ENGLAND'S first trophy is up for grabs at Wembley today and two of the big guns have made it through.
Jurgen Klopp will be delighted to have a cup final appearance in his first season at Liverpooland Manuel Pellegrini will want to stick two fingers up at club chiefs by lifting silverware in his final campaign at the Etihad.
It promised to be a tight affair that could go to extra time but City should win if they play to their potential as they did in Kiev in the Champions League last week.
There is no doubt they're the better side but the better side doesn't always win cup finals.
City have the advantage of an on-form Sergio Aguero – nine goals in nine games – while Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge is finding his feet again after injury.
Bookies make City 11-8 (bet365, Ladbrokes) favourites and I reckon that's right but I'd be happier backing them to win the trophy at 7-10 with boylesports.
Both sides faced European action in midweek and while City have had an extra day to recover they travelled to Ukraine while Liverpool were at home.
Klopp's men are a biggest 9-4 with bet365 and 13-10 at bet365 to claim the silverware. A draw in 90 minutes pays 5-2 at BetVictor.
It could come down to Aguero v Sturridge and I'd take the Argentine. He is 4-1 at Ladbrokes and William Hill to score first and 13-10 at 888sport to net at anytime. Sturridge is 11-2 and 2-1 respectively.
Alternative scorers include Yaya Toure at 10-3 with Coral and Phillippe Coutinho at 7-2 with Betfred.
Willy Caballero will be in goals and that gives Liverpool a better chance of scoring than if Joe Hart was starting. Back both teams to score at 4-6 with Ladbrokes and bet365. Ten of the last 12 finals have gone over 2.5 goals and it's likely again at 17-20 with bet365 and BetVictor.
Seven of the last eight meetings have gone over 2.5 goals including a 4-1 win for Liverpool at the Etihad in the last meeting between the sides. That was the Reds' best display under Klopp but they haven't produced it enough.
Recommended Bets
Aguero to score
Over 2.5 goals
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
A skybet special that I like the look of
Each team to score, take 4+ corners, get 20+ booking points @ 6/1
They are also doing a free £5 bet if you place a £10 bet on the match at evens or above, you have to opt in to the promo though
1 Liverpool corner short on the 6/1 shot!
Posted on top tips thread.
Liverpool 11-1 to win pointless cup on penalties ….booooo
Man city 11-1 to win pointless cup on penalties…..booooooom
Either to win on penalties 5-1…… mini booooom