Reds on the road to Wembley: Carling Cup Final Preview

There is no doubt that the Carling Cup has been undervalued and undermined in recent times by big teams, including Liverpool, selecting under strength sides and appearing unconcerned about achieving progress in or being eliminated from the country's secondary domestic cup competition, instead merely viewing it as an opportunity to play some squad players and youngsters at best or a detrimental distraction at worst.

However, in the past, before the modern phenomena of massive squads and excessive rotation, the League Cup received far more respect and, historically, Liverpool have been notably successful in the competition, currently holding the record for the highest number of League Cup triumphs.

The fact that the Merseysiders had been unable to lift the League Cup for 20 years since its creation in 1960 was a source of frustration and, crucially, motivation for Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan's sides. As a result, they stormed the competition from 80/81-83/84, lifting the League Cup on a remarkable four consecutive occasions and truly stamping their unmistakable mark on the tournament.

As the League Cup has experienced a metamorphic transition from the Milk Cup that Liverpool hoisted high repeatedly in the 80s, to the Coca-Cola Cup clinched in 94/95 and then to the Worthington Cup won in 00/01 and 02/03, the Reds have achieved satisfying success in the competition.

The club's first success in the newly named Carling Cup could be secured on Sunday, under the managerial reign of Kenny Dalglish. It is perhaps not coincidental; therefore, that King Kenny was a key member of the team during the Reds' League Cup heyday in the 1980s.

The respect for and desire to win the League Cup that occurred during his playing career at Anfield has joined him in the dugout, and that has unquestionably been the driving factor behind this season's Carling Cup run.

It has inspired the legendary Scot to select strong starting line-ups throughout the campaign, from the second round tie against League One outfit Exeter City to the second leg of the semi-final versus cash-rich Premier League rivals Manchester City in front of a packed Anfield. The 60-year old has a clear desire to clinch the first cup available this season and his passion has translated into impressive performances on the pitch.

These include away victories at the Britannia Stadium, Stamford Bridge and Eastlands, places that are all difficult to go to and require exceptional performances to claim anything from. The fact that every round saw Liverpool drawn to play away from home was long lamented. However, in hindsight it was a blessing in disguise considering our below-average home form, which has been plagued with parasitic draws.

On the other hand, though, when a Carling Cup clash was finally staged at Anfield, the Reds stepped up to the plate and delivered a terrific display, which saw them comeback from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Manchester City and secure progress to the final thanks to a 3-2 aggregate victory. Although City took the lead twice, Liverpool were by far the dominant side and controlled the contest, enjoying plenty of possession and carving open numerous opportunities.

They earned the good fortune they received when referee Phil Dowd admittedly harshly pointed to the spot after Daniel Agger's shot deflected off Micah Richard's foot and onto his hand.

Liverpool now head into the Carling Cup final on Sunday as firm favourites to emerge victorious. Opponents Cardiff City, who received the support of a young Craig Bellamy, currently lie fifth in the npower Championship, which is a respectable position that leaves them likely to achieve at the very least a play-off place.

Their recent form, however, has been far from impressive. The Bluebirds have won just one of their last five fixtures, losing three, including a 0-3 reversal at Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town, on the weekend. Liverpool, conversely, enter the contest in good form after smashing six past Brighton in the FA Cup and, despite falling to a 2-1 defeat in a match rife with controversy at Old Trafford recently, have been consistently improving since their woeful 3-1 defeat away to Bolton Wanderers in the middle of January.

Nevertheless, there must not be a hint of complacency amongst the squad or supporters. Arsenal found out to their peril that underdogs can occasionally bite last season when they squandered the opportunity to claim their first domestic cup triumph since 2005 thanks to a late goal from Birmingham City's Obafemi Martins following a hilarious cock-up from the Gunners' defence.

With Johnson, Enrique, Skrtel and Agger all in arguably the best form of their respective careers and working well as a cohesive unit, the Reds' back four is undoubtedly superior to that Arsenal defence. However, Liverpool's lack of goals could be a problem. Suarez, Gerrard and Carroll will have to work effectively together to overcome this hurdle and lead Liverpool to their first Cup win in six years.

Regarding score predictions, I suspect a 2-0 victory is likely but, ultimately, any win in a Cup final is most welcome and will be accepted gratefully.

If Kenny's side display the same sort of commitment, passion and talent that the Scot showcased during his playing career and that have helped them reach this stage of the competition, then there is no reason why Liverpool cannot return to Merseyside from their first visit to the new Wembley as Carling Cup winners.

YNWA