Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's League Cup fourth round clash between Liverpool and Swansea at Anfield. Very little separates the two sides in the Premier League so far this season, so we should have an intriguing battle between clubs who have both lifted the trophy in recent years. First things first, let's have a look at the two starting lineups tonight...

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Jones; Manquillo, Lovren, Toure, Johnson; Lucas, Henderson, Coutinho; Markovic, Lambert, Borini

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Skrtel, Lallana, Balotelli, Mignolet, Moreno, Can, Rossiter

SWANSEA STARTING XI: Tremmel; Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Fulton, Shelvey; Emnes, Dyer, Montero; Gomis

SWANSEA SUBS: Bony, Fabianski, Barrow, Shephard, Carroll, Bartley, Routledge

As expected, then, plenty of changes for either side tonight. Liverpool make nine from the side that drew 0-0 with Hull at the weekend, with Dejan Lovren and Javi Manquillo the only players to retain their place. Lambert leads the line as Balotelli is dropped to the bench, while Henderson returns to the starting lineup to captain the side. Swansea, meanwhile, make five changes, with the back four, Shelvey and Montero maintaining their places in the side. Gomis comes in up front, with the in-form Bony dropped to the bench.

Nine changes suggests that Rodgers has bigger priorities than the League Cup this season, which is certainly the case with the Premier League and Champions League to worry about, but there is no doubt that victory tonight and a good run in this competition could give the Reds a much-needed boost. They have struggled so far this season, sitting seventh in the Premier League with just 14 points from their nine matches so far. They are just two points off the top four, but already find themselves nine adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Simply put, Liverpool have come nowhere near to replicating their sensational form from the second half of last season so far. Injuries and the loss of Suarez certainly haven't helped them, but as a whole the team seem to be less energetic and dangerous on the break than they were last season. Having scored 101 goals in their ultimately unsuccessful title challenge, they have managed just 13 in nine games so far this season, and no team has scored fewer in the top half.

Defensively their problems haven't been solved either, with 12 goals having been conceded in their nine outings so far. No side in the top seven has let in more, while Saturday's 0-0 draw with Hull gave Rodgers's side just their second clean sheet in 13 matches in all competitions this season. That is simply not good enough for a side who entered the campaign with real ambitions of winning the title, and it is an issue that Rodgers needs to address further despite having shelled out a lot of money on defenders during the summer.

They reached the fourth round of this competition courtesy of a memorable victory over Middlesbrough, although the win was not as comfortable as many people may have been expecting. The Championship side twice came from behind at Anfield, including netting a penalty in the dying stages of extra time to force a shootout. The spot kicks made it a truly historic night in the League Cup as it finished 14-13 to Liverpool, with the 30 penalties equalling the record in English football.

Liverpool have an impeccable record in this competition over the years having won it eight times - more than any other club. They last lifted the trophy in 2012, but interestingly have not won a League Cup tie inside 90 minutes at Anfield since a 2-1 success over Crewe in the third round of the 2008-09 season. Indeed, they haven't beaten a Premier League side at Anfield in this competition since a 4-3 win over Reading in 2006, so will be looking to end a rather poor run of home form tonight.

Swansea's overall pedigree in the competition is much less impressive, although they have lifted the trophy more recently than Liverpool, storming to success in 2012-13 with a 5-0 victory over surprise packages Bradford in the final. That remains the only time that the club has ever made it past the fourth round in the competition, so the omens are good should they win tonight. Garry Monk was club captain for that success two seasons ago, and actually featured in the match against Liverpool in the same stage of that season. Swansea surprisingly won 3-1 at Anfield that night and will be hoping for a similar result tonight.

They will certainly fancy their chances against a Liverpool side in relatively poor form. Nothing separates the clubs in terms of points in the Premier League at the moment, although Swansea do sit one place above their hosts tonight due to superior goal difference. The Swans have scored the same amount as Liverpool (13), but no team outside the league's top two has a better defensive record so far this season, with Swansea having conceded 10 goals in their nine games.

They come into this one on the back of a comfortable 2-0 triumph over Leicester at the weekend, the first time they had won a league game in six outings. It also gave them a sixth clean sheet in 11 matches this season, and that defensive solidity is a big reason behind Monk sticking with the same back four this evening. Two of those clean sheets have come in this competition, with the Swans edged past Rotherham United 1-0 in the second round before easily dispatching of Liverpool's city rivals Everton 3-0 in the last round.

