Impressive Liverpool big favourites for Carling Cup win over Cardiff

Liverpool’s first appearance at the new Wembley looks set to end in a comfortable victory – at least according to the latest Ladbrokes odds.

The Reds made it to their first major final since Kenny Dalglish’s appointment last season thanks to a 3-2 aggregate victory over Manchester City in their semi-final clash.

They now face Cardiff at the Wembley final and are big 1/3 favourites to add to their haul of seven League Cup titles.

Craig Bellamy was the difference against City with the Welshman scoring a brilliant winner against his former club that was richly deserved after a tireless display.

He will now face another of his former clubs in the final and the Welshman – who played for the Bluebirds in the Championship last season – is relishing the chance to face his home town team.

Speaking to the Guardian, he said: “It couldn’t be a better final for me

“It’s funny how football can work out at times. To get to the final is big for us.”

While Liverpool haven’t been to Wembley since 1996 – all of their cup finals since then have been played at the Millennium Stadium – Cardiff are relative veterans.

They’ve played at the new Wembley three times, winning their FA Cup semi-final against Barnsley in 2008 before going on to lose 1-0 against Portsmouth in the final.

They suffered more heartbreak in 2010 when they lost the Championship play-off final against Blackpool and the odds suggest they will be in for more disappointment against Liverpool.

The Bluebirds are 9/1 to win the Carling Cup and 10/3 to take it to extra-time.