Team News: Mario Balotelli starts for Manchester City

Mario Balotelli starts up front in the first leg of Manchester City's Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium tonight.

The striker has not featured since Boxing Day due to injury.

Captain Vincent Kompany misses out through suspension, while goalkeeper Joe Hart returns in goal for the Premier League leaders.

Gareth Barry also comes back into the side following a one-match suspension.

Steven Gerrard makes a rare start for the Reds following a long-term injury, and Andy Carroll is paired in attack with Craig Bellamy.

Man City: Hart; Richards, Savic, Lescott, Clichy; Barry, De Jong, Milner, A. Johnson, Balotelli, Aguero Subs: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Hargreaves, Onuoha, Nasri, Dzeko

Liverpool: Reina; Kelly, Skrtl, Ageer, Johnson; Gerrard, Spearing, Downing, Henderson; Carrol, Bellamy Subs: Doni, Enrique, Shelvey, Kuyt, Carragher, Adam, Coates