Liverpool’s goalless draw against Bolton at Anfield in the FA Cup fourth round went almost unnoticed following the shock exit of Man City and Chelsea. The Reds travel to Bolton on Wednesday night as third favourites to lift the trophy behind only Arsenal and Man United.
That ought to be enough of a carrot but there are other reasons why Brendan Rodgers and his side should be setting their sights on Wembley. Last week’s stormy 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge ended their hopes in the Capital One Cup in which Steven Gerrard played 120 minutes. He suffered a mild hamstring injury in the process and was left out of last weekend’s 2-0 win over West Ham. Gerrard will end a 26-year association with the club in the summer and would dearly love one last trip to Wembley.
Rodgers has been keeping his cards close to his chest as regards Gerrard’s participation on Wednesday but it seems likely that he will play. If he does, it will be his 700th appearance for the club and provide a perfect opportunity for him to mark the occasion with a goal.
Liverpool were poor in the reverse fixture, although Bolton keeper Adam Bogdan made some crucial saves. Unfortunately for the home side, he has joined a long injury list that leaves Neil Lennon with no choice other to put out a weakened team. His new signings are ineligible and even veteran Emile Heskey is side-lined. A fine atmosphere is guaranteed but Bolton are clear underdogs despite a decent run of form in the Championship.
Liverpool may give striker Daniel Sturridge further game time after he scored against West Ham in his first match for five months. Rodgers has made it clear that he is not yet ready to play 90 minutes but he will be a good option to have on the bench. Liverpool have the Merseyside derby with Everton this weekend and the Europa League is due to return shortly with the Reds having been eliminated from the Champions League. Even so, I believe there are enough reasons for them to make sure that they are not the latest Premiership side to slip up in the FA Cup.
Gerrard has scored three times in his last two FA Cup games and is worth supporting in the goal scorer markets. If he plays no part, bookmakers will refund your stake. Liverpool have only kept three clean sheets in their last 18 matches in the competition so I am going for a 3-1 scoreline in favour of the Reds.
Steven Gerrard to score at any time @9-4 Bet365
Gerrard to score and Liverpool win @100-30 Paddy Power
Bolton 1 Liverpool 3 @13-1 888Sport
