La Liga Preview : El Clasico Barcelona vs Real Madrid (21 April 2012)

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FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid, Spanish League Match (21 April 2012)

El Clasico Match Preview : FC Barcelona v Real Madrid, 21 April 2012

The biggest rivalry in world soccer will be revisited again on Saturday when Real Madrid travel to Nou Camp in Barcelona to face the Catalans. It's very much a must-win for the home team, as Barcelona will try to make up some valuable ground in the dwindling La Liga season.

Real Madrid (27-4-2) currently sit four points (85-81) above Barcelona (25-6-2) on top of the Spanish Primera League heading into this heated match. With a win, Real Madrid can almost ice the league title by going seven points up on their rivals with just four games remaining.

The game sits in a precarious spot on the calendar for both teams, sandwiched between first and second legs of the two clubs’ UEFA Champions League semifinal matches against Bayern Munich (Real Madrid) and Chelsea (Barcelona).

Los Blancos fell to Bayern Munich, 2-1, in Germany on a 90th-minute goal by Mario Gomez on Tuesday, while Barcelona lost to Chelsea, 1-0, in their first-leg tie at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Saturday’s match between the two clubs, who I presently have ranked No. 1 and No. 2 both in Europe along with the entire Milky Way galaxy, should be a high-scoring affair. Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid have scored more goals (107 goals for, 29 against) than anyone anywhere, while Lionel Messi and Barcelona (96 goals for, 24 against) have been known to put a ball or two in the back of the net from time to time.

The Catalans have a couple of things going for them in this battle. Barcelona are undefeated (15-1-0) at Camp Nou, outscoring their foes an incredible 64-8 in the process. On the road, Real Madrid are an impressive 13-2-1 (44 goals for, 11 against) in La Liga, but beating Barca is a different beast.

A motivational factor for the Blaugrana is the reality that they are just four points behind Real Madrid in the league table and, with a victory on their home turf, can cut that lead to a slim one point (85-84) with only four games remaining.

With players like Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Victor Valdes, the defending UEFA CL champs Barcelona can beat anyone almost anywhere and are certainly one of the best teams in soccer (futbol) history.

As if all that wasn’t enough to side with the home team in this game on Saturday, consider Barcelona’s 5-2-1 record against Real Madrid in the last eight meetings. In those meetings, Barca have outscored Los Blancos by a healthy 19-9 total in La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup play. Real haven't scored more than two goals in any of those games.

So while the three-time defending Spanish Supercup champions Barcelona can still win the Copa del Rey title (vs. Athletic Bilbao May 25 in Madrid) and the UEFA CL crown (May 19 in Munich), they need to win this match to close the league gap to one for a shot at winning La Liga.

Although Los Blancos, under Jose Mourinho, are as good as they have been in some time, "The Special One" hasn’t been so special against the Catalans. Until Real Madrid can knock off Barca, manager Pep Guardiola will retain all bragging rights.

Both Gonzalo Higuain and Kaka weren’t in Real Madrid’s starting XI versus Bayern Munich on Tuesday, so they should be rested and possibly start in this edition of El Clasico. Barcelona won this season’s first matchup, 3-1 at Santiago Bernabeu.

In the end, Barcelona are that gnat Real Madrid can’t kill. Until Mourinho’s crew proves they can beat their Spanish rivals, I will have to side with Barcelona.

Prediction: Barcelona 3, Real Madrid 2

Source: bleacherreport.com

FA Cup Final Tickets: Liverpool FC vs Chelsea (5 May 2012)

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Liverpool vs Chelsea, FA Cup Final, 5 May 2012

LFC selling notice for FA Cup final against Chelsea ChesterChronicle.co.uk To book please visit www.thomascooksport.com/Football/Premier-League/Liverpool-FC or call 0844 800 9900. As we do not have enough tickets to satisfy demand, the remainder of the sale will be subject to a ballot. Members and Fan Card Holders with five ... See all stories on this topic »

Liverpool: FA Cup Final Ticket News Vitalfootball Liverpool FC have announced the receipt of an allocation of 25074 tickets for the FA Cup final - a sizable reduction from the 31871 received for the semi-final. The match scheduled to be held on Saturday 5th May 2012 (kick off 5.15pm) will see the Reds ... See all stories on this topic »

BPL Match Preview: Arsenal vs Chelsea (21 April 2012)

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Arsenal vs Chelsea, English Premiership Match 21 April 2012

BPL Match Preview : Arsenal v Chelsea, 21 April 2012

While Chelsea are one game away from this year's Champions League final, a mere spot in the 2012 tournament is on the line against Arsenal.

