Kenny Dalglish
Dalglish wants to bring another youngster on board. REUTERS

Liverpool face a difficult trip to Stoke in the fourth round of the Carling Cup Wednesday, as Kenny Dalglish looks to end the club's trophy drought.

The Reds have not lifted silverware since their FA Cup triumph in 2006 and they face a tough match at the Britannia Stadium tonight. Dalglish's side have not won on each of their last four visits to Stoke's home ground, including a 1-0 defeat in the Premier League in September.

Both clubs are likely to field significantly different teams from their weekend matches, which saw Stoke lose at Arsenal while Liverpool were held to a home draw by Norwich.

Kenny Dalglish is expected to name Andy Carroll in his starting XI after the £35m forward started the last two Premier League games from the bench.

Craig Bellamy could be handed a start after impressing at the weekend, with fringe players such as Maxi Rodriguez and Jay Spearing likely to feature.

"[Craig Bellamy] has been brilliant. He just loved playing football and wants to play all the time. He will make a contribution for us. He's fantastic to have around," Dalglish said.

"You have to be fair to everyone and Craig understands that. The teams we have been putting out in the Carling Cup have been strong and I'm sure the team at Stoke will be the same. We will be fair with everyone."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is set to continue his rotation policy as he balances the club's European and Premier League commitments.

Defender Jonathan Woodgate is in line for a return after missing three games with a calf injury, while Jermaine Pennant faces a late fitness test on a hamstring problem.

"There's a few tired legs but we'll be all right," Pulis said. "We will have to see what he [Jermaine Pennant] is like.

"He's having a bit of trouble, so we decided to leave him behind for [the Arsenal game]. It's a problem he's had for a while and we want to clear it up."