Liverpool lead big four assault on FA Cup

January 3, 2009

LONDON (AFP) – Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, with 32 FA Cup wins between them, begin their 2009 campaigns this weekend with the world's oldest knockout competition poised to satisfy its appetite for shocks.

Much-loved by minnows keen to grab a rare national headline, as well as significantly boost their bank balances, the game's giants seem more concerned with transfer window bargains and securing places in the Champions League.

Not that being distracted is necessarily a barrier to success in the tournament.

Portsmouth's win in the 2008 final was the first by a club outside the 'big four' since Everton edged Manchester United in 1995.

League leaders Liverpool's opening tie at Preston has been given an added dimension as it could be the first match in which club captain Steven Gerrard plays since being charged with assault following an alleged brawl in a bar.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina's heroics helped the Reds to the 2006 FA Cup against West Ham.

The Spaniard overcame the shock of conceding three goals in normal time to follow up a miraculous extra-time save from Nigel Reo-Coker by keeping out three penalties in the shoot-out.

"I was the villain and then the hero in the penalty shoot-out," he recalled. "It was a great game and we got back into it with a magnificent Steven Gerrard goal.

"I have some really nice memories from that day so let's see if we can do it again."

Arsenal are at home to Plymouth, Chelsea welcome Southend to Stamford Bridge while Manchester United, the 11-time champions, travel to second-tier Southampton, a repeat of the 1976 final where the south coast club defeated their illustrious opponents 1-0.

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho is determined to reach the final after missing the win over Manchester United two seasons ago through a knee ligament injury.

"I was there (at Wembley). I was watching the game and the atmosphere was fantastic and after we got the trophy, I went in the dressing room and the feeling was unbelievable," saod the Portuguese star.

"I want to repeat that and to win at home on Saturday."

High-flyers Aston Villa and Everton face potentially awkward trips to Gillingham and Macclesfield respectively.

However, the tie which best encapsulates the spirit of the third round takes place on Monday when non-league Blyth Spartans are at home to Premier League strugglers Blackburn Rovers.

Back in 1978, the north-east side's fifth round replay against Wrexham was witnessed by a crowd of more than 42,000 at Newcastle's St James' Park and the Spartans have high hopes of giving their supporters another set of memories to last a lifetime.

"We're absolutely buzzing for it. I've had all my mates on the phone telling us to stick it to them," Blyth captain Gareth Williams said.

And it seems you can put a price on the 'Romance of the Cup'.

"Win, lose or draw we will be talking about 160,000 pounds just for the televised rights," club chairman Tony Platten explained to the Daily Telegraph.

FA Cup 3rd rd

Fixtures (1500GMT unless stated)

Friday: Tottenham v Wigan (2000GMT)

Saturday: Arsenal v Plymouth, Birmingham v Wolves, Cardiff v Reading, Charlton v Norwich, Cheltenham v Doncaster, Chelsea v Southend, Coventry v Kidderminster, Forest Green v Derby, Histon v Swansea, Ipswich v Chesterfield, Hartlepool v Stoke (1300GMT), Hull v Newcastle, Kettering v Eastwood, Leicester v Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient v Sheffield United, Macclesfield v Everton, Manchester City v Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough v Barrow, Portsmouth v Bristol City, Preston v Liverpool (1730GMT), QPR v Burnley, Millwall v Crewe, Sheffield Wednesday v Fulham, Sunderland v Bolton, Torquay v Blackpool, Watford v Scunthorpe, West Brom v Peterborough, West Ham v Barnsley

Sunday: Gillingham v Aston Villa (1330GMT), Southampton v Manchester United (1600GMT)

Monday: Blyth Spartans v Blackburn (2000GMT)

Written by: AFP

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