Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel senses a wounded Manchester City ahead of tonight's Carling Cup semi.

Skrtel gave away a spot-kick in a 3-0 Premier League defeat at the Etihad last week.

But Yaya Toure is at the African Nations Cup and Vincent Kompany is banned for tonight's Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

Skrtel said: "Toure and Kompany are their key players but they will still be strong.

"But we can beat them. We made three mistakes and conceded three last week."

Skrtel tonight marks four years at Anfield. He added: "This is the best time in my career."