Their recent record in the competition is actually very good, with just one defeat in their last 10 League Cup matches. They have also won four of their last five away League Cup matches, a run that includes victories over Liverpool and Chelsea. Their last match on their travels in this competition ended in a 3-1 defeat to Birmingham, however, as they crashed out in the third round last season. Overall, Swansea have only won one of their four away outings this season, with that coming on the opening day against Manchester United.

PREDICTION: Right, we're nearing kickoff at Anfield now, so it is time for a prediction! Both these sides have been fairly hard to call in this match which, coupled with the weakened sides that usually play in the League Cup, makes this one a very tough game to predict. Liverpool have not been convincing recently and are playing their third home game in the space of six days, while Swansea's own form has fluctuated a lot in recent weeks. I think this one may go all the way, so I'll plump for a 1-1 draw in normal time and Liverpool triumphing on penalties once again.

Swansea, incidentally, are unbeaten in their four previous League Cup ties against Premier League opposition, winning three and drawing one. However, they have only won two of their 19 trips to Anfield, losing 14 times and drawing just three. The last time the sides met here was in February as Liverpool edged a seven-goal thriller 4-3, but Swansea do have their recent League Cup victory to draw on here at Anfield.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Swansea get us underway as they look to get one over on former boss Brendan Rodgers. Can they progress to the quarter-finals or will Liverpool begin to find a bit of form at home?

Solid start to the match from both sides as they look to get an early foothold in the game. Both have seen a decent amount of the ball in the opening exchanges, but so far neither defence has been unduly troubled.

Borini picks the ball up on the right flank and looks to cut inside before being tripped form behind by Shelvey. The referee has a quick word with the Swansea man, but the main concern for the visitors right now is that Liverpool have a free kick in a decent position.

SHOT! Henderson gets a rare look-in at the free kick with Gerrard and Balotelli both on the bench, but those two won't be worried about losing their duties following this one. The stand-in skipper gets it over the wall but can;t get it to dip back down as it flies a long way over the bar.

SAVE! The first clear sight of goal this evening falls the way of Liverpool, but in the end it is a pretty easy one for Tremmel to deal with. Coutinho slid a short pass to Lucas, who moved it slightly to his right behind drilling a low effort straight at the Swansea keeper.

Superb play from Lambert as he gets to a pass from Markovic before spinning away from Fernandez down the left channel. He puts a dangerous ball right across the six-yard box, but Borini can't reach that nor can he turn the second cross goalwards as Swansea scramble it clear.

Patient build-up play from Liverpool as they knock it about their defence, looking for a way through. Toure almost provides it with a probing through-ball, but it is too heavy for Manquillo, who had made a good run down the right.

Lucas is forced to get Jones out of a bit of trouble, dealing with a risky pass from his keeper very well as Emnes looked to pounce on the loose ball.

SHOT! Coutinho shows lovely footwork to escaped the attentions of one defender and create space to shoot from around 25 yards out, but his eventual effort is a disappointing one as he drags it well wide of the target.

Coutinho looks to turn provider this time as he tries to slide an incisive pass down the right channel, but once again it is slightly overhit and goes behind for a goal kick. The final ball is just lacking for the hosts right now.

Liverpool do have an element of control over this match at the moment, with the hosts controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. However, they are yet to really carve out a clear chance, and Swansea are looking fairly comfortable defensively right now.

Lovely play from Henderson, who appears to have taken on some of Gerrard's passing quality with this raking diagonal ball to Manquillo. The Spanish full-back cushions a volleyed cross into the middle, but Swansea are able to clear. Pass of the night from Henderson there, though.

Rodgers will be fairly happy with how his side have played in this opening 20 minutes or so, but he will want more of a cutting edge. They are moving the ball nicely right now, but most of it is happening in front of Swansea's defence.

Half a chance for Lambert as he shows good strength to hold off a challenge and win a header from Coutinho's corner. However, it is hard for him to get over it and he can only put his effort well over the crossbar from the middle of the box.

Coutinho has looked most likely for Liverpool so far tonight, with a number of bright touches and clever ideas. The application of those ideas have been a little off so far, but he is looking in creative mood and you feel that he could unlock the Swansea door if he starts to get those passes right.

Coutinho again leads a charge for Liverpool as they break forward, eventually sliding a pass out wide right for Lambert. He drops the ball back to Borini, but the Italian's cross into the middle is woefully overhit.

Again Coutinho is involved here, but once more nothing comes of his attempt. This is probably the worst of the lot from the Brazilian as he fires a shot high and wide of Tremmel's goal.

