FA Cup Semi finals

Liverpool and Chelsea both emerged victorious in the semi finals, earning the right to contest the FA cup final this season. Liverpool overcame a threatening Everton side 2-1, whereas Chelsea took apart Tottenham in the last 10 minutes to come away with a fortuitous 5-1 thrashing. Both teams have had their fair share of struggles this year, and both sides will be eager to add another piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet.

Everton 1-2 Liverpool

Liverpool goal scorers Suarez (left) and Carroll (right) celebrate
their sides win

Liverpool showed both great strength of character and spirit to overcome their Merseyside rivals in a thrilling encounter. Everton took the lead after a defensive mix up between Carragher and Agger. Hesitance at the back led to Carragher’s eventual clearance ricocheting off Tim Cahill and fortuitously into the path of Jevalic, who showed great composure to tuck the ball under the onrushing Brad Jones and send Everton fans into raptures. Everton then saw the half out without much threat from the Liverpool attack, who looked down and out. However the second half was a massive contrast, with Liverpool flying out the blocks and creating numerous chances. Ironically it was another mix up at the back that led to Liverpool’s first goal, Suarez latching on to a weak back pass by Sylvain Distin before sliding the ball past Tim Howard. Liverpool then continued to deliver what seemed like endless pressure, Everton's goal under siege from a determined Liverpool side. Under fire Andy Carroll horrifically put a golden chance wide, but he made amends by heading Liverpool into the FA Cup final in the 88th minute, to the delight of the faithful Liverpool support.

Chelsea 5-1 Tottenham

The second, and ultimately controversial Chelsea goal

A game that will sadly be remembered for the wrong reasons rather than the right. Two incidents spoiled the game, one before kick off and one during the match, both of which will make the headlines rather than the match itself. A minority of Chelsea fans jeered whilst the 1 minute silence for the 96 Hillsborough victims, covering both themselves and their club in shame. The game started, with neither side, imposing any authority on the games proceedings. However Chelsea took the lead later in the first half, Drogba showing wonderful skill to turn and blaze past the hapless Cudicini to make the score line 1-0 to the Blues. Then, controversy. Mata’s strike appeared to be stopped on the line, with replays further showing that the ball was no where near from going in. However referee Martin Atkinson took it upon himself to award the goal, much to the annoyance and clear frustration from the Tottenham team. Despite this set back, Tottenham rallied and soon found themselves back in it when Bale converted an open goal after Adebayor rounded the keeper. However Tottenham’s fight back lost momentum, and Chelsea fought back in the last 20 minutes, scoring 3 to earn an emphatic 5-2 victory. Rammers lobbed exquisitely over Cudicini to make it 3-1, before a wonderful free kick from Lampard to make it 4, and further embarrassment was piled onto Tottenham when Florent Malouda tucked the ball into the Tottenham net, to put gloss on what was a controversy filled encounter.

The Final - Chelsea vs Liverpool

I believe Suarez will make the difference in Liverpool's FA cup
final encounter with Chelsea

Both teams will be determined to lift the FA cup, and I'm sure both sides will do anything in their power to lift the cup. Chelsea have enjoyed a mini good run of form under interim boss Roberto Di Matteo, gaining ground on 4th spot as well as defeating Barcelona 1-0 in their Champions League semi final first leg. However I see Liverpool causing an upset, as they look a much different team in the cups than in the league. I’m sure Suarez will play a pivotal role, and I predict that Liverpool will scrape through on the night after extra time and lift their second trophy of the season.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool (AET)