Last year we saw a cracking match-up between the two Manchester clubs in one of the FA Cup semi-finals, but 2012 has thrown up two magical cup ties as Liverpool meet Everton and Chelsea face Tottenham. Both semis obviously have a place in the final up for grabs, but what better way to do that than against your city rival?
The Merseyside derby gets us underway and I’m covering the game for Sky Sports News in the studio. Liverpool head into the game as favourites, but it’s Everton that are in the better form. Winning against Blackburn was massive for the Reds as they were on a four game stretch without picking up three points. Kenny Dalglish has already landed one cup this season and you could see from the starting XI at Ewood Park that he’s desperate for a cup double to make up for an otherwise poor campaign.
Steven Gerrard was not even on the bench on Tuesday and Luis Suarez was an unused substitute meaning both will be raring to go tomorrow. Gerrard scored a hat-trick in the last meeting between the clubs and he’ll likely be the main danger once again. The keeper situation isn’t ideal as Pepe Reina is one of the best in the world, but Brad Jones is a great keeper in his own right and I think he should start ahead of Doni anyway.
Everton are certainly in better form, but Dalglish has been there before and has an affinity with the cup. It’ll be tight, but I reckon Liverpool will be back at Wembley in May at the expense of their bitter rivals. Back them to do it within 90 minutes at 2.53 on BETDAQ.
At a later time than usual Chelsea take on Tottenham and there was nothing to separate the sides over the two league meetings. Both clubs missed a big chance to stake their claim on the final Champions League spot during the week as the battle now turns to the cup.
Neither manager will have been pleased with their back four during the week and Roberto Di Matteo has a big selection headache as Branislav Ivanovic is set to miss the game. The Serbian not only is one of the Blues’ best defenders, he also has a knack of scoring goals in big games.
I reckon Harry Redknapp will set up to attack Chelsea from the off as it’s the best way Spurs play with their squad. Spurs won’t be overawed by Chelsea as they’ve beaten them before in the Carling Cup final at Wembley, albeit in extra-time. Ivanovic is a big loss and I like the 2.63 on BETDAQ for Spurs to come out on top.
Betting on BETDAQ – Alan’s Punts:
Liverpool v Everton: Back Liverpool at 2.53
Tottenham v Chelsea: Back Tottenham at 2.63
Did you know that as well as checking the realtime prices on BETDAQ below – you can also log into your account and place your bets directly into BETDAQ from BETDAQ TIPS.
