MATCH PREVIEW: Liverpool V Carlisle

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Image via Romain Perrocheau/Getty Images

Sorry about the missing Norwich posts folks, as you probably know I popped to Barcelona for a few days before I return to University for my final year and so unfortunately I was unable to do those posts. However, I'm back and ready to provide you with some sort of preview for our League Cup clash with Carlisle.

After picking up a draw against Norwich at the weekend, Liverpool are in desperate need of a change in fortune after failing to win in their last four matches in all competitions. Carlisle come in to this game on relatively good form having drew their last fixture and won four out of their last five prior to that in all competitions.

For Brendan Rodgers, he must realise the growing pressure on his shoulders and therefore surely he's aiming to take this competition seriously? His choice of line up for the Europa League game against Bordeaux however suggests that he is prepared to give fringe players a chance in games away from the league.

Injuries for Liverpool mean they are without Jordan Henderson who has broken a bone in his foot. Meanwhile, Christian Benteke will also be left out as he requires a hamstring scan. This could however be the perfect game for Daniel Sturridge who returned to the starting XI against Norwich but it's guesswork whether he will feature.

Carlisle manager Keith Curle doesn't have any major injury woes to contend with and will be sure to field a strong team for the fixture at Anfield.

The last time the two sides met was in January 1989 in the FA Cup. The Reds won that tie away from home scoring three goals in the process. Prior to this tie, the two sides have met on seven occasions, Carlisle have never won but they did manage two draws in our first ever meeting back in 1973 in the FA Cup and in the FA Cup in 1974.

For me, this is exactly the kind of game that Liverpool could struggle in. On paper you look at the fixture, see that it's at Anfield and think "yeah we'll walk that" and in all honesty that's what we should be doing. No offence to Carlisle but Liverpool should not be looking at a team from that league and be feeling concerned, however we are concerned.

Rodgers' decision to probably field a lot of youngsters could once again be a huge risk, his changed team against Bordeaux almost brought home the goods but luckily for him a draw away from home in France is a decent result, a draw at home to Carlisle? Not so much.

Without knowing the team it's hard to predict what will happen but I can see this being a scrappy (hate that term but it perfectly explains things!) game and I can definitely see Carlisle bagging a goal. If I end up having a bet I'll probably have a 2-1 scoreline.

I asked you for your score predicitons and here are a few of the tweets I received:
P.s. If you haven't already please take a second to tweet this: "I am voting for @LFCKirstyLFC in @TheFBAs as best #Established blog"

I'd really appreciate your support!

Enjoy the match folks, wherever you are watching!