Can Man City's Raheem Sterling beat former club Liverpool in the Capital One Cup final?

Raheem Sterling will come up against some familiar faces in the Capital One Cup final on Sunday, when Manchester City clash with his former club Liverpool.

The England forward insisted his £49m move to the Etihad last summer was all about winning trophies and he has the opportunity to lift the first one available to him this weekend.

However, his old club Liverpool will be standing in his way.

Who will come out on top? We asked Soccer Saturday pundits Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Paul Merson for their view on the battle, how Sterling may impact the final and whether Liverpool will be able to nullify their former ace.

Charlie Nicholas

I just don't see him getting on the ball and beating people like he was two or three months ago.

When is the last time we talked about Raheem Sterling? I remember when he scored three against Bournemouth and it could've been five but we've barely mentioned him since - other than giving away a penalty against Tottenham.

This final should have his name all over it and Liverpool fans should be saying 'oh God, he worries me' but I don't think they'll be overly concerned about him.

I think the occasion could get to the lad. He's still young and he's still learning but I just don't see him getting on the ball and beating people like he was two or three months ago. He's edgy. I don't think he's quite sure what position he's meant to be in and what he's meant to do, just like three or four of the other City players at the moment.

He should be thriving as soon as Yaya Toure or David Silva get the ball because he's got pace to burn, but I think the true crux of it is he's actually playing for his cup final place on Wednesday night against Dynamo Kiev.

Paul Merson

The Liverpool players will know what he can do from training and will be wary of him.

I do feel sorry for him a bit as he didn't ask for that price tag and he's still a young kid.

Sometimes I watch him and he's unbelievable, but he doesn't strike a ball properly. His goals always seem to bobble in, you never see him drill a ball into the corner.

He will get better and the Liverpool players will know what he can do from training and will be wary of him.

Live Capital One Cup Final

Phil Thompson

He's always a player that you fear and the occasion won't scare him.

I still think that he was badly advised and I wouldn't say that he's been a massive hit but he's still very young.

He's still got to work on his final ball but when he's on his game he can be very troublesome.

He's always a player that you fear and the occasion won't scare him. The kid has a good footballing attitude, he's a tough little boy. 

I've seen him at a younger age still turn up in big games. The real challenge is for him to be more consistent now.

Watch the Capital One Cup final between Manchester City and Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 4pm on Sunday