Liverpool, Who Are They?

It's one of the plum ties and we have it. A trip to Anfield tonight is the reward having beaten both Bristol City and Barnsley of the Championship 2-0.

It's a chance to escape from the rather depressing league form and for one night there will be little pressure on the team to get a result, after all no-ones expecting one.

With a 100% record in the cups so far this season, it's probably the only thing keeping the pressure on Steve Holland relatively light. Snatching a win tonight, whether in 90 minutes or after extra time and penalties, would make everything seem ok for the next few days at least, until it's back down to earth with a horrible trip to Bristol at the weekend.

Reserves or not, Liverpool will have the quality over us. We've seen that in the recent past with the visits of Manchester United to Gresty Road in the same competition. The team will have to put in a performance of their lives, which admittedly could be rather average in real terms...

The game also gives the armchair supporters of the world a chance to unite and actually go to a game.

'It's an important competition for us but it's also one which gives us the chance to use some different players.

'We have to be careful though. We want to win the game and go on to win the tournament so while we can use some of our youngsters, we need to make sure we get the team right for winning.'

Liverpool look set to name a relatively inexperienced side tonight. Goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri is set for his debut whilst Robbie Keane up front could be one of only a few well known names starting as Fernando Torres looks set to be rested.

If Keane starts then it's unlikely the defence will face another player as good as the Irishman. To say the thought of Baudet vs Keane is slightly worrying is an understatement.

Steve Holland looks set to name the same team that lost to Southend on Saturday. With Chris McCready injured, the first team coach has few options available to try and tighten up a leaky defence that has conceded nine in three games.

A big night for Collis and he should expect a busy night too. Games like this are won when keepers have the game of their life.

Crewe: Collis, Jones, Baudet, O'Donnell, Woodards, Grant, O'Connor, Bailey, Moore, Zola, Pope.

Liverpool: Cavalieri... ?! ...Keane

Referee: M Oliver Assistants: AJ Horton and D Unsworth

Liverpool 3-1 Crewe

Bristol Rovers away this Saturday.

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