Balotelli starts for City

Striker Mario Balotelli returned from a three-match absence to start for Manchester City in their Carling Cup first leg semi-final first leg at home to Liverpool.

The Italian – sent off in the 1-1 draw at Anfield in November – had not played since Boxing Day because of an ankle injury and was one of five changes from the side which beat the Reds 3-0 in the league eight days ago.

Liverpool made three alterations from their visit to the Etihad Stadium last week, with captain Steven Gerrard and former City forward Craig Bellamy starting and Martin Kelly coming in to play at right-back with Glen Johnson switching to the left of defence.

Man City: Hart, Richards, Lescott, Savic, Clichy, Milner, Barry, De Jong, Johnson, Aguero, Balotelli. Subs: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Dzeko, Kolarov, Nasri, Hargreaves, Onuoha.

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Downing, Spearing, Henderson, Bellamy, Gerrard, Carroll. Subs: Doni, Jose Enrique, Coates, Kuyt, Carragher, Adam, Shelvey.

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)