Pre-Match: FA Cup Semi Final - Aston Villa v Liverpool

Why Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to win the FA Cup - and avoid joining Roy Hodgson in the Liverpool FC history books

They might say the magic of the FA Cup is well and truly dead, but Brendan Rodgers will be hoping it can at least sprinkle a little stardust on his Liverpool career.

The Reds boss will have been consumed with the race for fourth place in recent months and with the financial demands of the game now, he could be forgiven for prioritising.

But when it is all said and done and the history books are written, Sky’s Race for Fourth place won’t matter one jot - but winning the FA Cup will.

Because the Ulsterman will avoid becoming the first Liverpool boss, besides Roy Hodgson, to fail to win a trophy in the first three years of his reign for over 50 years. The last manager failing to do so being Phil Taylor in the mid-1950s.

Granted, Hodgson wasn't at the club three years, but his name will remain in Liverpool's history books as the last manager to fail to win a trophy during his time at the club. Rodgers will want to avoid that.

For all the riches Champions League football has to offer, days out at Wembley and trophies in Liverpool’s considerably sized cabinet will always be priceless.

And it is by trophies that a Liverpool manager is ultimately judged.

Rodgers will also be looking to ensure his young squad gets a taste for success, and winning a trophy can help his side breed confidence and push on in next season’s cup competitions. Rafa Benitez used to talk a lot about buying players with a “winning mentality” - winning trophies develops that mentality in not just players but the manager as well.

Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Roy Evans, Gerard Houllier, Rafa Benitez and Dalglish, again, all secured silverware within the first three years of their reigns.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brendan-rodgers-desperate-win-fa-9048743

My Team:
                     Mignolet
                 Can      Skrtel
Johsnon                               Moreno
                       Lucas
             Henderson    Allen
 Coutinho        Balotelli      Sterling

(I would done the live thread because I will be at my family's house)

2 of the same thread......

Ibe is Cup tied

Ibe is Cup tied

Ok then play Balotelli up front with Coutinho on the side.

               
Mignolet
Johsnon   Can   Skrtel   Moreno
Lucas
Henderson    Allen
Coutinho   Sturridge   Sterling

Gerrard for Lucas or Allen (depending upon the score) on 60 minutes. If Sturridge isn't fit, Coutinho as a a false 9, Markovic on his flank.

Seriously cant see Mario starting any game from now until end of the season. Johnson was a disaster in the last game, Skrtel coming back and Studge seemingly unfit, we could probably go back to 3-4-3, albeit the diamond. Is Lallana fit for this?

Migs
Can-Skrtel-Lovren
Lucas
Hendo - Allen
Markovic       -         Moreno
Coutinho
Sterling

Subs- Jones, Johnson, Toure, Gerrard, Lallana/Borini, Sturridge, Lambert

I sure as hell hope we win this because the entire forum seems to have PMS right now.

Skrtel and gerrard both back in for me and push Can into midfield.

Skrtel and gerrard both back in for me and push Can into midfield.

Who you dropping for Gerrard mate?

You you dropping for Gerrard mate?

I'd drop Allen for Stevie.

Not sure Gerrard's the right option from the start. It's a big pitch and with the potential of 120 minutes, I'd leave him on the bench and bring him on around the 65 minute mark.

Villa will play on the counter with Agbonlahor and Benteke and as we looked shaky against Newcastle when they broke I'd definitely go back to 3 at the back. Attacking options a bit limited with Ibe, Lallana and most likely Sturridge out so I'd go for:

Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Lovren; Markovic, Hendo, Lucas, Moreno; Coutinho, Sterling, Balotelli.

Can't see Brendan going for Balo though, so Markovic will probably push up and Johnson comes in?

If Balo is really coming off of sickness I can't see him having the fitness to be able to help us much.

If Balo is really coming off of sickness I can't see him having the fitness to be able to help us much.

I don't know. If I were an athlete and sick with the flu or similar, I could see how it stop me being sharp enough to play, but it wouldn't stop me from fitness training.

That said, I'd be surprised if he got a game.

I'd drop Allen for Stevie.

I've been thinking about Stevie this week and could see him playing further ahead of Lucas in a two but like Chats said I think to have him on the bench to come on at 60 minutes or so is the best option for this game.

Mignolet

Can    Skrtel    Lovren    Moreno

Lucas

Henderson      Allen

Coutinho

Sterling  Sturridge

I sure as hell hope we win this because the entire forum seems to have PMS right now.

Stop whining about it and get me more wine & chocolate.....NOW!!!

               Migs
Manquillo Skrtel Can Moreno
          Hendo  Lucas
             Sterling
Sturridge Coutinho  Markovic

Coutinho as the false #9 again, please!!!

I have a feeling this is going to be a lot tougher than many expect.  We haven't actually played a Premier League team to get to the semi-final so they're clearly a step up from Bolton or Blackburn. Sherwood will have them motivated, of that you can be sure.

A narrow win will do me.

I have a feeling this is going to be a lot tougher than many expect.  We haven't actually played a Premier League team to get to the semi-final so they're clearly a step up from Bolton or Blackburn. Sherwood will have them motivated, of that you can be sure.

A narrow win will do me.

I agree, too many Reds I know think this will be a walk in the park. Brendan I am sure will make sure we do not under estimate the task ahead.
A narrow win for me too.

I agree, too many Reds I know think this will be a walk in the park. Brendan I am sure will make sure we do not under estimate the task ahead.
A narrow win for me too.

Im sure tactics Tim will want some revenge for the beatings Rodgers handed out last season to Spurs.

I agree, too many Reds I know think this will be a walk in the park. Brendan I am sure will make sure we do not under estimate the task ahead.
A narrow win for me too.

I'm not thinking this is a walk over... far from it...

I'm hopeful we will win, but I'm worried. If the team that walksout on sunday is the team thats walked out against Arsenal, Utd and Swansea... we are going to struggle!! throw the first Blackburn tie in that lot as well!!

I see a big battle if I'm honest... I'd take 1-0 in the last minute if I was offered it now!

I have a feeling this is going to be a lot tougher than many expect.  We haven't actually played a Premier League team to get to the semi-final so they're clearly a step up from Bolton or Blackburn. Sherwood will have them motivated, of that you can be sure.

A narrow win will do me.

Palace.

Agree with your post though, we need to find another level from recent weeks if we are to win on Sunday. Villa's win at Spurs was very impressive.

I F***ing hate Sherwood. Proper bellend.

I hope Brendan hands him a lesson in Sunday.

I've no idea about the size of the pitch at Villa but Wembley is always referred to as big pitch, will this benefit us or them?