Chelsea, in sixth place with a game in hand, edged out Barcelona 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday and head to the Emirates on Saturday seven points behind third-placed Arsenal.

Didier Drogba scored the winner against Barcelona and will look to add to his career tally of eight Premier League goals against the Gunners, who also have Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United hot on their heels in fourth and fifth respectively.

Arsenal are coming off a shock 2-1 loss at home to Wigan on Monday and face a selection dilemma in midfield after Mikel Arteta was this week ruled out for the remainder season with ankle ligament damage.

Arteta joins Jack Wilshire on the sidelines, while Yossi Benayoun, who is on loan from Chelsea, is ineligible to face his parent club and Abou Diaby remains short of match fitness, leaving Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger with few options for the London derby.

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo hinted towards a number of changes in personnel following the Barcelona win, which came three days after a 5-1 romping of Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

"Public opinion has been that these boys are over the hill and too old to play two games in succession," Di Matteo told the club's official website.

"But they gave their answer on the pitch (against Barcelona).

"We have to assess the players ... but there's a good chance some fresh players will come in, because they deserve to as well."

Fernando Torres, Florent Malouda and Daniel Sturridge were all unused substitutes against Barcelona and could feature against Arsenal as the Blues go in search of just their fourth win in 20 Premier League trips to the Emirates.

Source: soccerway.com

Champions League Goals Video: Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona (18 April 2012)

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Chelsea 1-0 FC Barcelona, Champions League Semi Final Leg 1 (18 April 2012)

Champions League Semi-Final: Chelsea vs FC Barcelona Leg 1 Preview

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PREVIEW: Chelsea vs FC Barcelona, Champions League Semi Final Leg 1 (18 April 2012)

The holders head to Stamford Bridge once again to take on Roberto Di Matteo's men with both sides bidding for a place in the final against Real Madrid or Bayern Munich

Chelsea vs FC Barcelona, Champions League Semi Final 1 Preview

Chelsea has problems in defense with David Luiz likely to miss out after being stretchered off at Wembley against Tottenham on Sunday and Gary Cahill also struggling with a foot problem. John Terry will continue to play, despite a rib injury, and Branislav Ivanovic should replace Jose Bosingwa at right back, having been suspended for the FA Cup semifinal.

Elsewhere manager Roberto Di Matteo must decide whether to keep faith with the players who served him so well in the 5-1 thrashing of Spurs or freshen up his team. Dider Drogba and Frank Lampard were both scorers on Sunday, so may have done enough to retain their places, although Fernando Torres, who started both games against Benfica, will be hoping for a recall to the starting XI.

Barcelona has no fresh injury worries and indeed has players returning from injury with Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Seydou Keita and Ibrahim Afellay all back in the squad. It it also worth mentioning that both Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol are one yellow card away from a suspension.

DID YOU KNOW ?

• Chelsea last met Barcelona in May 2009, again in the semifinals of the Champions League. After a goalless first leg, the Catalans qualified for the final with a stoppage time Andres Iniesta goal which cancelled out Michael Essien’s opener and saw Barca through on away goals.
• The Blues have a perfect record at home this season in the Champions League. Di Matteo’s men have played five, won five, scoring 16 times and conceding just two in the process.
• This fixture is the Londoners’ sixth Champions League semifinal in nine years. However, they have only ever won one, beating Liverpool 4-3 on aggregate in 2008.
• The Stamford Bridge side has never won the European Cup, although it has was runner-up in 2008.
• Barcelona’s last trip to London was last May at Wembley when it beat Manchester United 3-1 to claim a fourth European Cup.
• Should the reigning champions win the Champions League this season it will be their fourth triumph in seven years and they will be the first club since AC Milan in 1990 to retain the trophy.
• This is the fifth consecutive season that Barcelona has been in the semifinals of the Champions League. The last team to beat Barca at this stage was Inter Milan in 2010.
• Lionel Messi has faced Chelsea six times in the Champions League but has never scored against the Blues.
• When the two clubs met in the quarterfinals in 2000, Barcelona beat Chelsea 5-1 in the second leg at Camp Nou. That game saw Roberto Di Matteo start for the Blues, while a certain Pep Guardiola featured for the hosts.