CHANCE! Liverpool come forward once again, and this is arguably their best chance of the night so far. Coutinho runs at the defence before giving a square ball to Henderson, who in turn slides a clever pass to Markovic. The winger is in space on the left side of the box, but he slices his effort horribly wide of the near post.

UPDATE: There are four other League Cup ties taking place this evening, and the first goal in any of them has come at Craven Cottage. Fulham now lead Championship rivals Derby in West London and, as things stand, are on their way into the last eight.

Lovely pass from Lucas, who threads an incisive through-ball down the left channel for Coutinho. The playmaker looks to cut inside his marker inside the box, but the defender gets a vital foot in and Swansea just about survive.

Liverpool really are in complete control of this match in terms of possession, with Swansea struggling to string any sort of dangerous attack together. Liverpool have not threatened as much as their possession suggests, though.

CLOSE! The hosts come close to breaking the deadlock as Markovic slips a pass in to Borini, who produces a lovely turn on the edge of the box before curling a decent effort narrowly wide.

SAVE! Borini threatens again for Liverpool as the hosts start to pile the pressure on the Swansea goal. This time Tremmel is forced into action as Borini drilled a low effort towards the bottom corner from 20 yards having pounced on a loose Shelvey pass in midfield. The Swansea keeper got down well to push the strike wide, though.

Still Live continue to knock the ball about, patiently probing for a way through this Swansea defence. It is not often you will see Swansea this starved of possession, with the visitors barely having seen any of the ball so far.

Garry Monk will not be happy with how little his side have threatened in this first half so far. Jones has had a very easy time of things, with his only nervy moments coming with the stand-in keeper's distribution has let him down.

Again Coutinho leads a charge from midfield before slipping a ball to Markovic, whose first touch allows Williams to get a strong challenge in. The ball falls to Lucas, who gives into the crowd's desire to see him shoot, only to fire a poor effort well off target.

Lovren fouls Emnes in a dangerous crossing position, but Liverpool deal with the delivery well despite their recent trouble from set pieces. The ball drops out to Dyer around 20 yards from goal, but his effort is deflected wide for a corner, which comes to nothing.

Having been on the back foot for the vast majority of the first half, Swansea are beginning to apply a bit of pressure themselves in these closing stages. They have a chance to test Jones from a free kick here following Henderson's foul on Dyer...

SAVE! It is Shelvey who lines the free kick up, and he drills a decent effort towards the bottom corner. However, Jones gets down really well to make a good stop and deny Swansea from taking an undeserved lead just before the break.

Keith Stroud brings an end to the first half as Liverpool and Swansea City go into the break still goalless here at Anfield. Clear goalscoring chances have been relatively few and far between so far, although Liverpool have been on top in terms of possession and control of the game. Both sides are still very much in it, however, and the game could go either way right now.

Fabio Borini was responsible for the two best moments of the match as far as Liverpool are concerned, with one effort from the edge of the box flying just past the post and a second shortly afterwards drawing a good low save from Tremmel. Aside from that, though, the Swansea keeper has not been troubled anywhere near enough considering how much of the ball Liverpool have seen.

Swansea's best moment of the half came right on the stroke of half time as they were awarded a free kick in a promising position around 25 yards from goal. Former Liverpool player Jonjo Shelvey lined it up and drilled a fine low effort towards the goalkeeper's side, but Brad Jones was down well to make an important stop. The visitors only really began to apply a little pressure right at the end of the half having spent the vast majority of the opening 45 minutes on the back foot.

Markovic has wasted a decent opening for the hosts having been slipped in by a clever Henderson pass, slicing his effort well wide of the near post. Lucas has also seen an effort saved by Tremmel, but otherwise Liverpool have been largely limited to disappointing shots from range. They have played most of their football in front of the Swansea defence, which has not been too troubled so far despite spending most of their time chasing the ball.

The brightest player on the pitch in that opening 45 minutes was Philippe Coutinho, who saw a lot of the ball and led the majority of Liverpool's attacks. His final product has been disappointing so far, with a number of passes overhit and shots dragged wide, but he is getting into good positions and looks to be the one player capable of unlocking the Swansea defence right now. Once he gets that end product - which you sense is only a matter of time - then he will pose a real danger to the visitors.

As far as Swansea are concerned, they really haven't offered anything in an attacking sense so far, and Monk will be looking for more from his side in the coming 45 minutes. They are still very much in the game, and perhaps their priority right now will be to remain goalless until the final 20 minutes or so, but sooner or later they are going to have to improve going forward.

