23 April 2006
VIDEO: Middlesbrough 0-1 West Ham

Marlon Harewood fired the Hammers to their first FA Cup Final in 26 years, prompting Alan Pardew into a victory jig.
22 April 2006
VIDEO: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool

Click here to watch Liverpool knock out Chelsea at Old Trafford, with Riise and Garcia bagging the two vital goals.

Liverpool gained an edge over their FA Cup final opponents West Ham on Wednesday night when they came away with a 2-1 win at Upton Park.

Manager Rafael Benitez would have taken a number of positives out of the game, none-more so than the form of French striker Djibril Cisse who scored two goals to force his way back into first-team contention for the big game at the Millennium Stadium.

Cisse was a constant threat to the West Ham defence and forged an impressive partnership with Fernando Morientes in the Liverpool attack.

With Robbie Fowler cup-tied for the final, Benitez looks likely to recall England striker Peter Crouch in his place and could keep faith with Cisse in a three man attack.

Despite the defeat, West Ham manager Alan Pardew was pleased with his side's second half performance and must have been encouraged with the way the Hammers defence put pressure on the Liverpool defence.

One key battle that could decide the outcome of the Cup Final is Matthew Etherington up against Steve Finnan. Etherington caused a number of problems for the Republic of Ireland international during the second half and will be hoping to do the same in Cardiff in two weeks time.

Although Benitez may have gained an upper hand at Upton Park, he knows along with Pardew that it will be a completely different game when it comes to the final.

Pardew rested four of his players including the semi-final hero Marlon Harewood, while Benitez made eight changes including England midfielder Steven Gerrard.

You can be rest assured that if fit, Gerrard will be fit to take his place at the heart of the Liverpool midfield along with the other key players that were left out on Wednesday night. It promises to be a thrilling encounter when the two sides meet in the FA Cup final on May 13.