Liverpool vs. Stoke: How Reds Can Defeat Stoke Thanks to Rory Delap Injury

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

(Bleacher Report) Rory Delap has been a thorn in the side of multiple EPL clubs over the past seasons. It is well documented how much Arsene Wenger despises the player's long throw ability.

However, Liverpool have the fortunate advantage of making a trip to the Britannia Stadium this weekend without having to come up against the Potters' not-so-secret weapon.

The signing of Peter Crouch on deadline day is yet another move that looks to highlight the skill set provided by Rory Delap and also Jermaine Pennant.

Pairing up the towering Crouch with Kenwyne Jones, who is also a big physical striker up front, gives Tony Pulis' side a pair of targets that both Delap and Pennant can aim for all game long.

But that strategy will have to be adjusted on Saturday. Without Delap in the picture the Reds will be able to work on shutting down the only over main weapon of supply in Pennant.

Jamie Carragher should be able to advise his fellow defenders well with respect to helping them snuff out Pennant as he and several of the remaining Reds from Rafael Benitez's days remember playing and training alongside the Stoke winger in his Liverpool days.

If Pennant is closed down from the picture by at least 50 percent that takes out a huge amount of chances created by both himself and all of Delap's.

The inability to turn long throws into practically corners or free kicks against the Reds will be a blow to the attacking ideology that has ruled at the Britannia for the last several season.

It is without a doubt that I can say Stoke City are stronger now this season than they have been in the past. They have added some creativity with Wilson Palacios in the midfield and increased their attacking ability with the additions of both Crouch and Cameron Jerome.

Given that Stoke will be formidable none the less, but their system will still need to be retooled, and the new signings might not have developed their on-field relationships with the new teammates just yet.

Liverpool will be looking to exploit this by doing one of two things with their lineup.

One option has them line up in a 4-1-2-3 and using Lucas and the holding link between an all out assault led by Stewart Downing, Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy.

The second option calls to stack the midfield with a 4-5-1 which is the most likely that could see this possible lineup:

Pepe Reina; John Flanagan, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique; Lucas Leiva, Jay Spearing; Dirk Kuyt, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing; Luis Suarez.

Part of me says that both Craig Bellamy and Sebastian Coates will have some part to play before the day is done.

The Reds have one of the best chances of any team to go into the Britannia and take away a victory over a team that is tough as they come at home.

Without one of their main attacking weapons and several new faces most likely to debut this weekend, Stoke City are more vulnerable than they have been so far this season.

Liverpool have the players and the ability to get the job done this weekend, and I see them taking a 2-1 victory in a hard but good match against a physically tough opponent.
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English Premier League Preview: Matchday 3 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

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(Bleacher Report)The Barclay's Premier League heads into its third weekend of action on Saturday. A week of Carling Cup action as well as Champions League qualifying has seen it be an exciting week.

Several of the top-flight teams have already been dumped out of the first major domestic trophy campaign, and it leaves them with more time to focus on securing their place in the top flight for next season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to be the surprise club out of the gates, as they are tied at the top of the table with Manchester United and Manchester City.

Aston Villa, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United all rebounded from opening day draws to secure their first victories of the season, leaving them in the middle at fourth through seventh place standings.

Below that comes all of those that are still to build more than a three-point collection in the first two weekends. Queens Park Rangers' surprise win over Everton sees them higher up than both other promoted clubs. Swansea City got a point against Wigan Athletic, who have failed to beat either of the new sides they have faced in the first two weekends.

Norwich City continue to be the only promoted team to be undefeated, but that is expected to possibly change when they travel to Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

With more transfers having gone through this week, the rosters and possible starting 11s of several teams have changed once again, as I expect to see another weekend with new faces on debut at new clubs.

The 10 matches on display this weekend only have one or two games that are expected to be lopsided, as there is potential for some excellent battles on Saturday and Sunday with most clubs are fairly evenly matched.

That being said, let's get to the previews for this weekends offering of games in Week 3 of the 2011-12 edition of the Barclay's Premier League......CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE ROUND 3 PREVIEWS FOR THE 2011-12 BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE.

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English Premier League Match Previews for Matchday 1 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

Can the Old Scot Do It Again this Season?
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

(Bleacher Report)Despite all the hype, several games look to be on the verge of being postponed thanks to the unrest that is happening all across England. Nevertheless this preview goes ahead as planned.

