Remember when Liverpool and Manchester City met in October, and all hell broke loose? Jurgen Klopp was red-carded after a fiery bust-up with Pep Guardiola, angry Liverpool fans hurled abuse and coins at the visitors, groups of fans clashed in the stands after the sky blues had sang disrespectful songs, and rocks were thrown at Cityzens’ bus in the wake of the match. And it was only the early stage of the season!The incidents follow other accusations and ugly incidents in previous meetings, and both clubs held a meeting with supporter groups last month to reset relations. City CEO Ferran Soriano and Liverpool counterpart Billy Hogan this week sent supporters a letter asking for help to report ‘unacceptable behaviour’ from a minority of fans on both sides. To prevent such ugly scenes from repeating in tonight’s League Cup (or EFL Cup or Carabao Cup – whichever you prefer) match at Etihad, the coaches also engaged in peace talks to release the pressure and try to lower the tensions surrounding the game. Klopp: ‘I deserved the red card’Ahead of this Fourth Round encounter, Guardiola spoke about the responsibility to keep their emotions in check.”We want to behave well, the players, the managers, the spectators but sometimes emotions and things happen. People can’t behave ice-cold when you’re disallowed a goal in the biggest games. We will always react in that way but respect the officials, the rules, and the opponent is always there from my point of view. Reactions happen. That’s why the referees are there, to react and do what they believe is correct.”Klopp and Guardiola have been rivals since the days of their BVB-Bayern clashes. This is them in 2014 (©AFP)Earlier, Guardiola had sent a message to supporters, urging them to back their team positively.”Be supportive. Support your team unconditionally. This country is the best example. Enjoy the games with incredible players on both sides. Always has been this way.”Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders says their rivalry with Manchester City must remain respectful.”We need emotion from the stands, and we need to feel these games matter. The only problem with emotion is when there’s no respect. Then it becomes tough.”Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk and France centre-back Ibrahima Konate are not expected to feature for the Reds. However, their frontline is set to include Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, who were not at the World Cup.##NAJAVA_MECA_6899954##City’s squad is also impacted, with the Blues having had 16 players away in Qatar, which was the most of any side. Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have only been back training for a few days, while those involved with England and Portugal will return next week.Will the desired truce last? We’ll find out tonight!LEAGUE CUP Round of 16TuesdayWolverhampton – Gillingham 2-0 (1-0)/Jimenez 77 pen, Ait Nouri 90+2/Milton Keynes Dons – Leicester 0-3 (0-2)/Tielemans 18, Perez 28, Vardy 50/Newcastle – Bournemouth 1-0 (0-0)/Smith 67 og/Southampton – Lincoln City 2-1 (1-1)/Che Adams 25, 74 – Bazunu 2 og/Wednesday Manchester United – Burnley 2-0 (1-0)/Eriksen 27, Rashford 57/Charlton – Brighton 4-3 after penalties (0-0)Blackburn Rovers – Nottingham Forest 1-4 (1-1)/Wharton 44 – Johnson 13 pen, 90+2, Lingard 53, Awoniyi 79/Thursday 23.00: (1.95) Man.City (3.70) Liverpool (4.10)***odds are subject to change
