Klopp is aiming to mastermind Liverpool’s first trophy success since 2012 – when the Merseysiders last lifted the League Cup – and made light of the fact that all four balls used in the draw came out in ascending numerical order.
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“We’ll see on Kun [Aguero], he’s recovering from his heel”.
But they got blown away by Liverpool so it does depend whether they show up or not.
With the Potters down to ten men, the Black Cats were able to score two goals in the last eight minutes before full-time courtesy of defender Patrick van Aanholt and midfielder Duncan Watmore on the way to a rare win.
“I am not concerned about why we won’t bring in other players, there is no problem”.
He started this season stronger with Kompany alongside him, but once Kompany was out he struggled.
Pellegrini has been left reeling by a succession of injuries to key players this season that threaten to derail his chances of landing silverware. It is thought the move will open up untold commercial opportunities in what is a huge but relatively untapped market, valuing them at £2.1bn.
If Guardiola signs a new deal at Bayern Munich that should put an end to it, for a time, but there will still be pressure on Pellegrini to deliver the league title and do better in the Champions League. Joe Hart, Eliaquim Mangala and Sergio Aguero are all doubts but should feature.
The Potters, however, have won just two of their 14 Premier League encounters against the men from Manchester, and it is little surprise that NetBet go 9/2 (5.50) that the home side pick up all three points here.
Ryan Shawcross, Stoke’s captain, is available this weekend after serving his suspension against Sheffield Wednesday in the cup.
“Some people might criticise their defence but they’ve got a great squad and their players are not at a team like Man City for no reason”.
Playmaker David Silva is set for his first start in two months after featuring for more than 80 minutes in the 4-1 League Cup quarterfinal win over Championship side Hull on Tuesday.
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini insists he wants to remain in every competition to fight on all fronts this season.
Willy Caballero gave perhaps his best performance in a City shirt against Southampton last weekend, but he will surely make way now that Hart, one of City’s most consistent players this term, is back in contention after a hamstring issue.
Pellegrini added: “Both of them are [out] a couple more [weeks]”.
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If they keep their top players fit, I’d fancy them in any given game against anyone.