The day we all have been waiting for is finally here. The summer transfer window is nearly finished and teams are still scrambling to finalize their last minute additions and subtractions for the season that is now afoot.

Saturday opens up the 2011-12 Barclay's Premier League season with a seven game slate of matches that are sure to get all of our blood pumping. It has been only a few months but I have missed the thrill of weekly league matches and the start of Cup ties.

For two months we have speculated and debated over what will come of this season and which teams will be the surprise or expected performers.

This weekend we will get the first taste of all our thoughts, as some great match-ups and drama will already be giving us a tease of what could happen when we reevaluate the expectations come January.

Manchester United will hope to retain their title, while Chelsea and Manchester City look to upend the Red Devils' chance at a repeat. Liverpool claim that the Champions League is their target for next season, but it would be unlike Kenny Dalglish for him to try and chase anything other than a League title after United over took the Reds in the all time Domestic title charts last season.

Big name transfers from within the league and from Europe also look to have an impact on the season as all of the top six, save the North London Derby contingent of Tottenham and Arsenal, have done their best to improve. You may say Arsenal have improved with the addition of Gervinho, but they need a keeper, a defender and with Samir Nasri looking to ride the coattails of Cesc Fabrgas out the door, they might be in need of a whole lot more with little time to pull it off.

Regardless of how it all plays out, this weekend is going to be great to watch. So let's get to the predictions for the coming week with my first of this season's EPL weekly previews right here on your very own Bleacher Report......CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE MATCH PREVIEWS.

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FA Cup Quarter Final Match Preview - Stoke City vs. West Ham

Article first published as FA Cup Quarter Final Match Preview: Stoke City vs. West Ham on Technorati.
Stoke seeks Revenge over 3-0 defeat at the weekend but the Hammers Are Dealing out Blow after Blow right now.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
march 11, 2011

Stoke City vs West Ham

Grant hungry for FA Cup after Loosing Final Last Year

This looks to be another interesting lower table match up. Stoke were dealt a 3-0 defeat by the Hammers at Upton Park on the weekend as Avram Grant's men have taken 7 points from their last 9 in the league and they are in much brighter spirits for this match. Tony Pulis's side on the other hand has only taken one point from their last nine in the league.

Neither team is really suffering from many injuries at the moment and Grant finally has his team starting to make a stand to avoid relegation. Stoke will be out for blood as they will not want to suffer a second straight defeat to the same team. This time around they will have home field advantage at the Britannia which is rated as one of the hardest places to play in the league on the road.

Parker is the Life of the Hammers

Grant is desperate to keep his side up, as his job depends on it, and his teams success in cup matches this season has truly been their strong point. This is the last chance for either team to have a chance at winning something this season. Grant last season at Portsmouth led his team to the FA Cup Final only to be defeated before their relegation. Scott Parker will be sure to be on his best as he continues to drive his team since returning from injury.

Grant has much experience being right where he is, but I believe this team actually has the talent to stay up and possibly win if healthy and on the right form. I believe the Hammers will continue their strong run and take a 1-2 victory away from the Britannia to keep their hopes high of possibly scalping a Trophy from this dismal season for them.

16 Minutes and Suarez erases Torres

Article first published as 16 Minutes and Suarez erases Torres on Technorati.
Luis Suarez Erases Doubt in 16 Minutes as Fernando Torres proves a Distant Memory

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
February 3, 2011

LFC.tv Suarez Scores in Debut

Liverpool's £23 Million signing started from the Bench while Kenny Dalglish's line-up had six players from Liverpool's usual back line, in what had everyone guessing if it was 5-3-2 or 4-1-3-2 or what it could be, on the pitch. The End result would be a 2-0 Liverpool victory that further puts a stamp on the new owners intent to take the club forward and win.

The moral of that story has to be, do not question the King, as he tailored a side to deal with Stoke to a T. The Big men took care of Stoke's John Carew, while the attacking minded defenders had the chance to take it to the flanks.

Suarez was cleared to play but it was uncertain whether or not he would see playing time. But knowing Kenny as a former attacking player, and with his boyish passion still apparent and intact, everyone expected he would give his newest attacker a run out. And run out he did.

Suarez took to the pitch with determination, and this weeks comments from his former Ajax boss claiming he was a, "Street fighter," were correct as the South American took the attack to Stoke. Two minutes in, and one of his runs was enough of a menace to assist in Abdoulaye Faye pulling a hamstring and requiring a sub.

