This Sunday’s Carling Cup final is the chance for Liverpool to sweep off the dust in their trophy cabinet and bring some cheer to their long suffering fans.
The last time the Anfield faithful enjoyed a cup win was back in 2006 where the Reds lifted the FA Cup.
It has since been an uncomfortable ride for Liverpool, who have slowly but surely fallen out of the top-four while fans wonder where the next silverware will come from.
Kenny Dalglish, who is experiencing a mixed season in the English Premier League, has somehow managed to turn the Reds into a force to be reckoned with in cup competitions.
Often disregarded and sacrificed by top Premier League sides for their other ambitions, the Carling Cup has been dubbed the ‘Mickey Mouse Cup’.
But Liverpool desperately need to get their hands on any trophy.
However, standing in their way is Cardiff City.
Dalglish and his men will be fully aware that the trophy is far from being theirs, although the Reds are clear favourites to beat the Championship side at Wembley.
There’s no better reminder than last season’s Carling Cup final, where Birmingham City defied all odds to beat Arsenal to the trophy.
So how are the long suffering Liverpool fans in Singapore feeling ahead of Sunday’s showdown against the Blue Birds?
Joshua Sum, a Reds supporter for 15 years, believes it is a must-win game for his side but expects a strong fight from Cardiff.
He told Yahoo! Singapore: “We haven’t won anything in too long and moreover the opponent are not even in the Premier League. Liverpool will be a laughing stock if we lose!
“However, Cardiff will probably fancy their chances and will draw inspiration from Birmingham’s shock win over Arsenal in last season’s final.”
He also added that Dalglish’s men must stamp their authority from the first whistle or risk letting Cardiff into the game.
“We really need the midfielders to stamp their authority and control the middle of the park right from the start or else they just fade away, then strikers won’t get chances.”
Josiah Wee, who pledged his loyalty to Liverpool during his Primary School days, is confident that the Reds will be the ones lifting the Carling Cup this Sunday.
The 27-year-old told Yahoo! Singapore: “I don’t see us losing to Cardiff City. It will be a disaster if we do. I believe the lesson from Arsenal’s defeat to Birmingham last season has been learnt and Dalglish will make sure there is no complacency among the players.
“We have waited too long for a trophy. And although it’s the Carling Cup, it will be a great psychological boost for the club.”
Valerie Teng, however, has thrown caution to the wind as she is aware that anything is possible in a game of football.
She told Yahoo! Singapore: “I wouldn’t dare to say that the trophy is ours until we get our hands on it. There have been so many upsets in football these days, you can never say never.
“Moreover, we tend to struggle against smaller teams so I am lowering my expectation for this Sunday to avoid disappointment.”
Whatever it is, we are set for a mouth-watering Carling Cup final – whoever the winners are.
Do YOU think an upset is on the cards or will Liverpool finally end their trophy drought?
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