Source: Goal.com

Football Tickets: FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid and Chelsea

Barcelona Football Tickets, Champions League Tickets, La Liga Tickets

FC Barcelona-Real Madrid: new tickets to go on sale on April 20 ... Starting this Friday, April 20th, at 10:00, tickets to the match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will go on sale. The sale is exclusive to FC Barcelona ... www.fcbarcelona.com/.../fc-barcelona-reial-madrid-new-ticket...

Chelsea vs FC Barcelona Tickets Chelsea vs FC Barcelona Tickets - £350 (London/ BCN) ... Chealsea vs Barcelona , Champions League Semi Final Tickets available in Barca END 350each ... london.craigslist.co.uk/tid/2959211449.html

Champions League Goals Video: FC Bayern Munich 2-1 Real Madrid (17 April 2012)

Bayern Goals Video, Real Madrid Video Highlights, Champions League Video Highlights

FC Bayern Munich 2-1 Real Madrid, Champions League Semi Final Leg 1 (17 April 2012)

Champions League Semi-Final: Bayern Munich v Real Madrid Match Preview

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FC Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid, Allianz Arena, UCL Semi Final Leg 1 (17 April 2012)

UEFA Champions League Semi Final 1 : FC Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid LIVE STREAM

There is arguably no stage bigger than this and few clashes are more mouthwatering: Bayern Munich versus Real Madrid is a match worthy of being the Champions League final itself, but at the end of 180 minutes – possibly even more – only one of these two sides will contest the showpiece at the Allianz Arena against either Chelsea or Barcelona. And for die Roten, who call this ground home, it provides ample an extra incentive as they prepare to face the Real Madrid juggernaut.

Knowing full well the difficulty of this upcoming Champions League tie, Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes opted to rest several of his usual first teamers against Mainz at the weekend. The fielded side could not live up to the goalscoring heroics of a full strength outfit, registering a goalless draw, while Borussia Dortmund’s win over Schalke means that the Bundesliga is almost certainly staying with Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Realising that the meeting with Los Galacticos is a chance for redemption midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was quick to declare that everything will be thrown into this match.

“It’s all or nothing on Tuesday”, said the Germany midfielder. “We have to go to the limits and beyond, but we can do it with our fans behind us. It won’t be easy, and it comes down to mental strength. I hope we show the mentality which marks Bayern out.”


Decisive Week

Real Madrid’s season comes down to a key week of football with a double-header against Bayern Munich in the Champions League sandwiching the second league Clasico against Barcelona on Saturday evening. Needless to say, Los Blancos will have to rise to the occasion to avoid seeing their campaign vanish into thin air. And this game will certainly provide a test given that the Spanish giants have yet to win a game away to Bayern Munich.

After falling behind to an early penalty at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid eventually overcame Sporting Gijon 3-1 at the weekend, staying four points ahead of Barcelona in the process, as the latter triumphed over Levante. In doing so, Los Blancos reached 107 league goals, equalling the number set by the Quinta del Buitre in the 1989/90 season.

Emilio Butragueno, the leader of the aforementioned group, has praised Real Madrid’s European opponents, while highlighting his team’s ability to overcome the Bavarians.

“Firstly there is history. Bayern are a team with great pride, who have top quality players such as [Arjen] Robben, [Franck] Ribery, [Thomas] Muller. Secondly, we have to play our best game and not make a mistake. Hopefully it will inspire us to the final."

Coming back from Germany with away goals could well be important should Real Madrid want to overcome Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu a week later.

Recent form

Bayern Munich:
Bayern Munich 2-1 Augsburg (07/04; Bundesliga)
Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Bayern Munich (11/04; Bundesliga)
Bayern Munich 0-0 Mainz (14/04; Bundesliga)

Real Madrid:
Real Madrid 0-0 Valencia (08/04; La Liga)
Atletico Madrid 1-4 Real Madrid (11/04; La Liga)
Real Madrid 3-1 Sporting Gijon (14/04; La Liga)

Key absences

Bayern Munich: Breno; Daniel van Buyten; Rouven Sattelmaier

Real Madrid: None


Players to watch

Bayern Munich – Manuel Neuer: The excellent shot-stopper is instrumental to his side’s chances of going all the way to the final. Arguably having surpassed Real Madrid star Iker Casillas as the world’s best goalkeeper recently, Neuer will have to make sure the visitors go home empty handed.