His brilliance continued to shine as you could tell he was thirsting for the opportunity to strike. He even caught Reds defender Martin Skrtel off guard with a back heel that should have most likely been finished for a goal by an attacker had it fallen to them, but the Slovakian was unprepared for the layoff by his new team mate.

Only moments later Suarez would get his chance, and rounding the keeper he let loose his first shot on goal. Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson tried to clear it off the line but only redirected the shot that was already goal bound. With his trademark smile and a sprint around the back of the goal Suarez started up his Anfield career with a bang, as he continues to look at exploiting the goals as he did at Ajax.

The debate during the week about whether he could fill the boots of Fernando Torres were answered as he scored in the exact amount of time as it took Torres when he made his Reds bow back in 2007. With Andy Carroll still recovering, but vowing to bring the goals and attack for the Reds, it looks more apparent that Liverpool truly got the best end of the bargain.

Suarez and Carroll's youth and desire to win have brought a welcomed renewal to the hopes of the Kopites, and this looks to be a very bright new beginning for the Reds whom are now eying up a run in that could prove one for the ages if Kenny keeps his boys at this level.

Liverpool Defeats Stoke City, Suarez Scores in Debut

Article first published as Liverpool Defeats Stoke City, Suarez Scores in Debut on Technorati.
The Reds took their third victory on the Bounce with a 2-0 victory at Anfield

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
February 3, 2011

Liverpool fans stirred in their seats anxious with delight and wonder as their squad prepared for their Wednesday night bow against hard nosed Stoke City. New signing Luis Suarez was starting on the bench as his work permit and paperwork cleared the night before allowing him the chance to possibly make his debut in front of the Kop.

LFC.tv Carroll Steps in Front of Anfield

Andy Carroll brought the crowd to their feet as he was introduced in front of the faithful before the start of the match. And with the match line-ups announced many were scratching their head at King Kenny's 3-4-2-1 set up. Fabio Aurelio and Soitirios Kyrgiakos started after absences from the starting eleven for some time, and Dirk Kuyt was set to lead the line, as many forgot he was signed as a striker from Feyenoord Rotterdam.

Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly were set to play more attacking wing backs while Aurelio was also in the match to try and provide additional width with Kuyt's aerial power hoping to be highlighted, as well as help hold the midfield with Lucas. But none the less no body could understand Kenny's strategy. Perhaps that was the idea, as Liverpool took the attack to Stoke with a constant push forward.

The first half saw several near moments as Kuyt was playing with a renewed vigor upfront like he had never been made into a right sided midfielder. Meireles and Gerrard were bright in the middle as both were pushing behind Kuyt for the opening goal.

Stoke had their own ideas as former Liverpool wide man Jermaine Pennant was set to provide service for on loan John Carew, while the commentators worried about the possible lack of service for Liverpool without a traditional wide attacker like there old No. 16.

The more the match opened up the more people realized Kenny had tailored his side specifically to the task of picking Stoke apart. Liverpool rained down pressure on the Potters and pressed through the first half but didnt break the deadlock.

The second half started with Liverpool attacking at an even greater level. Kenny must have roused his charges even more in the locker room as Meireles put the Reds in front at the 47' minute for his third goal in four games and the crowd lit up. Pressure continued to mount and the Potters kept pressing forward and opened up several more shots on Reina but just could not find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Then on the 63' minute the Kop got what it was waiting for, Luis Suarez came on for Fabio Aurelio and the No. 7 shirt returned to the pitch with high hopes for a bright new future. Suarez was on the ball at once, tackling and scraping with precision and power as he harried the defense and showed he was ready to get stuck into the English game. It would take only 16 minutes and the Uruguayan rounded Stoke keeper Begovic and put the ball in the back of the net on the 79' minute. A late clearance attempt by Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson knocked the goal bound ball into the post but didnt keep it away and Anfield exploaded.

LFC.tv Suarez Opens his Liverpool Goals Account

His first match since December 8th, his first in a Liverpool shirt, his first day into the club without having trained at Melwood a day, and Suarez opened his account. It was a dream debut and one that will certainly ease the minds of many a Liverpool fan as the Young starlet looks to set a precedent of intent as he worked his socks off to show his brilliance in just a thirty minute stint on the pitch.

Kenny Dalglish responded to the at first controversial goal on whether it was Suarez's to claim, "I gave him it. It was going in," he added. "It is a great start to score on your debut and he worked hard and him and Dirk Kuyt linked up well a couple of times."