KICKOFF: Liverpool get us underway for the second half looking to end a goalless streak at home that now stretches to two and a half games. They have not failed to score in three successive matches since 1993, so they will be desperate to avoid that record tonight.

Almost a superb ball in from Henderson as he collects a pass from Maquillo before shaping a clever cross into the box for the run of Lambert. However, Tremmel is alert to the danger and collects the ball before the striker can reach it.

UPDATE: After a slow start, the goals have started to fly in in the other League Cup matches tonight. Bournemouth are ahead against West Brom through O'Kane, Chelsea lead Shrewsbury courtesy of a Drogba strike and Fulham have thrown away a two-goal lead and are now level at 2-2 with Derby at Craven Cottage.

YELLOW CARD! Fulton becomes the first name in the book tonight as he goes clattering into Coutinho late. He can have no complaints with that one, it was a poor challenge.

SAVE! Coutinho looks to provide the spark needed for Liverpool to break the deadlock, firing a powerful strike towards goal from outside the box. However, his effort is straight down the throat of Tremmel, who holds on to the ball.

Borini is fortunate here as he appears to trip Taylor off the ball, leaving the full-back in a heap on the floor. Had the officials seen that then it would surely have been a card, but they appeared to miss the incident. Taylor, meanwhile, looks to be in pain after his leg bent awkwardly beneath him.

A minor flash point as Montero reacts angrily to a clash with Manquillo, pushing the full-back in the chest. Often that may result in a yellow card, but on this occasion Keith Stroud lets it go with just a warning.

UPDATE: Derby have completed their comeback at Craven Cottage! The Championship leaders make it 3-2 from 2-0 down against Fulham and are now on course for the last eight. MK Dons will be joining them there if things stay the same as they have taken the lead against Sheffield United.

It will be interesting to see how long both managers leave it before looking at their respective benches here. Neither side are exactly looking menacing in attack right now, so something needs to change if they are to avoid extra time. Liverpool, remember, have Balotelli on the bench, while Swansea could call upon the services of Bony.

CHANCE! Swansea have their best chance of the evening so far, and Liverpool fans will not be surprised to hear that it comes from a set piece. Shelvey delivered the corner into the middle, where Gomis was waiting to plant a decent header straight at Jones. Either side of the keeper there and that could have been interesting.

SHOT! Good move from Liverpool as they up the tempo in the final third, with Lambert knocking a long ball down for Borini, who in turn slipped it inside for Coutinho. The Brazilian looks to shape a curling effort into the top corner, but gets it wrong as it goes high and wide of the target.

YELLOW CARD! Taylor becomes the second name in the book as he goes in strongly from behind on Borini. No doubt that is a measure of payback for Borini's earlier trip.

Swansea have certainly improved in this second half so far, with the visitors seeing a lot more of the ball and preventing Liverpool from controlling the game as they were in the first half. Still no way through for either side, though.

There is the breakthrough that Swansea's improvement has threatened to bring since the break! It is a fine finish from Emnes as he strikes a first-time volley into the bottom corner after Taylor had lifted it into the area from the edge of the box. The ball was dropping out of the sky there, and Emnes had to control it really well. Very good goal.

SWANSEA SUB: The visitors make a change immediately after that goal as Dyer makes way to be replaced by Wayne Routledge.

CHANCE! Swansea have a good opening to double their advantage here, and it is Emnes again with the effort. The ball broke to the goalscorer just inside the area, but his effort was straight at Jones.

SAVE! Liverpool hit back with a decent effort of their own at the other end as Johnson lets fly from range. His low drilled effort is well kept out by Tremmel, while Taylor is in the right place to deal with the dangerous rebound.

From the resulting corner a scramble ensues as Coutinho's ball is flicked on by Toure. Lambert is at the back post but sees his initial effort blocked, before hooking it back into a dangerous area. Swansea make a mess of dealing with the danger until Tremmel comes out to claim the ball.

LIVERPOOL SUB: The hosts make their first change of the evening as Adam Lallana comes on in place of the ineffective Markovic.

UPDATE: We almost had a huge upset as Shrewsbury equalised against Chelsea to make it 1-1, but the Premier League leaders have since restored their lead and made it 2-1. Elsewhere, Fulham have well and truly collapsed now and trail Derby 5-2 having once held a 2-0 lead at Craven Cottage.

SAVE! Liverpool continue to push for an equaliser, but once again they are forced into a shot from outside the area. This time it is Lambert who lets fly, but his drilled effort is straight at the keeper, who holds onto it well.

