Liverpool v Manchester City Capital One Cup Final 2016 Wyróżnione

Margaret Thatcher was once asked after making a vital cabinet appointment whether the new incumbent would be any good.

“Yes – but is he lucky?” she replied.

As a Liverpool supporter you can't help but feel that Klopp has the luck factor. But isn't it true that you make your own luck?

“The more I practice the luckier I get” once remarked golfer Gary Player.

Luck is intrinsic to football. Millimetres either side of the woodwork can decide who wins and who loses.

In that case Brendan Rodgers was decidedly unlucky because Liverpool had the highest count of woodwork hitting last season but you can't say he wasn't a hard worker. Luck isn't just simply a case of working hard, it is the Xfactor. It is what can define a managerial reign.

Klopp makes his own luck. His decision to marginalise Daniel Sturridge until the striker could perform sequential training sessions without breaking down meant that Liverpool were without their best player when he could undoubtedly have played. But now Klopp is reaping the benefit of that decision.

It is not “Luck” that nearly all of his best players are available for this Cup Final.

A front line of Firminho, Coutinho and Sturridge is a formidable strike force with guile, craft and deadly finishing. If they all bring their A game to the party Liverpool will win this game.

City are not the side they were last season. The injury to Kompany has unsettled the side and losing De Bruyne to Knee Ligament damage was a massive blow. Nasri, Bony and Navas are also on the treatment table and doubtful for this game. Even if one or several were to return then they would be short of match fitness.

It's hard to remember a time when I was feeling positive about a Liverpool game against any of the top four clubs but the Europa league draw and Klopp's exclamation that he “wanted it” is proof positive that the club has a completely different vibe about it compared to earlier in the season.

I'm confident about Liverpool's prospects in this game and the bet is made for us which is a sweet deal.

The Bet - Manchester City To Lift The Trophy 12/1 At Coral - Bet Now