Liverpool face Aston Villa in the second FA Cup semi-final and it will be Villa who would be going into the game as slight favourites, they had defeated their opponents the last time they met at Anfield and the recent rejuvenation under Tim Sherwood would certainly help Villa pose a threat. Benteke has been on fire in the last 3 games and has scored 5 goals in that same time.
Liverpool on the other hand, got back to winning ways after defeating a rather timid Newcastle 2-0 with Sterling and Allen scoring the goals. The FA Cup is the only saviour for Liverpool this season and Rodgers will be hoping that at least a final in his third season at Liverpool would help some of those knives out to get him, get taken away.
Liverpool will have the duo of Skrtel and Gerrard returning, as we look at the starting line-up for the Reds.
Simon Mignolet
Mignolet was at his best against Newcastle, producing a magnificent save and he will have to be at his best to ensure he keeps Benteke out from scoring a goal.
Emre Can
The German returned in the last game against Newcastle and will be looking to help Liverpool keep a clean sheet against a strong Aston Villa attack.
Martin Skrtel
Skrtel should come back straight into the team after his suspension, the Slovakian is the leader in defence and with him in the squad, Liverpool look a different team at the back thanks to his defensive skills.
Dejan Lovren
Lovren might have endured a rather hard time at Liverpool, but he did look half decent against Newcastle even though he did almost give away a penalty. With Sakho injured, he should start for the Reds.
Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool midfielder might have to play a bit of a different role as a wing back with Ibe not eligible to play in the FA Cup and with Gerrard available, he shouldn’t play down the middle.
Lucas Leiva
The defensive midfielder will look to provide a lot of steel as Liverpool face a tricky game. Lucas did look good in the last game and should keep his place in the starting XI.
Steven Gerrard
Gerrard should return in the starting XI after completing his suspension, the captain could well be the difference in the game for the Reds.
Alberto Moreno
Moreno will be playing in the left wing back slot, Liverpool don’t really have a lot of options in that position and Moreno would be looking to bombard forward and help in attack whenever he can.
Raheem Sterling
Smoking hot on the pitch, Sterling scored the first goal, a sumptuous finish against Newcastle and while he did miss a couple of easy chances, he could be the best bet for Liverpool to score in the tie.
Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian wizard was named on both the lists as young player of the year and player of the year and could be the player who could make a difference for Liverpool in the semi-final.
Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge missed the last game against Newcastle but will be hoping that he is fit enough to play against Villa, in this crucial tie.