeps his composure to sweep home.

YELLOW CARD! Can goes into the book for a challenge on Clichy, while Coutinho was also booked for taking his shirt off while celebrating his goal.

CHANCE! Mignolet may have just redeemed himself! After one dangerous free kick is just about cleared by Liverpool City come straight back and the ball is played in to Fernando. He eventually flicks an effort goalwards from close range, but Mignolet is there to make a big save.

YELLOW CARD! Kompany becomes the latest player in the book for a foul on Origi.

SHOT! Liverpool are pushing for a winner now! Henderson drives a low shot towards goal that looks to be heading for the bottom corner, but it just hits Origi on the way through, taking the sting off it and allowing Caballero to collect.

Almost a chance for City at the other end as Toure feeds a pass through for Silva, who appears to control it with his hand. The referee waves play on, and City win a corner.

SAVE! This is breathless stuff right now! Mignolet comes to the rescue again by diving at the feet of Toure to deny the midfielder from point-blank range!

There will be FOUR added minutes at the end of this final. Can either side find a dramatic late winner?

Well, it took a while for this game to get going, but that was dramatic stuff at the end. Liverpool force extra time having scored late to level things up, despite City having the better of things during that second half. Pellegrini's side missed a number of good chances, and were eventually punished for that profligacy.

The opening goal arrived after just four minutes of the first half when Fernandinho drilled the ball straight through Mignolet from a tight angle, with the Liverpool keeper at fault for the goal. The Reds finally responded with just seven minutes remaining, however, as Coutinho swept the ball home after the ball had rebounded off the post and into his path following a Lallana effort.

Sterling, who has been heavily booed by the Liverpool fans throughout the match, should have wrapped this game up before Liverpool levelled things up with a couple of clear chances that he failed to take. The first of them was the best as he skewed an effort wide when he simply had to score, while the second saw him scuff another strike wide.

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KICKOFF: Man City get us back underway for extra time, and they have made two changes in the interval, with Pablo Zabaleta and Jesus Navas replacing Fernando and Sagna.

Klopp was eager to play down speculation that City's away European trip could have an impact in this match, but that might change now the game has gone all the way to extra time. At the same time, Liverpool have played a lot of games already this season and were in action as recently as Thursday.

Liverpool have seen the majority of the ball in the opening stages of extra time, with the match having settled down a little from the frantic spell at the end of the 90. I think all the players just need a bit of a breather.

Still nothing to report in terms of chances in this added 30 minutes so far. Both sides are wrestling for control of the game, as they have been for long spells or this match, but neither have been able to take it so far.

City are seeing a decent amount of the ball now, most of which is coming inside the Liverpool half, but they aren't making any serious inroads into the defence. They do win a corner here, though...

Silva delivers it into the middle but it goes all the way through, before Toure's cross from the other flank is plucked out of the sky by Mignolet.

Origi looks to light up this final with a special goal, spinning away from a defender well but then firing his long-range strike miles over the bar.

CHANCE! Mignolet has gone from zero to hero today. This is the best save of the lot as Aguero races through on goal after Henderson had inadvertently nudged the ball into his path. AGuero looks certain to score, but Mignolet sticks out a big hand to make a crucial stop.

What a huge save that was from Mignolet to keep Liverpool in this game. Just 15 minutes remain now, and if we don't find a winner then we will go all the way to penalties!

KICKOFF: Liverpool get us back underway for the final time this afternoon.

CHANCE! Half a chance for Liverpool as Sturridge brings the ball forward before finding Origi, who stands the ball up into the middle. Sturridge is there to head it again, but Lallana gets in his way and the chance goes begging.

CHANCE! More pressure arrives from Liverpool as they put a number of crosses into the City box in quick succession. Milner sends the last one into the box that Origi meets with a header, but Caballero makes a big save.

MAN CITY SUB: City make their third and final change as Wilfried Bony replaces Silva.

SAVE! Caballero is called into action again as Sturridge tries to sneak a free kick past him on the keeper's side, but it is a fairly comfortable save in the end.

Liverpool are look the most likely right now! Milner is again the creator as he feeds a cross into the middle, which Origi is inches away from getting a crucial touch to.

CHANCE! Almost a gift for City as Milner tries to nod the ball back to Milner, but doesn't put enough on it. Aguero reads it and steals in, but it is a difficult one and the striker lifts his effort over the bar.

This has been a much more action-packed spell than the first period of extra time, with both sides pushing for a win to avoid penalties now. This one is balanced on a knife edge!

It's all kicking off here as Lallana and Toure clash over an incident between the pair. Toure went in strongly on Lallana and you can understand the Liverpool man's reaction there. He is brave to take on Toure, however, and the Man City man almost throws Lallana to the ground before they are broken up.

YELLOW CARDS! Both players go into the book as a result of that scuffle.

Coutinho concedes a free kick in a dangerous position on the right side. A good chance for City to swing this one in with one minute remaining...

There will be one additional minute, and it is City applying the late pressure here!

CHANCE! A late chance for City as three of them are queuing up in the middle from a corner, but they get it each other's way and Fernandinho glances it wide.

Penalties it is, then! Liverpool have the more experience in this situation having had six shootouts, and won five, since Man City last had one. Liverpool won on penalties in the semi-finals too, and have also won this competition on penalties twice.

Liverpool are first up, with Emre Can to take the first spot kick!

EMRE CAN SCORES! Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City* Cool as you like from Can as he dinks the ball down the middle, Panenka style!

FERNANDINHO MISSES! *Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City Advantage Liverpool! Fernandinho takes a long run-up, but drags his effort against the foot of the post!

LUCAS MISSES! Liverpool 1-0* Manchester City Brilliant save from Caballero as he denies Lucas, who went for the top corner.

JESUS NAVAS SCORES! Liverpool *1-1 Manchester City We're back level here, but only just. Navas gets it right into the corner, just beyond the fingertips of Mignolet.

PHILIPPE COUTINHO MISSES! Liverpool 1-1* Manchester City Coutinho stutters on his run-up and Caballero guesses right to make the save! It is advantage Man City now!

SERGIO AGUERO SCORES! Liverpool *1-2 Manchester City Never in doubt for Aguero as he places it into the bottom corner, again beyond Mignolet's correct guess.

ADAM LALLANA MISSES! Liverpool 1-2* Manchester City Incredible stop again from Caballero, who is turning into the City hero here. City are one penalty away from winning the trophy now...

YAYA TOURE SCORES! Liverpool 1-3 Manchester City Toure wins it for City, tucking his penalty into the bottom corner.

It is City who win the League Cup, then, courtesy of a 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Liverpool. Caballero is the hero for Pellegrini's side with three great saves in the shootout, giving City their second title in three years and fourth overall.

The trophy is handed over to Kompany, who lifts it high above his head to the delight of all those City fans inside Wembley. Last time they lifted that trophy, they went on to win the Premier League too. Pellegrini, meanwhile, has a trophy in his final season at the club.

City took the lead early in the first half of normal time through Fernandinho, with help from a Mignolet error, but the Belgian more than redeemed himself with a string of fine stops later in the match. Coutinho got the equaliser for Liverpool to force extra time and eventually penalties, when Lucas, Coutinho and Lallana all saw their efforts saved and Toure stroked home the winning spot kick.

That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for a dramatic final as Manchester City win the League Cup for the fourth time in their history, beating Liverpool on penalties. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction from both camps. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!