Tony Pulis also admitted he was happy for the new Liverpool frontman. "If I was Kenny, if he (Suarez) was half-a-yard anywhere near the ball I'd be saying it was his goal, "We are quite happy for the lad to have it. I watched him in the World Cup and in games for Ajax and he's a wonderful player - but give him a bit of time."

On the game itself he added, "We did okay for the first half but to concede just after half-time knocked us. But up until the second goal I thought we were in the game."

It was a great night for the Reds, and it looks to be true that Liverpool got the best end of the deal with Fernando Torres making his exit and Suarez and Carroll coming in.

Suarez to Start from the Bench

Liverpool New boy Luis Suarez will start from the Bench against Stoke City

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer 
February 2, 2011

New signing Luis Suarez has his work permit and paperwork inline and will start from the bench against Stoke City. Kick off is less than an hour away as Dirk Kuyt will lead the line for the Reds for their first game without Fernando Torres. The Dutchman was a goal fiend in the Eredivisie before his transition to the right side under Rafael Benitez. His work rate is sure to see him produce an energetic determined performance up top.

Fabio Aurelio returns to the starting lineup as a midfielder as does Glen Johnson with Sotirios Kyrgiakos coming in as the newest player at Right Back. Young Martin Kelly returns to continue his performance in the first team. Lucas Leiva returns from a knock after missing the game against Fulham last week.

Liverpool official starting XI

First XI: Reina, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Agger, Kelly, Johnson, Lucas, Aurelio, Gerrard, Meireles, Kuyt.

Subs: Gulacsi, Carragher, Poulsen, Shelvey, Suarez, Maxi, Ngog.

Liverpool vs Stoke City Preview

Article first published as Liverpool vs Stoke City Preview on Technorati.
Liverpool face Stoke in another Must win for a push up the Table. Suarez to Make Reds Debut.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
February 2, 2011

Spirits will be riding high today as Luis Suarez looks set for his Liverpool debut in front of the Kop. The Reds will play host to Stoke City after a protracted Transfer Sage involving Fernando Torres' departure to Chelsea and the arrival of both Suarez and Andy Carroll.

Carroll is still several matches away from his debut as the new Liverpool No. 9 having taken over the jersey that was made so famous by Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, and also anti-hero Fernando Torres. The later looks to have burned any bridges he had left at the club with his comments over the past several days. Carroll has been confident in his interviews since the move telling LFC.tv that he was, "confident he would score goals for the club."

Carroll also commented on what he would bring to the club, "I'll bring as much as I can to the team - I'll score goals, create chances, hold up the ball and just try my best really."

Luis Suarez has stated nothing but desire and delight at being a Liverpool player. The new No. 7, last held by Robbie Keane and Harry Kewell, but brought to fame under the names of Kevin Keegan and current manager Kenny Dalglish, has made more fans than Torres, as he has heaped praise on his arrival to Liverpool saying, "My ambitions for the future are to do my very best for Liverpool, to try to learn more about English football and to become a champion."

"Liverpool is a very famous club - the most famous club in England - and I watched Liverpool and English football as a boy."

"It's a dream to be able to come and play here."

The humility that the young Uruguayan has shown to his former club Ajax as well has seen his former manager, Rik van den Boog, return the favor,

"Luis is going to bring the place alive because he is a street fighter," Van den Boog stated."

"He arrived here with a decent reputation but he was not a big player then. In the dressing room he soon stood up and became a leader. That's why he was special. When he goes on his travels to South America he always rushes back. Suarez is back on the training pitch the next morning when he has just flown around half the world for a game for Uruguay. He immediately puts his focus on his club again. We'll remember him for his incredible amount of goals and what he has done for the club."

As well as Suarez looking to be welcomed into the squad tonight, Liverpool vice-captain Jaime Carragher looks to make his return to first team action for the first time under Kenny Dalglish. For someone with Liverpool Red flowing through his veins as much as Carragher, it will be interesting to see how much of his heart and soul is on the pitch tonight after being out for three months with a shoulder injury that required surgery.

Stoke dealt with the moves of two front men as well as Tuncay Sunli moved on to VfL Wolfsburg and Eidur Gudjohnson went on Loan to Fulham to make room for the official arrival of former Liverpool wide man Jermaine Pennant whom converted his loan from Real Zaragoza, to a permanent deal with the English Club and the Loan arrival of John Carew from Aston Villa whom was moved to allow for the arrival of Darren Bent at Villa Park.

