SportsRooter.com

Manchester City full back Bacary Sagna believes that his team should target more trophies in order to send the perfecting parting gift for their boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Bacary Sagna Hoping to Give Manuel Pellegrini Trophy Laden Send-Off

The former Real Madrid manager joined the club in 2013 but would be replaced by current Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola at the start of next season. Sagna also added that the victory in the League cup final would provide the perfect shot in the arm for City with respect to the Premier league title race and the Champions league.

The former Arsenal full back accepted that it is not easy to know that their manager will not be at the start of next season but believes that the best way to respond to such a situation is to win trophies for him.

Sagna believes that the team can catch up with Leicester City who are currently nine points ahead of City, although the Foxes have played one game more. City certainly have the strength in depth with respect to closing the gap on Claudio Ranieri's men, with their first challenge being the team they faced in the League Cup final in the form of Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp has asked his Liverpool players to trust his tactics and game plan ahead of the League cup final against Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp believes a League Cup win would be one for the whole squad

Klopp believes he has the necessary wisdom and experience to handle situations like this. Liverpool's last trophy was, in fact, the League Cup itself in the year 2012 under Kenny Dalglish when they won against Cardiff City.

Klopp has stated that it is important that his players do not go into the game thinking it is the biggest game of their lives. He feels that it is important to handle the pressure from the fans especially since Liverpool have not won a trophy since four years.

The former Dortmund manager added that he has experienced the feeling associated with both winning as well as losing in such situations. The German certainly experienced his greatest disappointment when Borussia Dortmund lost the Champions league final in 2013 against their German rivals Bayern Munich.

Former Liverpool captain Gerrard stated that Klopp is the difference in the League cup final this time around. The statement was taken in a more jovial way by Klopp but the German also added that he knows the way to go about such a situation.

There were some upsets and lots of goals scored in the eight Carling Cup matches played on Wednesday. The most notable result was Sheffield Wednesday's victory over Newcastle United at the St James Park.

Liverpool 1-1 Carlisle ( Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties)

M K Dons beat Manchester United 4-0 at this stage of the competition last year but there wasn't going to be any such repeat this time as they were swept aside by Southampton. Jay Rodriguez, Sadio Mane and Shane Long all scored braces to guide the Saints to a 6-0 victory. Rodriguez's goals were his first in almost 18 months as the striker returned to action only recently after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Chelsea extended their winning streak to three games in all competitions as they start to find some rhythm to their campaign. The victims this time were Walsall who were thrashed 4-1 by last year's Premier league champions. Ramires, Remy and Pedro scored for Chelsea while new signing Kenedy also opened his account for the club. Loftus-Cheek particularly impressed in the game, getting himself an assist for Kenedy's goal.

Newcastle were knocked out of the competition by Sheffield Wednesday as the Magpies continued their uninspiring form. Steve McClaren's side has only won once this season - against Northampton - and this victory has piled more pressure on him. Newcastle struggled throughout the match and Lewis McGugan's strike from the edge of the box was enough for Sheffield Wednesday to send them out.

Arsenal beat their North London rivals Tottenham 1-2 in the most high profile clash of the evening. Both of Arsenal's goals came from an unexpected source in Matheu Flamini while Tottenham scored via a Chambers own goal. With the scores tied at 1-1, it was Flamini who volloeyed home from outside the box to hand the Gunners a vital win.

Norwich City recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion. Goals from Jarvis, Lafferty and a Pocognoli own goal saw Norwich earn a completely deserved victory over the Baggies.

Crystal Palace also had a comfortable evening as they put four past Charlton to secure their passage to the fourth round. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb second half hattrick from Dwight Gayle. Fraizer Campbell also scored for palace while Sarr netted the consolation for Charlton.

Liverpool progressed against Carlisle but would have given Rodgers a lot to think about after putting on a woeful performances. They had to count on the luck of penalties to beat the league two side after drawing 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes. Ings scored for Liverpool while Asamoah netted for Carlisle. Summer signing Bogdan was the shootout hero as he saved three spot kicks to send Liverpool through.

Manchester United had a comfortable outing against Ipswich Town, beating them 3-0 as many would have expected. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring before Andres Perreira scored from a freekick to get on the scoresheet on his first start for the club. Martial finished the proceedings by scoring another in injury time to continue his fine form.

Andre Schurrle finished a resilient Derby side off as the hosts pulled a goal late on after Filipe Luis and Eden Hazard opened the scoring. Favorites Chelsea look set to wrap up this competition early next year as Mourinho's quest for unprecedented quadruple rumbles on.

Filipe Luis' fantastic free-kick

A magnificent free kick from the Brazilian saw the blues control the match. Midfield linchpin Cesc Fabregas returned and was behind everything the Londoners managed to do. The Blues now wait for the draw as Derby turn their focus back to trying to gain Premier League promotion. Chelsea saw yet another red produced to an opponent as stand in defender Buxton was sent off for holding logic Remy. Just before the halftime whistle blew there was concern for young Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.


The pedestrian pace the stretcher bearers were using annoyed not just the management and fans but Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta who rushed on to grab the front and briskly lead on. A 15 the assist for Fabregas and another semifinal for a Jose Mourinho team. The Blues march on.