Real Madrid – Xabi Alonso: Whenever the midfield kingpin has missed a game, his side have stuttered, and it was no different against Sporting Gijon at the weekend. Alonso adds calmness and composure to his side, and his presence will help Real Madrid to control the tempo and keep the ball from their opponents.


Match Prediction

A tenth Champions League accolade remains every Madridista’s dream, and beating Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena would move the side closer to their goal. However, as noted, Los Blancos have never won away against the Germans. And with the Bavarians having little chance of winning the Bundesliga, all their concentration and focus is on this one. Bayern Munich 2-1 Real Madrid.

Source: insidefutbol.com

FA Cup Video Highlights: Tottenham 1-5 Chelsea, Semi Final, Wembley Stadium (All Goals)

Chelsea FC Highlights, Chelsea Goals Video Highlghts

Tottenham Hotspurs 1-5 Chelsea, FA Cup Semi Final, 15 April 2012

BPL Match Preview: Arsenal FC vs Wigan Athletic (12 April 2012)

Arsenal FC Preview, BPL Match Preview

Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic, English Premiership Match 16 April 2012

Arsenal FC vs Wigan Athletic, BPL LIVE Match, 16 April 2012

Relegation-threatened Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has denied reports he is set to quit the club ahead of their crucial clash with Arsenal.

Following Wednesday's momentous 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the DW Stadium, a result that lifted Wigan out of the drop zone for the first time since October, Martinez quashed rumours he had reached an agreement with chairman Dave Whelan, regardless of whether Premier League survival was assured.

"I heard that and was very surprised. You wonder where that rumour is coming from," Martinez said after Shaun Maloney's lone strike stunned leaders United.

The United result capped off an exceptional run of form for Wigan that has seen them defeat Liverpool, Stoke and Manchester United in the past month and pick up points in all but two of their last eight fixtures when relegation looked imminent.

Martinez said he was now confident his side could avoid the drop but said there was still plenty of work to do with the trip to the Emirates Stadium on Monday as well a home game with high-flying Newcastle.

"I wouldn't like to see it as job done. When we were bottom and second bottom I was always looking at the last fixture of the season," he said.

"We play Blackburn (19th) and Wolves (20th) in the last two games. It would be very foolish for us to think anything has been done."

Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega (knee) could provide a boost for Wigan and return to face Arsenal on Monday with the Gunners are still without defensive pairing of Laurent Koscielny (suspended) and Kieran Gibbs.

Andre Santos and Johan Djourou may deputise for Arsene Wenger's side as they did in the most recent 4-0 thrashing of rock-bottom Wolves on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere (ankle/foot) is most likely to return against Chelsea at home a week later.

The win over Wolves was the Gunners' ninth in 10 league games and puts them in prime position to finish third and secure the last automatic Champions League spot having opened up a five-point gap on North London rivals Tottenham.

Source: SoccerWay.com

WATCH ARSENAL VS WIGAN LIVE STREAMING FOR FREE

La Liga Video Highlights: Levante 1-2 Barcelona (All Goals)

Barcelona FC Highlights Video, Messi Goals Video

Levante 1-2 Barcelona, La Liga Match (14 April 2012)

FA Cup Video Highlights: Liverpool 2-1 Everton, Semi Final, Wembley Stadium (All Goals)

Liverpool FC Highlights, Liverpool Everton FA Cup Goals Video

Liverpool 2-1 Everton, FA Cup Semi Final, Wembley Stadium, 14 April 2012

FA Cup Match Report: Liverpool 2-1 Everton, Semi Final, Wembley Stadium 14 April 2012

Liverpool FA Cup Result, FA Cup Match Report

Andy Carroll scored a late winner to defeat Everton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley

Andy Carroll’s late goal sent Liverpool through to the 2012 FA Cup final as they defeated Everton 2-1 at Wembley and kept alive hopes of a cup double.

He had missed a number of chances throughout the game but a close range header made the difference as Kenny Dalglish’s side came from behind after defensive blunders by each team in either half had levelled a tight game.

It was an emotional day for all involved and a moment of silence before kick-off in memory of the 96 who died in the Hillsborough Tragedy was impeccably observed.

