Saturday, 5 May
2012
Time: 12:15 am - (Live) (Sun
Morning)
Mio Channel
115
FA Cup
Final
Chelsea defenders
David Luiz and Gary
Cahill were absent from the
club's training session on Friday, casting doubts over their
availability for Saturday's FA Cup final against
Liverpool.
Luiz and Cahill have both been struggling with hamstring
injuries, but Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo had been hopeful
they could recover in time for the showpiece at Wembley.
It appears, however, the pair have
lost their battle to make the final, meaning they will likely now
focus on being available for selection when the Blues take on
Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on May 19.
John Terry, who is suspended for the game at the Allianz
Arena, is set to be partnered with Branislav Ivanovic in the heart of defence
for Chelsea's clash against Liverpool.
Chelsea player to watch: Didier Drogba:
Chelsea's Wembley wizard confirmed his love of this stage with a
tremendous opening goal in the semi-final against Tottenham
Hotspur. Liverpool have been a particular speciality in the past
too, and Jamie Carragher specifically has often been on the wrong
end of Drogba at his unplayable best. Despite Fernando Torres'
recent rush of form, Liverpool fans will have to wait to boo him,
since the two do not work as a pair and Drogba is almost always the
man for the big occasion.
Liverpool player to watch: Luis Suarez: For
those invested in the brave new world of social media, then the
most-discussed player of the 2011-12 season has been Suarez and all
will know the reasons why. That debate will probably continue to
pointlessly bubble on for years to come but the Uruguayan can be
remembered for far more positive reasons should he put in a
match-winning performance here. It was his instinct and coolness
that turned the semi-final with Everton when he seized on Sylvain
Distin's error to pull his team level. More of the same will be
required at Wembley.
Key battle - Roberto Di Matteo v Kenny
Dalglish: The cynic may suggest that both are battling to
be in their current job next season. Di Matteo's remit would seem
to be winning the Champions League or bust, though the small matter
of an FA Cup may help his cause. In the light of Pep Guardiola and
Jose Mourinho looking unavailable it may just be enough to get him
the gig. Dalglish meanwhile, is still the untouchable legend among
the majority of fans so any departure would still seem to be in his
own hands. It would take a brave Fenway Sports Group to axe him if
he wins this trophy. In terms of on-field matters, Di Matteo seems
to employ horses for courses, with the renaissance of Salomon Kalou
being a notable result of this, while Dalglish's pride would seem
to dictate that he will field as many of his big-name signings as
possible. So, expect Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Andy
Carroll to play their part.
Trivia: On all three occasions Liverpool had
beaten Everton in an FA Cup semi-final before this season, the Reds
went on to lose the final.
Stats: Excluding the Community Shield, Didier
Drogba has scored in all seven of his matches at Wembley. Suarez
has scored in all three of his FA Cup appearances for the
Reds.
Prediction: This is a match that will be won
the Liverpool way - on penalties, as they have won their last three
major trophies. This time, however, Chelsea will be the victors.
Will John Terry take one?