Both clubs are in need of three points with the Reds hoping for a renewed vigor with the buzz that has been created by the new owners that there are truly here to bring Liverpool back to glory. A win would see the Merseyside club 2 points from tying with sixth placed Sunderland, and still 9 points off of fourth placed Chelsea. Stoke would see themselves leapfrog Liverpool by a point and take over seventh place.

Tony Pulis and his Potters will be without the service of defensive starlet Ryan Shawcross, whom was tipped as a Liverpool target by some during the window but nothing came to life, as he is still suspended. Marc Wilson and Danny Collins both look fit and set to rejoin the first team while Danny Higginbottom will be sidelined with a hamstring problem and Andy Wilkinson with back issues.

Pulis believes this will be a different Liverpool side than the one that his team beat 2-0 in November at the Britannia Stadium. He made the following comments on Stoke City's official website,""Liverpool are playing with a lot more confidence, a lot more willingness to do what they are capable of as a group of players under Kenny and they have certainly turned things around."

"Things will be different this time, but what we have to do is go there and give it our best shot. We know it's going to be tough."

Possible Line-Ups

Liverpool - Reina; Kelly, Carragher, Agger, Johnson, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Meireles, Maxi, Suarez.

Stoke City - Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Faye, Collins, Pennant, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington, Carew, Jones.

FA Cup Round 4 Round-Up

Article first published as FA Cup Round 4 Round-Up on Technorati.
The 4th Round Brought Some Surprises and I reflect on the Matches to Watch and other Interesting Happenings.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 31, 2011

The road to the FA Cup gave the weekend some much needed action aside from what has been going on in the transfer window. On Friday I posted up my matches to watch, and although my predictions were not all spot on, some results were, and some were complete surprises.

Games to Watch

Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers
Predicted 2-2  -  Result 3-1

Former Arsenal playmaker and Premier League veteran Robert Pires got his Aston Villa career off the ground with  a goal against Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park on Saturday. The match played out to the Villans as they advance on to the 5th Round. Their opponent is not yet known as the full draw has not been completed for the 5th Round due to Re-plays.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Hereford United
Predicted 1-2  -  Result 4-1

What I thought to be a possible upset proved to be none the later as League One side  Sheffield Wednesday whom had endured a dip in recent form compared to opponent, put League Two side Hereford United to the sword at Hillsborough. Wednesday will travel to St. Andrews to face Birmingham in Round 5.

Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Predicted 2-1  -  Result 4-0


I truly thought Harry Redknapp's Hotspur would have put up more of a fight, however, Mark Hughes truly has Fulham firing on all cylinders as the Cottagers steam rolled their London rivals in this London Derby in the FA Cup. A penalty brace from Danny Murphy followed by goals from Brede Hangeland and Moussa Dembele saw the Cottagers rout 10-man Spurs after Alan Hutton and Michel Dawson, whom received a Red Card for his involvement against Dembele in the box, proved culprits to Spurs demise. That is perhaps the worst first half Spurs will play this season, if not this decade. Fulham will take on the winner of the Bolton and Wigan Replay.

Bolton vs. Wigan Athletic
Predicted 3-1  -  Result 0-0

A cagey match at the Reebok provided no goals and little excitement as the Wanderers and Latics will go at it again in their Replay. Bolton fresh of a beating from Chelsea looked to still be licking their wounds rather than back on the attack. Owen Coyle will be sure to remedy this. The winner will face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Everton vs. Chelsea
Predicted 0-4  -  Result 1-1

The Blues and the Blues were stalemated on the night and will face a replay against one another to decide the result. David Moyes will be happy to have earned another chance to progress while Carlo Ancelloti will continue to rue this season as he looks to be out in my opinion if he doesn't at least bring some sort of Silverware back to the Bridge this season. He will at least be buoyed by his club's attempts to bring in Fernando Torres.

Wolverhampton vs. Stoke City
Predicted 1-0  -  Result 0-1

A great last 10 minutes plus stoppage time gave us the action and drama that the FA Cup is so rich with. John Carew caused problems for Wolves in his Stoke debut but did not bare fruit thanks to the efforts of Marcus Hahneman. Robert Huth headed home a free-kick from winger Matthew Etherington to give the Potters the lead with hopes of advancement on the 81st minute. However, Wolves would have their chance as Robert Milijas lined up to take a penalty on the 90th minute. But, it was not to be as Thomas Sorenson saved the shot to let the Potters advance to host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Britannia in Round 5.

