Despite Liverpool’s recent struggles, Man City boss Guardiola hails them as an exceptional team ahead of today’s clash; admits this away tie is hardest of the season

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised his side’s remarkable consistency after a dominant 3-1 win over Newcastle United sealed a 5-1 aggregate victory in the EFL Cup semi-final. City booked their sixth Wembley final in 11 years, with Guardiola lauding his team’s intensity and approach, while Newcastle boss Eddie Howe rued a poor first-half