Carling Cup Final 2012: Liverpool Will Defeat Cardiff City to End Trophy Drought

Liverpool hasn't won a trophy in six years, but that will change on Sunday when the Merseyside club dominates Cardiff City in the Carling Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Reds captain Steven Gerrard is hoping the club can be victorious on Sunday, but knows that a win cannot completely satisfy the squad when there are still bigger goals to accomplish this season.

Gerrard said via Goal.com:

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"We're all desperate to bring success back. It's what we're working so hard to achieve.

"I'm hoping this is just the beginning for us. It would be stupid to win the League Cup and then rest on our laurels. This is an important cup for us but there are other big prizes we want to strive for,” he explained.

"I honestly believe winning this cup will be the catalyst for a successful period for the club. It will certainly give us the belief and confidence to deliver more."

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Gerrard hasn't lifted a trophy since his spectacular performance in the 2006 FA Cup against West Ham, and since he's returned to the starting XI this season after battling injury, Liverpool has been a far better team. 

He gives the Reds midfield a world-class playmaker and an attacking talent who can score goals from set pieces. Gerrard has also been instrumental in the improvement of forward Andy Carroll over the last few matches.

Gerrard won't let Liverpool take Cardiff too lightly, especially after what happened in last year's Carling Cup final when Birmingham City shocked Arsenal 2-1 to win the competition.

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"I've experienced both sides of it [cup finals], the own goal I scored and losing to Chelsea in 2005 was one of the lowest days I've had as a footballer. Losing a cup final is a horrible feeling.

"I've won this cup twice and now I'm going for the hat-trick. That's my goal.

"I'll be doing everything I can on Sunday to ensure we come away from Wembley with that cup on our bus."

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Gerrard will lead the Reds to a convincing victory over Cardiff on Sunday and bring home the club's first trophy in six years.

Cardiff won't be able to stop Gerrard from dominating the midfield and igniting the Liverpool attack. The Reds defense will also be strong in this match, and as a club they have one of the best defensive records in England.

Liverpool's No. 1 goal this season is to finish in the top four of the Premier League and earn Champions League football for next year, but winning the Carling Cup would certainly give the club a big boost to end the season strongly.

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