Stoke vs Liverpool (Carling Cup) Preview

TEAM NEWS

Stoke City winger Jermaine Pennant, who has been nursing a hamstring problem, looks unlikely to play against his former club.
But Danny Higginbotham could feature following a knee injury.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas is available after missing the weekend draw against Norwich because he was serving a one-match ban.
Fit-again defender Daniel Agger came on as a late substitute in that game and could be involved on Wednesday.

MATCH PREVIEW

Liverpool, who have won the League Cup seven times - more than any other club - hope to take another step towards lifting the trophy for the first time since 2003 when they take on Stoke.
They will also be looking to avenge their 1-0 league defeat at Stoke in September, when lifelong Everton fan Jon Walters scored the Potters' winner from the penalty spot.
The Anfield club, who have failed to score in only one of their last 40 League Cup matches, won at Brighton in the previous round and a victory at the Britannia Stadium would see Liverpool record successive away wins in this competition for the first time in 17 years.
Stoke added to their squad in the summer, signing former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch among others, and they needed to given the busy schedule because of their involvement in the Europa League. This will be there third match in six days.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Liverpool have won 62 and Stoke 28 of the 123 previous matches between these clubs.
• Stoke have failed to score in six of their last nine games against them.

Stoke

• City are appearing in the fourth round for the fourth season running.
• They have lost only one of their last seven home League Cup ties.

Liverpool

• Liverpool are aiming to make the last eight for the first time in four seasons.
• They have kept only two clean sheets in their last 12 games.