Jumaat, Januari 02, 2009

Liverpool begin their 2009 campaigns on FA Cup


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," said the Portuguese star. "I want to repeat that and to win at home on Saturday."