SAVE! Another long shot from the hosts here as Coutinho spins away from his marker and drills a strike from around 25 yards out. He hit the post against Real Madrid from a similar position, but this time his low striker is comfortable for the keeper, who gets down to make the stop.

UPDATE: There have been a dramatic couple of minutes at the Goldsands, where West Brom equalised against Bournemouth but now find themselves back behind against the Championship outfit. Sheffield United, meanwhile, have levelled the scores against MK Dons in the closing stages.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Cometh the hour, cometh the man? With Liverpool in need of a goal, Rodgers turns to the misfiring Mario Balotelli for the final 10 minutes. He replaces Lambert, whose own search for a Liverpool goal continues.

Swansea could barely string any passes together in the first half, but since the break they have moved the ball about much better. They are looking fairly comfortable right now, keeping possession well and controlling the game in areas that are no dangerous for them.

SWANSEA SUB: This is not what Liverpool would want to see. Wilfried Bony comes on for the closing stages having netted four goals in his last three games. He replaces Gomis up front.

YELLOW CARD! Ashley Williams becomes the latest player in the book for Swansea as he cynically bodychecks Borini. No complaints there from the visiting skipper.

UPDATE: Sheffield United have pulled off a late comeback to take the lead against MK Dons in their match in Milton Keynes tonight. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Bournemouth have confirmed their places in the quarter-finals with wins over Shrewsbury and West Brom respectively.

SHOT! The hosts continue their search for an equaliser, but they won't find it like this. Henderson's deflected pass finds Coutinho, who drops the ball back to the stand-in Liverpool captain. However, he snatches at his shot and slices it well off target.

Liverpool have their equaliser, and it is the much-maligned Balotelli who gets it! Much of the credit must go to Borini, who swung a sumptuous cross into the box, and Balotelli got there ahead of the defender to poke a controlled volley into the corner. It is a nice little finish from the Italian, who finally has his second goal for Liverpool. The relief inside the ground is palpable!

SWANSEA SUB: That goal changes Monk's plans as far as this sub is concerned. He was originally planning on brining Emnes off, but instead it is Fulton who makes way for Tom Carroll now.

YELLOW CARD! Toure comes charging into a challenge on the halfway line and can have no complaints at a yellow card being shown. However, Swansea do feel aggrieved as there was an option of advantage being played there.

There will be no fewer than FIVE minutes added time at the end of this match. Still plenty of time for some late drama! As things stand, though, we're heading for extra time.

Having scored one very well-taken goal from close range, Balotelli goes for something a lot more spectacular here as he winds up and lets fly from 30 yards. However, his effort flies a long way over the crossbar.

Swansea are reduced to 10 men in stoppage time of the second half! Fernandez is the man to receive his marching orders have dived into a challenge on Coutinho. In truth, the challenge looks a lot worse on first viewing, with the replays showing that it was actually a fair 50/50 tackle. That is a very harsh one on Swansea.

Balotelli lines up the resulting free kick, but his effort flies high over the crossbar. Moments later they break again, but Coutinho can't make the most of a good position inside the Swansea box.

Liverpool have done it! In the final minute of second-half stoppage time Lovren nods into an empty net to surely seal Liverpool's place in the quarter-finals of the League Cup. It is dreadful from Tremmel, who has ruined a good game tonight by getting caught underneath a drifted free kick. Lovren nipped in at the back post and nodded home. What a turnaround for the hosts!

CLOSE! Liverpool almost have a third late on as Coutinho controls the ball well before seeing his shot deflect off Williams and squirm just past the post.

Liverpool don't do things the easy way do they?! The Reds complete a late, late turnaround to overcome Swansea and advance into the least eight of the League Cup courtesy of a 2-1 victory. Brendan Rodgers's side controlled the first half without creating enough clear chances, while Swansea were arguably the better side after the break and looked to be heading to a narrow victory. However, goals in the 86th and 95th minute handed the hosts the win, while Swansea were also reduced to 10 men in the closing stages as Fernandez was shown a straight red card.

Swansea took the lead in the second half courtesy of a fine Emnes strike as he fired a first-time volley into the corner of the net from the left side of the box. Both of Liverpool's goals came from players who have received plenty of criticism this season, with Balotelli coming off the bench to poke his side level in the 86th minute before Lovren capitalised on a Tremmel error deep into stoppage time to win it for the hosts.

That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for yet another dramatic League Cup tie at Anfield. It is Liverpool who advance into the quarter-finals courtesy of a late 2-1 victory over Swansea, who finished the game with just 10 men. Stick around for our match report, and be sure to check back in for another three League Cup fixtures tomorrow night. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!