ClapWhile the everlasting intrigue of the Premier League has certainly captured the imagination and attention of fans all around the world, it’s not the only reason why people love English football. Another is the domestic cups and, in particular, the FA Cup.
They call it the magic of the cup for a reason and this weekend we’ve already seen a few big sparks, from Rochdale’s performance against Newcastle and Tranmere Rovers’ heroics.
As reported by BBC and Mirror, though, the biggest game of the weekend is yet to come as Liverpool go toe to toe with Everton.
Pushing back
Liverpool already have two trophies under their belt and they’re on track to win their first ever Premier League title – so why not try and throw the FA Cup into the mix? It’s not like they aren’t one of the strongest teams still left in the competition. The Reds have the sort of depth that they need to get past anyone regardless of what team they’re putting out, and despite their hectic schedule as of late, Jurgen Klopp has been able to string together the sort of run that most teams can only dream of. It’s not nailed on that they’re going to go all the way, but they’ve got a great chance of doing so.
Carlo Ancelotti has been able to inspire a feeling of hope within Everton Football Club that hasn’t been present for longer than most of us can remember. The Toffees are more than capable of forcing their way into the discussion for a place in the top ten, and beyond that, who knows what they could achieve. It’s a project that is going to take some time to get off the ground and everyone involved understands that, but they’re clearly willing to fight for it anyway. Cups have been at a bit of a premium for the club for over two decades now, and if they want to still be regarded as a ‘big’ club, that needs to change.
We’re talking about two titans of the English game going toe to toe with two managers that, in the bigger picture, are managerial titans within world football as a whole.
The rivalry continues
We think Liverpool should have what it takes to pick up the win in this one but it’s certainly going to be closer than most people think. There’s no such thing as a moral victory at the highest level of the game, but maybe, just maybe, that’s what the Toffees can pick up here.
They’re at a funny point in their development and we think the FA Cup would be a great thing to focus some of their attention on, mainly because it could give them silverware as well as the possibility of European football – which seemed unbelievably unlikely just a matter of weeks ago.
Pride is so important in that part of the world within football, and taking home the spoils from the latest derby of the season will serve as a huge statement.
