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Both clubs have moved to calm the storm that seems inevitable in the midst of the race row which saw Liverpool hotshot fined and banned for eight matches. Sir Alex Ferguson sent letters to all United fans travelling to Anfield, and Steven Gerrard made a public statement asking for calm amongst all players and staff involved in the match.
Kenny Dalglish will hope his Reds can avoid a Carling Cup hangover and plug all focus into the match against United, who will have had an extra three days rest over Liverpool. Andy Carroll was moved to the bench for the Reds Carling Cup semi-final win over Manchester City, but the 35 million striker will likely return to the starting line-up to take advantage of United’s shaky back-line. Bellamy could be rested due to his degenerative knee condition, but the Welshman will likely be named to the bench should Dalglish see the game in Liverpool’s sights.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be sweating over the fitness of attacking duo Wayne Rooney and Nani, both of who have been revealed as a doubt for the game. Games such as these have a tendency to erase any doubts in a players mind about playing, however, and the pair will likely be named to the starting line-up. Patrice Evra has been backed to make the starting line-up and shake-off the inevitable abuse he will recieve from Liverpool’s supporters.
In one of sport’s greatest rivalries, one English giant will remain in the hunt for the FA Cup after Saturday. All eyes will be on Anfield and the footballing world will be watching how the pair handle themselves amidst the race row that threatened to boil over before the match. The clubs are filled with class though, and neither will allow a tender subject to mar one of the worlds greatest matches.
Tags: Anfield, FA Cup, Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Man Utd, Nani, Patrice Evra, Sir Alex Ferguson, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Roney, Wembley
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