LIVERPOOL LEAGUE CUP GAME PREVIEW

LIVERPOOL - CARLISLE UNITED BETTING: PROLIFIC CUMBRIANS TO CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR RODGERS' MEN By Al Hain-Cole 11:00 Getty While the Reds may have demonstrated more attacking endeavour in their draw with Norwich, Al Hain-Cole expects their long-running defensive frailty to be exposed once again After overseeing five matches without a win, Brendan Rodgers will be hoping for a morale-boosting victory when Carlisle United visit Anfield in Wednesday’s League Cup clash. Sunday’s draw at home to Norwich City means Rodgers’ men have now drawn three and lost two of their last five matches, but they are clear 1/5 (1.20) favourites with William Hill to return to winning ways here. The visitors overcame QPR at Loftus Road in the last round, and are available at 12/1 (13.00) to pull off an even greater giant killing against their Premier League opponents. Having been held by Bordeaux and Norwich in their last two matches, there are odds of 11/2 (6.50) available on the home side requiring extra-time after yet another stalemate in this one. Despite the disappointing result, there were definite positive signs in the game against Norwich that have been sorely lacking from the Reds’ recent displays. Having tinkered with the formation to include a back three and two up front, the boss was rewarded with his side’s most fluid attacking performance of the season, with only poor finishing to blame for more than one of the numerous chances created being put away. Unfortunately for the Northern Irishman, the same old defensive frailty that has plagued his tenure came to the fore as the visitors grabbed an equaliser from one of their few attempts on goal. Considering their impressively attacking performance away to QPR in the last round, Keith Curle’s outfit are unlikely to merely sit back and defend at Anfield. With the Football League’s current top scorer Jabo Ibehre leading the line, the Cumbrians will fancy their chances of becoming the 12th consecutive visiting team to hit the back of the net in this competition. As the most prolific side in their division, odds of 21/20 (2.05) are not to be missed on Carlisle getting on the scoresheet in a match featuring goals at both ends.