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TEAM NEWS: Mario Balotelli returns for Manchester City while David Silva misses out through injury for League Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool
The Italian forward has recovered from an ankle problem that kept him out of Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, and is one of five changes for the home side
11 Jan 2012 18:50:00
By George Ankers
Getty Images
Manchester City have been boosted by the return of Mario Balotelli to partner Sergio Aguero in attack for the first leg of their League Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
The Italian striker missed Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United with an ankle injury but is back for Roberto Mancini's men at the Etihad Stadium.
His return is one of five changes for City, with Joe Hart, Gael Clichy and Gareth Barry all coming into the side, as well as Stefan Savic, who replaces suspended captain Vincent Kompany.
The club confirmed that Spanish midfielder David Silva is absent through injury, but suggested that he will not be unavailable for a significant amount of time.
City's official Twitter said: "Silva misses out with an ankle problem which reportedly will not keep him out of the side for too long if you're worrying!"
For Liverpool, Andy Carroll starts after scoring a rare goal from the bench against Oldham Athletic in Friday's FA Cup tie.
Kenny Dalglish makes six changes in total from the Reds' last outing, though captain Steven Gerrard retains his place alongisde Craig Bellamy, Jose Reina, Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing.
Manchester City starting XI: Hart; Richards, Savic, Lescott, Clichy; A.Johnson, Barry, De Jong, Milner; Balotelli, Aguero
Subs: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Onuoha, Hargreaves, Nasri, Dzeko
Liverpool starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Spearing, Henderson, Gerrard; Downing, Carroll, Bellamy.
Subs: Doni; Jose Enrique, Coates, Kuyt, Carragher, Shelvey, Adam.
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The Italian striker missed Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United with an ankle injury but is back for Roberto Mancini's men at the Etihad Stadium.
His return is one of five changes for City, with Joe Hart, Gael Clichy and Gareth Barry all coming into the side, as well as Stefan Savic, who replaces suspended captain Vincent Kompany.
The club confirmed that Spanish midfielder David Silva is absent through injury, but suggested that he will not be unavailable for a significant amount of time.
City's official Twitter said: "Silva misses out with an ankle problem which reportedly will not keep him out of the side for too long if you're worrying!"
For Liverpool, Andy Carroll starts after scoring a rare goal from the bench against Oldham Athletic in Friday's FA Cup tie.
Kenny Dalglish makes six changes in total from the Reds' last outing, though captain Steven Gerrard retains his place alongisde Craig Bellamy, Jose Reina, Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing.
Manchester City starting XI: Hart; Richards, Savic, Lescott, Clichy; A.Johnson, Barry, De Jong, Milner; Balotelli, Aguero
Subs: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Onuoha, Hargreaves, Nasri, Dzeko
Liverpool starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Spearing, Henderson, Gerrard; Downing, Carroll, Bellamy.
Subs: Doni; Jose Enrique, Coates, Kuyt, Carragher, Shelvey, Adam.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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