FA Cup semi-final preview

Without hyping it up too much, it’s the oldest & possibly the most amazing and terrific domestic trophy in the world. The FA Cup!!

We’ve reached the semi-final stage this weekend & it’s the most interesting semi-finals in years (with respect to Stoke City, Bolton, Pompey & some others) This year we have the pleasure of watching 2 derby matches - the Merseyside derby & the London derby!! 

Liverpool: In preparation to the game, Liverpool have fired half of their back-room staff including the tea lady Betty and the driver, so Kenny Dalglish himself will be driving the bus down to Wembley. He should know where it is since this is Liverpool's 2nd semi in 2012 already. Adding to this, their in-form striker Carroll has scored 1 goal in his past 1 games. That's a 100% return!! Kenny as a manager has won the FA Cup twice before and would you believe it, both times he played against Everton in the final. All of this bodes very well for a team in need of some good news. With Gerrard rested during the week, captain fantastic is expected to play the full 90+ on Saturday. One last point of interest: there will be a minutes silence to start the game on Saturday with respect to the Hillsborough Disaster.

Team news: Fortunately the LFC board didn't fire any keepers, but will be going in with their 3rd choice keeper, Brad Jones. Jose Enrique (conceded 0 goals as a keeper) is expected to play at left back for this game.

Dangerman: Captain fantastic. He scored a hattrick in this fixture but a few weeks back.

Everton: When David Moyes first came to Everton they were a mid-table squad with no money & no trophies....now look at them!! Fantastic!! However, for the 2nd time in a decade Everton might finish above their rivals in the league. The prospect of knocking them out of the FA Cup would be the "cherry-on-top". Everton last won the trophy in 1995, but Moyes did reach the final in 2009. In February they were very close to the Carling Cup...it was about 1/2 a mile across the city in fact. Everton are known for their late surges & once again have had an impressive post-Christmas run losing 2 in their last 15 games. Coming off the back of an impressive 4-0 victory over Sunderland, Everton will feel that they are the stronger team on form. 

Team news: With only 13 players to choose from, Everton will be missing Rodwell due to injury & Pienaar is cup tied. Jelavic, Cahill, Baines & Darron "shoot first, ask questions later" Gibson all return for the semi.

Dangerman: Jelvaic. He scores when he wants, he scores when he wants.

Tottenham: The most successful team left in the competition are having one of their best PL seasons this decade and their manager Arry has won the FA Cup as Pompey manager. Surely with Gareth "WORLDS GREATEST" Bale, he'll be able to double that tally? Their recent form says otherwise, but Arry is a great cup manager having won silverware with the prolific Pompey, West Ham & Bournemouth. Spurs & Chelsea are in a fight in the league for 4th, but the FA Cup & the pride of London is at stake on Sunday. These 2 teams drew both league games against each other this season and something will have to give on Sunday. Expect a "gung-ho" attack from Spurs with little care for their defense.

Team news: Ledley King is injured. Obviously. Kaboul & Dawson also which depletes their centre backs. Betty the Liverpool tea lady is available for free.

Dangerman: Gareth "WORLDS GREATEST" Bale. So good that commentators get excited even if it's just a throw in he takes.

Chelsea: Di Matteo has done well for himself & Chelsea since he took over from interim manager John Terry, who took over from interim manager Andre Villas-Boas. Fortunate not to be fired already for not winning the Champions League yet, Di Matteo will want to leave his mark on the club and return the FA Cup to London. Chelsea have won 3 FA Cups in the past 6 years which is an impressive return. This is a trophy they seem to know how to win. Rob himself won 2 FA Cups with Chelsea as a player in the late 90's, scoring in both Cup finals. Despite a poor season by their recent standards, Chelsea are seen as favourites for the FA Cup and for good reason. Torres has been the butt of many jokes this season, but has had a good run in the FA Cup & boasts 13 assists for the season. This ageing squad can still be one of the strongest in the league, although this may be the last time we see some of their star players together. Ironic that this team was nicknamed The Pensioners until the 50's. 

Team news: Ivanovic is suspended & A. Cole is doubtful.

Dangerman: Juan Mata. The Spanish dwarf has been the creative spark in the middle for Chelsea and as long as one of their strikers actually takes advantage of this, Chelsea will have goals served up on a platter.

FA Cup Quiz

Answer these correctly to win an amazing prize of a mention:

1. The 4 remaining teams each have won the FA Cup numerous times. Match the trophies to the team:

• 8 FA Cups -
• 7 FA Cups - 
• 6 FA Cups -
• 5 FA Cups -

2. Name the 2 managers remaining who have won the trophy as a player?

3. Only 1 manager remaining has never managed a team in the FA Cup final. Name him.

4. Who won the last FA Cup at "old Wembley"?

5. Who are the main sponsors of the FA Cup as of last season?