FA Cup Final ~ Luiz and Cahill set to miss final
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FA Cup final build up
Luiz and Cahill set to miss final
GettyImagesDavid Luiz and Gary Cahill are set to be absent for the FA Cup finalLiverpool vs Chelsea
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?
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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
lol
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Chelsea play Liverpool again in league few days later.................
hope Chelsea will suffer 4-5 injuries. in these 2 matches and they can't play in Champs League final...................
please let Drogba, Torres, Lampard, Mata and Luiz be all injured...................
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Racist vs Racist
Should be a interesting encounter.
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Originally posted by gunner77:
Racist vs Racist
Should be a interesting encounter.
. . . then i guess may the best racist wins...