Reds aim to settle score with Pardew

Selhurst Park hosts the most intriguing contest of the FA Cup fifth round tonight, but for Alan Pardew, I wonder if his mind will turn to Villa Park for a moment or two instead.

On April 8, 1990, the Eagles manager wrote his name into the club’s folklore in the Midlands, scoring a semi-final header that broke the hearts of the then mighty Liverpool.

Crushing the Reds’ dreams of a double, Pardew’s extra-time goal sealed a famous upset and a place in the FA Cup Final. What made the dramatic 4-3 victory even more special was that it came just a season after they had been humbled 9-0 by the same side.

If you wondered why Palace fans were so delighted to welcome Pardew back as their boss last month, there you have it. It is not a moment anyone at the club will ever forget.

On paper, this looks like it will be a cracking cup-tie, and Liverpool have a score to settle too. Their title dreams were left crumpled up in this scruffy corner of south-west London after a crazy 3-3 draw last May, and back in November, they were thoroughly outfought and out-thought by their less illustrious hosts, losing 3-1.

On that occasion, they could not handle the wing wizardry of Yannick Bolasie. Back from the African Cup of Nations, the Congolese wide man will be itching to have another run at the Reds full backs. He was on fire as a midweek substitute against Newcastle United and will definitely start this contest. How Liverpool choose to handle him could decide the game.

Brendan Rodgers may be tempted to start with Mario Balotelli alongside Daniel Sturridge, and that is an exciting prospect. The last time this duo began a match together, they tormented Tottenham at White Hart Lane, but that was back in August. Both superstars have since then notched only a single Premier League goal each.

Sturridge has looked sharp on his comeback from injury, while the Italian misfit may just feel inspired, having finally announced himself to Anfield fans with the winner against Spurs on Wednesday morning. With a replay the last thing Rodgers wants, he may roll the dice and ask this bold pairing to let rip.

Pardew’s Palace have passion in spades and would relish another Liverpool scalp, but if Balotelli and company can match them for desire, unlike on recent visits, it should be Liverpool walking off with their heads held high.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Adrian Clarke is a former Arsenal midfielder who has played at every level of English football. Now an experienced sports journalist, he writes for publications around the world. Follow him on Twitter @adrianjclarke.

The FA Cup fifth-round tie between Crystal Palace and Liverpool will be shown live on Singtel TV Ch 111 at 1.25am on Sunday.