Everton were the form team going into the game but it was Kenny Dalglish’s side who has the first sight of goal after two minutes when Andy Carroll broke into the right of the box, but his pull back was shot over by Jay Spearing.

The game was to and fro for much of the early period but martin Skrtel had a glimpse of goal just before the quarter of an hour mark.

Luis Suarez was brought down after turning Sylvan Distin on the edge of the area and, after Daniel Agger’s free-kick hit the wall, the ball found its way to Skrtel in the area but his shot was weak and straight at Tim Howard.

The game was quietening down as both sides were cancelling each other out, but the Toffees were delirious when a defensive horror-show gifted them the lead in the 23rd minute.

Nikica Jelavic won a header with Skrtel but it was falling to Jamie Carragher just inside the box. It should have been cleared easily but Carragher and Agger hesitated, confusion gripped them and the former could only smash his desperate clearance into Tim Cahill and the ball fell nicely for Jelavic to slide past Brad Jones.

Liverpool had been poor up to then but they stirred themselves slightly after going behind, with crosses from Suarez and Downing went into dangerous positions but Baines and John Heitinga did well to see off the lurking Carroll.

Everton were content to sit back and the Reds fans in the crowd were getting frustrated as they were getting plenty of opportunities to cross into the box, but the quality was not there for Carroll to feed off of.

The big striker should have pulled his side level two minutes after the break, however, and it came off of Downing’s first really effective cross into the box.

The England winger took on Baines down the left and crossed to the back post with his unfavoured right where Carroll was waiting all alone five yards out, but his downward header was poor and went a yard wide. It was a glaring miss by the most expensive ever Englishman.

It turned out to not be too costly as the Everton defence took their turn to gift a goal just after the hour when Distin’s awful back pass gave the ball to Suarez who calmly slotted the ball past Howard with the outside of his right foot.

An otherwise dull game was energised by a second blunder and Liverpool, who were vastly improved in the second half, began to find some form.

They were on top for a fifteen minute period, but the introduction of Seamus Colemon for the anonymous Magaye Gueye steadied things for Moyes’ side.

However, Carroll managed to miss another chance, though it was not as straightforward as the header he missed earlier.

Colemon handled the ball in the build up but Howard Webb played on and Carroll found himself in space on the edge of the box, but his shot across goal was whiskers wide.

Another good chance for the former Newcastle United striker as a sloppy bit of play from Phil Neville under pressure from substitute Maxi Rodrigues saw the ball fall to Carroll nine yards out, but it was congested and his snatched shot deflected wide off of Suarez.

His moment of redemption came with three minutes left, however, after Colemon was fortunate to avoid a second booking for a challenge on Gerrard on the right near the line.

The Liverpool captain crossed the free-kick in and Carroll towered over everyone to nod home from six yards out. It was no more than they deserved as they had been by far the better side in the second half.

Everton had been very poor the whole second half and they could not stop their rivals from holding onto the ball and running down the four minutes of added time.

Dalglish’s side turned the game around brilliantly after half-time and they were deserved winners.

Everton were negative in trying to protect their lead and they just did not have it in them to stop Liverpool from carrying on their quest for a cup double.

Source: givemefootball.com

"I’m not going to play it down - Liverpool FC v Everton FC is massive" - Steven Gerrard

Liverpool FC News, English FA Cup News

Liverpool FC vs Everton FC, FA Cup Semi Final, Wembley Stadium 14 April 2012

JUST 32 days after his one-man derby demolition job at Anfield, Steven Gerrard will have Everton in his sights once again tomorrow. It will be the 27th occasion Liverpool’s skipper has locked horns with the Blues during his illustrious career – but this one is different.

The 218th all-Merseyside affair will be played out under Wembley’s giant arch with so much more than pride at stake. Gerrard achieved a lifelong dream when he clambered up the 107 steps to hoist the Carling Cup aloft seven weeks ago. And he’s desperate to ensure the Reds’ second trip to the new national stadium has a similarly triumphant outcome as they look to secure their passage to the FA Cup final.

“This is not just a semi-final, it’s a semi-final against Everton,” Gerrard said. “I’m not going to play it down. Everyone knows how big it is.

“FA Cup semi-finals are big at the best of times but when you are playing your local rivals there’s an extra bit of spice involved and that makes it even bigger.

