FA Cup preview: Aston Villa vs LIVERPOOL

Liverpool will take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi final at Wembley today and will hope to have a near full squad of players to pick from, something which will prove to be a huge boost after having missed at least half a dozen first team players in recent weeks.

Brendan Rodgers will welcome back Martin Skrtel and Steve Gerrard from suspension, whilst Daniel Sturridge faces a late fitness test, with Rodgers saying a few days ago that he will allow Sturridge every opportunity to prove his fitness prior to the match.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, could be without some key personnel in the form of Ciaran Clark and Gabby Agbonlahor. The 28 year old will be a big miss for Villa, with his pace able to cause sides big problems when on form.

But Tim Sherwood will welcome back Ashley Westwood and Scott Sinclair, both of whom could feature, whilst it is strongly believed that Shay Given will start in goal, which would be the Irish keeper’s first appearance of the season for Villa. Something that Liverpool may look to take advantage of.

The big talking point for Rodgers’ side will be how they line up and who starts, with all but a handful of places open to debate, Rodgers will either go with his (this season) preferred 3-4-3 or the more recent 4-3-3 that has brought success against Blackburn and Newcastle.

The key to this decision lies in whether Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard will start, with Skrtel almost 100% likely to earn a recall, whilst Gerrard is strongly rumoured to be given the nod to start. Will Gerrard start ahead of Lucas, or will he be pushed further forward to influence proceedings nearer Villa’s goal?

All will be revealed in a couple of hours, once Rodgers’ team selection is announced.

Can the Reds’ earn victory at Wembley today and take their place in next month’s cup final and how would you line up for the big game today? Let us know your thoughts on the match ahead.