Liverpool can't take Carling Cup for granted

Last season's Carling Cup final was seen as a formality for Arsenal, who were pitted against a spirited yet pedestrian Birmingham City outfit. However, the men from the Midlands came away with a 2-1 win and, most importantly, the trophy, despite the Gunners' relentless pressure.

The news that goalkeeper Tom Heaton, defender Mark Hudson and midfielder Stephen McPhail are winning their respective battles against injury suggests that Cardiff may be significantly strengthened come Sunday.

The Bluebirds have missed the trio, whose absences have contributed to them winning only one match in the last five in the Championship. However, they are still in the play-off positions in England's second tier and have proven to be a tricky prospect for many sides this season. On their day, their flair could prove to be a handful, even for the strongest sides. Those looking at the best online sports betting 2012 should remember this.

The news that manager Malky Mackay has signed a contract extension this week, keeping him at the club until June 2016, is also going to give the Welsh side a significant boost ahead of the Wembley final. He talked about his "pride" in signing a new deal - expect this to be on show on Sunday. The fact that the match represents England versus Wales should also be noted. Patriotism brings great fervour and will be a strong motivating factor.

The Craig Bellamy effect is also expected to drive the Welshmen on. Now at Liverpool, Bellamy was awarded the captaincy of Cardiff when he signed on a season-long loan spell from Manchester City in 2010. He was the star man in a season which ended in defeat in the play-offs.

Anticipation is high in Cardiff, particularly after the club missed out on promotion to the Premier League last term. While promotion is still the main aim for the 2011-12 campaign, the confidence boost which would result should the Championship side pull off an upset would be immense.

By beating Liverpool, the Welshmen would confirm that they are good enough to play in England's top flight. And this may just be enough to spur them on to that very end.

At the end of last season, Cardiff were hurting. They may be celebrating come Sunday evening. Always be wary of a sting in the dragon's tail.