Liverpool will be favored to advance to the Capital One Cup final after claiming a 1-0 victory at Stoke City on Tuesday night in the first leg of the two clubs' semi-final at the Britannia Stadium.
The visitors dominated the opening half but could only score the single goal, through Jordon Ibe, in the 37th minute. Tempering that good news, however, were injuries to Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren, both of whom made way for substitutes before halftime.
Stoke improved after the break but largely failed to trouble Simon Mignolet in Liverpool's goal.
The second leg is scheduled for Jan.