Liverpool on the up, Birmingham thrilled

Liverpool FC are up to seventh after a 1-0 home victory against Fulham FC, while Birmingham City FC are through to the League Cup final following a thrilling encounter with West Ham United FC.

On the occasions Kenny Dalglish's side broke through a resolute Fulham rearguard before the break they found goalkeeper David Stockdale in impressive form. However, he was powerless to prevent the hosts taking the lead when John Pantsil (52) sliced the ball into his own net after Fernando Torres' shot had defelected off an upright. Fulham, who have not won at Anfield in 30 attempts, are 15th, four points above the bottom three.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg, West Ham looked good for a place at Wembley when they extended their aggregate lead through Carlton Cole 31 minutes into the semi-final second leg at St Andrew's. Second-half goals from Lee Bowyer and Roger Johnson, though, sent the tie into extra time, where Craig Gardner (94) − who had twice hit the post − drove a shot into the bottom corner. Birmingham, finalists ten years ago, will play Arsenal FC in the showpiece on 27 February.