I think the City encounter is a no-brainer. Start Carroll as the spearhead in 4-5-1, with service from Downing and one of Henderson or Kuyt. I might even start Spearing and Kelly. Put 9 men behind the ball, and press them into errors. Look to win from a set-piece.
I'd consider hooking Enrique after 65 to make sure he can play on Tuesday. Losing to City wouldn't be terminal, and I'm happy for them to run away with the title (for which we're not competing), because they've beaten all our rivals thus far so a loss leaves us no worse. I know we're not hot when we try to defend, but I'd play for the draw here in the context of the season, our home form, and the League Cup quarter final.
On the other hand, Chelsea are there for the taking, as they have lower morale, have recently lost to us on home soil, and had an extra game this week. But they're still at home, so we'll need Bellamy, Suarez, and Enrique to be fit for the game - preferably Adam as well as SG looks a lost cause until next season. We shouldn't forget how Henderson sealed up their mid-field after they changed tactics, and I would expect AVB to start the side that finished that game. It might be the League Cup, but winning it to end our 6 year long trophy drought is a lot better than just giving up against a side we should be able to beat. That's not the Liverpool Way, and Kenny Dalglish knows it. Besides, having them lose twice at home to us in ten days could shatter their confidence in the league - and what a blow that could be!