“There’s so much at stake. For everyone at this club and their club it’s massive. It could change our season.
“ It will be a proud day for me to lead the lads out at Wembley again. But it’s not about me on Saturday. It’s about Liverpool v Everton.

“It’s a big game and everyone’s looking forward to it. We’re in a confident mood.”

When the clubs met at Anfield last month Gerrard capped his 400th Premier League appearance with a stunning display. The dynamic midfielder scored the first league hat-trick in a derby since Ian Rush in 1982 and the first by a Reds player at Anfield since Fred Howe back in 1935.

Gerrard almost single-handedly ruined David Moyes’ 10-year anniversary celebrations and after being rested for Tuesday night’s dramatic 3-2 win at Blackburn he’s ready to wreak havoc again.

“I feel fresh and ready for Saturday,” he said.
“Big players often have a big impact on big games but anyone can be the hero on the day.
“It’s one of those occasions that’s set up so well for heroes. Let’s hope the heroes are in red shirts.”

Liverpool head for the capital on the back of just three wins in 14 league games since the turn of the year. That miserable run has left hopes of Champions League qualification in tatters but Gerrard insists the FA Cup offers Kenny Dalglish’s side a shot at redemption.

“Everyone is frustrated with the league position, we cannot hide that fact,” he said.
“It hasn’t been good enough. We’re all frustrated and the players have under-delivered in the league. All of us. Not just the new signings, not just certain individuals.
“We had three targets at the beginning of the season. One was top four and we haven’t delivered it. But we’ve done fantastic in the cups.
“I think if this squad delivers two major cup finals in one season it can turn the season into a success. There’s one more big hurdle to get over – to get to two cup finals would be an unbelievable achievement.”

Everton go into the game in better form having suffered just two defeats in their last 17 matches in all competitions.

Gerrard has been impressed by the Blues’ surge up the Premier League table which has taken them a point clear of the Reds. However, the captain insists that will count for nothing come 12.30pm tomorrow.

“Everton didn’t start the season too well but David Moyes has produced the goods again,” Gerrard said. “I think they have a superb manager and that’s been key for them. He went into the transfer market in January and his signings have made a big impact.

“They are strong, difficult to beat and we know we’re going to be in for a really tough game.
“But I don’t think form, the league position or previous meetings have got anything to do with this game. I don’t think any player on the pitch will be thinking about league position once the game starts.

“Everton will be fired up and we will be the same. It’s my responsibility and that of the other experienced lads in the dressing room to help the younger lads that are going to be involved.
“It’s important that we don’t get too fired up and lose a man. We will be aware of the importance of keeping everyone on the pitch.

“I don’t think you need any extra motivation going into a derby at Wembley in front of 90,000 in an FA Cup semi-final. The winner will be whichever team turns up on the day.”

The Blues have been desperate to portray themselves as the underdogs and the bookies narrowly agree with them. However, Gerrard isn’t bothered about being classed as favourites.

“I don’t think it adds any pressure,” he said.
“Everyone is aware they are in good form and that we have been inconsistent in the league.
“It’s difficult to pick a favourite. I’m sure the bookmakers will make a decision but we’re not really interested in that. We are just interested in doing the job we need to do to beat Everton.”

Gerrard believes there are lessons for the Reds to learn from the Carling Cup final when they needed spot-kicks to finally overcome the challenge of Championship outfit Cardiff City.

“I think when you go to Wembley you need to forget about the occasion and focus on the game in hand,” he said. “I don’t think we played that well against Cardiff and maybe we were guilty of thinking about the occasion rather than the game. I think we will learn from that.

“I think the Carling Cup final will help us. It was the first experience of Wembley for a lot of our squad. That experience can only help us going into another big game.
“The Carling Cup run gave us a taste of Wembley and I think that’s the reason we’ve done so well in the FA Cup.”

Win or lose, Gerrard admits it’s crucial the semi-final is remembered for the right reasons ahead of Sunday’s 23rd anniversary of Hillsborough. A minute’s silence will be held prior to kick-off and both sets of players will wear black armbands in memory of the 96 who died in the disaster.

Gerrard said: “I think there’s a big responsibility on the players and the supporters that this game gets played in the right manner.
“That it’s a fair game and a good game, and that after the game everyone’s talking about the good things that happened in the game.
“It does fall on this particular weekend and I think everyone needs to play in respect of that.”

Source: chesterchronicle.co.uk