The FA Cup now represents a possible source of salvation amongst a harsh desert for Liverpool, looking for their first trophy under Brendan Rodgers and trying to end Stephen Gerrard’s iconic career with the club on a high-note at Wembley Stadium.
Battling it out in between a tight lower-end of the Premier League table, Aston Villa have been through a late season surge thanks to the appointment of Tim Sherwood and the return to form of talisman Christian Benteke, who has scored eight goals in the last six matches.
The Villans must wonder who to partner up front with the on-fire Belgian, and also how many recently injured players to return to the starting line-up.
On the road to the FA Cup Semi-finals Liverpool has gone against Wimbledon, Bolton, Crystal Palace and Blackburn while, Aston Villa defeated Blackpool, Bournemouth, Leicester and West Brom.
The key questions for the Reds will be whether or not to play a back three or four, and the possibility of Rodgers bringing a natural striker in the form of Daniel Sturridge or Mario Balotelli, or Philippe Coutinho continuing on as false No.9.
Key Battle – Martin Skrtel vs Christian Benteke
After injury struggles and some poor early season form, Benteke has almost single handily put Aston Villa safe from the relegation zone. The big fear from a Liverpool perspective is they have been vulnerable from crosses, which is one of the powerful 24-year-old’s strengths.
In order to combat this threat, Rodgers will look to return Martin Skrtel to the starting line-up, having served his three match ban from the Manchester United defeat. Skrtel has been the best of a shaky at times Liverpool defence, and tends to take any man marking roles when required.
Benteke also has notable form against Liverpool, having scored against the Merseysiders on five occasions, highlighted by a brace back in 2012. They will also have to be careful late in the game, with Aston Villa having scored five of their nine goals in the FA Cup so far after the 85th minute.
One the other hand, Liverpool will be encouraged by the fact Sherwood’s men have only kept two clean sheets in their last 20 competition ties.
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Team News
The Villans will be missing Carlos Sanchez through suspension, and Gabby Agbonlahor is doubtful with a hamstring complaint. Scott Sinclair though will likely be an option off the bench with his return from injury.
Aston Villa expected starting XI (4-3-1-2): Given, Richardson, Vlaar, Baker Bacuna, Cleverly, Westwood, Delph, Grealish, Benteke, Weimann.
Liverpool have both captain Gerrard and Skrtel available from suspension, while Mamadou Sakho is a definite unavailability. Question marks also remain over the fitness of Adam Lallana and Sturridge.
Liverpool expected starting XI (4-3-3): Mignolet Moreno, Skrtel, Can, Johnson, Allen, Henderson, Gerrard, Sterling, Coutinho, Markovic.
Head-to-head
This will be the 185th time these two sides have met, with Aston Villa winning 55, Liverpool 89 and 40 draws. The only times this fixture has occurred at a neutral venue, the Reds have got the win.
Previous Meeting
On the 18th of January earlier this year Liverpool headed to Villa Park in the previous meeting between the teams. Thanks to goals from Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini, the Reds left with all three points and continued their push to a top four finish.
The last meeting in an FA Cup final was all the way back in 1996 with Liverpool running out 3-0 winners, thanks to a brace from Robbie Fowler and another from Jason McAteer.
Prediction
With so much emotion riding on this game for Liverpool and importance to the future of Brendan Rodgers, expect Liverpool to throw everything they have behind a push for a spot in the final.
Look for Benteke to score a goal for Aston Villa, but the Reds should have enough weapons to come out on top.
Liverpool 3 Aston Villa 1
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