When it rains, it pours. Southampton were knocked out by Sheffield United who have lost just one match in 16 games in the FA Cup and League Cup. The Nigel Clough side have a confidence within them in these competitions and replicated their amazing run from last year were they made the Semifinals of the FA Cup. A free kick which Fraser Forster couldn't hang onto was bundled over by Marc Mcnulty . Saints' misery was further compounded when they received a red card as Florin Gardos floored the goal scorer. That's five losses in a row for Ronald Koeman and the honeymoon is over.

Sheffield United will hope to avoid Chelsea until the final stage as they must believe that their time is now. The Capital One Up looks like Jose's to lose.

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2

Fresh from a humbling defeat in north London, Newcastle are set to return to Arsenal's rivals Tottenham. The Magpies will have to go back to the basics. Williamsons' inclusion seemed to have weakened the side and having disposed of champions Manchester City, and will draw inspiration from that. They have already knocked out Crystal Palace as well having done this away from home. The visit to White Hart Lane will be nothing new and with Spurs battling at home could be another win for Alan Pardew. The once under pressure manager who scooped the manager of the year award also feels this is their year to end their trophy drought.

Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

Tottenham have shown better form in their cup runs as Mauricio Pochettino looks to rotate players and further implement his game plan and philosophy. The former Southampton manager does not seem to know his best XI although he knows his best striker is Harry Kane. The Londoners will look to fix home ground woes and take advantage of any defensive lapses in the Newcastle tanker. Who will come out on top? Newcastle managed a clinical display against Manchester City and Chelsea. Showing that on their day they can beat any side in the league. The lack of ability to consistently perform is their Achilles heel.

Key players:
Hugo Lloris, the French goalkeeper has been one of the club's best performers. Will he be able to stop the Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse who has been a force in front of goal lately? His performance will be important should they prevail.

Rolando Adams is an 18 year old who haunted Manchester City. The former Bristol youngster was quality on the day, full of running, dribbling abilities that would make even the great Leo Messi smile and capped the day off with a goal. An appearance could leave Spurs defenders hoping for the whistle.

Newcastle is to edge this clash as their away form has been impressive.

The two sides are in two contrasting positions. Liverpool off to their worst start in 55 years in the Premier League as Brendan Rodgers is now viewed as a bad manager after what was an incredible run last season. The Reds will take confidence in having beaten the same opponent last time out 2-0. This will be their opportunity to recover and gain some lost confidence.

Bournemouth vs Liverpool

Having faced a scare earlier against Middleborough in what was a nervy penalty shootout they will need to play at their best. They face a Bournemouth side that is in unfamiliar territory. It is for the first time that they are in a major quarterfinal and are challenging for the Championship as they look to grab a spot in the Premier League.

The Cherries have been in imperious form and are undefeated since September. They sit top of the Championship and will be relishing the clash against Liverpool. Having knocked out West Bromwich Albion confidence and belief will be high. The side's ability to score goals will see them have an edge over a side struggling to put the ball in the net. David vs. Goliath: Can David claim another scalp? Who will be in goal for Liverpool? Could we see the return of Simon Mignolet?

Key Players:

Mario Balotelli was shape after a long layoff from injury. The Italian's movement this weekend caused havoc for their rivals and had it not been for star goal keeper David de Gea he would have walked away with the match ball. Time is running out for the striker and he needs to start scoring them.

Dan Gosling left Everton and Newcastle signing a four year contract with Bournemouth. Four goals in a wonderful cup run sees the midfielder show the value that he possesses to his side. They are the top scorers in the cup (10).

Upset, as Bournemouth hold of Liverpool to progress. Fairytale is to be continued.

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2

Tuesday sees two Quarter final clashes in the Capital One Cup as two Premier League sides face off against two lower division sides. We look at the Chelsea and Derby clash which will be an exciting fight for a spot in the Semi finals!

Derby vs Chelsea

Derby vs Chelsea

The two sides met last season with the Blues coming out on top. Derby have proven to be quality opposition and have continued to grow under Steve McClaren. The former FC Twente manager was unfortunate to miss out on Premier League football, but is well poised this season. They will look to bounce back after their last fixture ended in defeat and will face the task of taking on the best side in the land. Derby will take heart from Shrewsbury Town who pushed the Blues all the way.

The Rams know how to score goals and have a Cup high of ten alongside Bournemouth and giant killers MK Dons. They will host the Blues at iPro Stadium and will face a full strength Chelsea side, except Gary Cahill who will receive some rest time. The defender was entangled in controversy last week as he was described by Steve Bruce as having executed a 'Swan-dive'.  Kurt Zouma will deputise and the young defender has been impressive thus far, which will allow him to continue to grow and prove his worth towards the Chelsea future.

Jose Mourinho will look to avoid what happened in the previous round as a few of his stalwarts failed to impress and will go into the clash hoping there is a better performance especially in the final third. Could Jose continue his quest to win all four trophies? To do so, the woeful away form must be fixed and they must start today.

Players to watch:

Cesc Fabregas will return and with the Spaniard in their ranks, creativity will be in abundance. Expect a few eye catching, defence splitting passes. Fabregas has reiterated his joy and appreciation at Chelsea, insinuating a lack of appreciation from Barcelona.

Johnny Russell has two goals and two assists and will be a key player for the side. Derby will need to be clinical and without suspended Ryan Shotton defensive up for it.

Chelsea are favorites to win by two goals.

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2