It’s been six seasons since Liverpool last got their hands on the FA Cup, but 2012 looks like it could be the Reds’ best chance of return to Wembley.
Kenny Dalglish has already set his stall out in this season’s Carling Cup, selecting strong starting line-ups when possible and the FA Cup is likely to be sitting second on his list of priorities, behind a top-four Premier League finish. Anyone following the online football betting should remember this.
With no European competition to deal with, Liverpool will pose a threat to any of their rivals, who are likely to rest key players in order to aid their chances in the Champions League.
Dalglish will be seeking an FA Cup hat-trick, having won the famous old trophy one two previous occasions – as player-manager in 1985-1986 and as just a manager in 1988-1989.
Liverpool are currently fourth in the list of FA Cup winners, with seven victories to their name – the last coming against West Ham in 2006. That final was the last final at the Millennium Stadium and the Reds fans will be desperate to enjoy a day out at Wembley for the first time since 1996. Betfair FA Cup odds suggest they have every chance of doing so.
The team just above Liverpool in the all-time list of winners – Tottenham – may well be their biggest rivals to lift the trophy. Harry Redknapp has made his thoughts clear on the Europa League schedule and with Spurs looking unlikely to go far in Europe, their strong squad also look to be a good bet for a good cup run.
Of course the luck of the draw will have a big impact, with Dalglish hoping to avoid the fate of last season – when his team were drawn away to rivals Manchester United in the third round
