Liverpool vs Carlisle United preview: Will Danny Ings build on excellent display in Capital One Cup clash with Keith Curle's men?

A look ahead to the Capital One Cup fixture at Anfield

(Getty Images)

It's a big game for...

Danny Ings

When he arrived at Anfield, this young striker opted against wearing a single digit number on the back of his shirt. Rather than emulate club legends like Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler via a laminator, he wanted to do so on merit.

On Sunday against Norwich City, he played like a man thirsty for that number 7, 8 or 9. As the of ragtag mob of intricate attacking talents behind him struggled for fluency, Ings stormed about like a runaway steam train, chasing and harrying every cause, even after he'd scored his deserved goal.

His performance of refreshing directness came at a time when Liverpool's attacking play looked particularly ponderous. Should he start on Wednesday night, he will be have an excellent opportunity to build a scoring run and secure his place in this side. On Sunday's evidence, it needs him.

Remember when...

John Barnes and a Steve McMahon double sank Carlisle in the 1988/89 FA Cup Third Round, the last meeting between these two sides? No? Good job we've got a YouTube clip then...

Player to watch...

Jabo Ibehre

Who? Only the top scorer across each of England's top four divisions. At 6ft2ins, with 10 goals in 10 games, Ibhere is the mobile 32-year-old target man spearheading the Football League's most potent attack. The much-travelled striker, who began his career at Leyton Orient, will relish his chance to square up a Liverpool defence that has looked uncertain at the best of times, especially now that he is in the form of career.

Past three meetings

Carlisle 0 Liverpool 3 (Barnes, McMahon 2)
FA Cup, January 1989

Liverpool 3 (Keegan, Toshack, Heighway) Carlisle 0
FA Cup, January 1977

Liverpool 2 (Toshack, Keegan) Carlisle 0
First Division, April 1975

Form guide

Liverpool: DLLDD
Carlisle United: WLWWD

Vital information

KICK-OFF TIME: 8pm
HIGHLIGHTS: Channel 5, 11pm

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