Liverpool and Everton face off tomorrow in what promises to be one of the most exciting cup semi-finals for many a year. Who will emerge victorious?
Tomorrow’s crunch FA Cup clash has the ability to define the reigns of both Kenny Dalglish and David Moyes.
Moyes, for all his perceived success at Everton, achieved on a shoestring budget, has never managed to win a trophy.
Kenny Dalglish on the other hand, has presided over a calamitous Liverpool season, but has still managed to add the Carling Cup to Liverpool’s trophy cabinet.
For all those who knock the Carling Cup, it is at least an achievement Everton have never got close to winning in recent times.
That lack of success may just give Everton the edge when it comes to tomorrow’s clash.
This is of course just the semi-final, and there is no guaranteed silverware for the winner, but it will be a huge step.
Everton’s squad have been waiting for this moment for many a year. They got close in 2009, losing the FA Cup Final to Chelsea, and that has only made them more determined to have a second shot at it.
Their return to Wembley has finally arrived- and they won’t want to blow it.
Liverpool need to win, but why?
Liverpool need to win, to get supporters of their backs, and for the players, to justify their places in the squad.
But do they want the glory as much as Everton do?
We’re not so sure, and we think this is why the Toffees may just have the edge.
There are other factors to consider of course apart from the team’s psychologies. Liverpool are down to third choice goalkeeper Brad Jones, and have had to recall Hungarian Peter Gulacsi from his Hull City loan as extra cover.
Everton will also make several changes from the side which was blown away 3-0 in the Merseyside Derby, while Liverpool will line up almost identically. Will this give Everton an advantage of knowing what to expect?
We just hope this one is decided through football itself, and not via a dodgy refereeing decision.
Will the difference between wanting to win and needing to win give Everton the advantage tomorrow? Let us know your predictions.
image: © Gene Hunt
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
