STEVEN Gerrard and Luis Suarez will expect to start at Wembley after they were both given the night off against Fulham on Tuesday.
Liverpool made nine changes for their 1-0 defeat at home to the Cottagers, with Kenny Dalglish’s mind clearly on the FA Cup Final against a rejuvenated Chelsea.
Pepe Reina, Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger and Craig Bellamy were also omitted from the matchday squad on Tuesday, having all started in last Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Norwich. The four of them are likely starters for the Chelsea game, while Jose Enrique, who came on as a second-half substitute during the defeat against Fulham, will also expect to return to the starting XI.
Dalglish must choose between Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher to partner Agger at centre back, with promising youngster Sebastian Coates unlikely to be picked for such a high profile game. There will be lots of competition for places in midfield, with Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing hoping to play in the centre, Stewart Downing, Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez competing for a chance to start out wide and Jordan Henderson a possible starter either in central midfield or on the wings. Upfront, Andy Carroll will hope to partner Suarez after his late goal in the FA Cup semi-final secured Liverpool’s return to Wembley.
Chelsea also rested players in midweek ahead of Saturday’s game; Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Juan Mata all started on the bench for Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle on Wednesday. Didier Drogba has been on the bench for Chelsea’s last two games, but may start at Wembley unless Roberto Di Matteo keeps faith in ex-Red Fernando Torres. At the back, Branislav Ivanovic may partner John Terry in central defence as David Luiz and Gary Cahill are both still recovering from hamstring injuries.
Liverpool beat Chelsea twice at Stamford Bridge in November, first in the Premier League and then in the Carling Cup quarter-final. However since sacking Andre Villas-Boas in March and installing Di Matteo as their interim manager, the Blues have lost just twice in all competitions. Chelsea are the bookies’ favourites to lift the FA Cup but with Liverpool’s form in knockout competitions far exceeding their league form, the Reds will be optimistic of adding an eighth FA Cup to the club’s trophy cabinet.
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