FA Cup Round 4 Preview

Article first published as FA Cup Round 4 Preview on Technorati.

FA Cup Matches to Watch during 4th Round Jan 28/29 2011

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 28th, 2011


The transfer window has the folks on Merseyside in a frenzy. Luis Suarez and Charlie Adam occupy the lips and tongues of those that usually stand on the Kop. Ryan Babel has flew the Liverbird coup with possible others on the tips of his wings as Milan Jovanovic and Paul Konchesky both look to possibly be on their way out. "And wishers of a nameless fear," to steal lines from Tolkien himself, would only be appropriate with the recent threat of Fernando Torres being poached away by the Chelsea Blues.

With the players fresh off back to back wins against Wolves and Fulham, Kenny Dalglish will hope the weekend can bear fruit in the transfer market just before the deadline and provide some fresh spice to his reinvigorated pass and move Liverpool offense.

However, the English Premier League and Liverpool take a break this weekend as the FA Cup resumes with round 4 action. There are 32 teams remaining including 15 sides from the Premiership. That being said there will be at the least 4 of these teams eliminated as 4 matches will put these top flight sides to test against one another.

In the spirit of keeping with my admittance to covering things aside from Liverpool, though it is difficult, it does provide me a voice for the weekend as I take the next two days off to relax and take in the cup ties from the outside as with no one to cheer for I can only hope to witness some great games from the eyes of neutrality.

Top Games to Watch

Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers

The Arrival of Darren Bent at Villa park has seen the Villains pull of a pair of back to back wins including a surprise 1-0 victory over Manchester City where Bent was the culprit to score on his debut. Manchester City have just loaned Rogue Santa-Cruz back to Blackburn, whom the Citizens purchased him from two seasons ago, and the arrival of on loan American Jermaine Jones has also been sparking the Rovers back to confidence.

Blackburn have been on the rise and are now in 8th place, right behind also climbing Liverpool, since the controversial sacking of Sam Allardyce and the appointment of Steve Kean. The surprise departure of Martin O'Neil from Villa in the summer saw the appointment of former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier. This looks to be a tightly contested battle between two teams searching for their identity. I look to see this game go to a replay 2-2.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Hereford United

Hillsborough was the site of perhaps the worst disaster in Liverpool's history as 96 fans were crushed to death in the 1989 FA Cup Semi-Final against Nottingham Forest. That site will be the host to this weekends FA Cup 4th round clash between nPower League One side Sheffield Wednesday and nPower League Two Side Hereford United.

Sheffield have been on a down turn in their last three matches as they have a loss and two draws from their last run of play. Hereford on the other hand have been on a tare with 3 straight victories. The dip in form from the League One side looks to allow an opening for Hereford to continue their cup run into the 5th round with a 1-2 victory.

Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur

The Cottagers though having just lost thanks to an own goal have been in fine form, and more than likely feel "Hard done by," in the words of Kenny Dalglish in the post match press conference. Clint Dempsey and Danny Murphy put in masterful performances and the former was denied on several occasions for brilliant strikes.

Harry Redknapp has his Spurs in a bit of a lag in form after two straight draws, but they will still be the favorite side in this FA Cup London Derby. Rafael Van der Vaart and Gareth Bale will hope to continue leading their side to victory. I look for a lively match if Fulham play anything like they did against the Reds on Wednesday night, and I believe they might just catch the Lilly Whites off their guard. Fulham to start brightly and carry through to a 2-1 upset in front of their home fans.

Other Matches of Note

Bolton vs. Wigan Athletic

Fresh off of a crushing defeat at the hands of Chelsea, Bolton will want to reassert themselves with revenge against a weaker opponent. Wanderers stroll to the next round 3-1.

Everton vs. Chelsea

Chelsea will want to continue their cup run, and David Moyes' faltering side will be less of a challenge this season than in the previous years. Blues cruise 0-4 in front of, and to the horror of the Goodison crowd.

Wolverhampton vs. Stoke City

Wolves need something to fight for besides not being relegated and a victory over a strong mid table side like Stoke City will to them good after their 0-3 loss to the Reds last weekend. Wolves take it in a boring drudgery of a game on Molineux's horrid pitch, 1-0.