Team News: Andy Carroll dropped to Liverpool bench

Andy Carroll has dropped to the bench for Liverpool's Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City at Anfield.

Manager Kenny Dalglish has opted for an attacking pairing of Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard starts the match in a midfield that also features Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has given Nigel de Jong a place in the midfield, while Pablo Zabaleta is also given a starting berth.

Striker Mario Balotelli misses the match after City chose not to appeal the violent misconduct charge for his alleged kick on Tottenham Hotspur's Scott Parker.

Liverpool take a 1-0 first leg lead going into tonight's match.

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Agger, Skrtl, Enrique; Downing, Adam, Gerrard, Henderson; Kuyt, Bellamy Subs: Doni, Kelly, Carroll, Maxi, Coates, Carragher, Shelvey

Man City: Hart; Richards, Savic, Lescott, Kolarov; De Jong, Barry, Silva, Zabaleta; Nasri, Dzeko Subs: Pantilimon, Clichy, Rekik, Milner, Hargreaves, Johnson, Aguero