The FA Cup represents the only realistic chance of either club to win a trophy this season. Here are five things semi-finalists Arsenal and Liverpool must be wary of.

The English giants will be doing all they can to make it to the final of the competition and win the coveted title. However Cup competitions have produced results which can often defy logic and despite of having an upper hand on their counterparts.  Arsenal and Liverpool must ensure they do not get carried away. Here are five things the two English giants should remain wary of:

1) Chances of an upset

The glorious competition has had its own share of upsets and it is imperative that neither of the clubs take anything for granted. Bradford's performance against Chelsea earlier in the competitions can give both Reading and Aston Villa the belief that they can do something similar.

The League one side was trailing by two goals to the league leaders but surged an impressive comeback to secure a place in the fifth round of the competition.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool themselves have been at the receiving end of a few upsets. The Gunners suffered a humiliating blow back in 1992 when they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Wrexham  who were at the bottom of the old fourth division. Arsenal who were defending league champions then were as a result knocked out in the third round of the competitions only. Liverpool on the other hand were at the receiving end of a 1-0 defeat when they faced Wimbledon in the FA Cup final back in1988.

2) Overconfidence can have detrimental effects

Arsenal have recorded eight straight league wins and the atmosphere at the Emirates is better than it has been in a long time. Liverpool on the other hand despite their recent blip have had a good run in the second half of the season. It is however imperative that both teams prepare for the semi-final with the same passion and rigour.  It is essential that both teams enter the field with a victory in their mind, but being too confident and underestimating the opponents might not be the best course of strategy.

Arsenal have enjoyed a phenomenal record against Reading but history will have no relevance when the two sides meet at Wembley.

3) Importance of a title

Arsenal and Liverpool are historically among the biggest clubs in the country but have failed to create an impression in recent years. However both the clubs made major strides last season with Arsenal winning the FA Cup and Liverpool taking the title race for the league title down to the wire.

It is important that both clubs have a successful season which ends with a silverware in order to ensure long term sustainability. As things stand Liverpool are struggling to keep hold of their key men, winning the FA Cup title could help them retaining their star players. Arsenal on the other hand will be looking to build a title winning squad and in addition to keeping hold of their key players will be looking to add a few world class players as well. Winning the FA Cup will definitely help them in achieving their ambitions.

4) A Rejuvenated Aston Villa

Liverpool's opponents Aston Villa have performed better under the tutelage of new manager Tim Sherwood and will be confident of their chances especially after recording a 1-0 victory over Tottenham last time out. Villa fans will be delighted with Christian Benteke's goal scoring form with the Belgian having found the back of the net eight times in six games under Sherwood's management. An early goals from Villa can definitely make life very difficult for the Reds and they must ensure they don't let Aston Villa and Benteke in particular to find his feet during the match.

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood is relishing the prospect of a break from the Premier League relegation battle, as his side face liverpool in an FA Cup semi-final. But the former Blackburn Rovers captain says Liverpool will be feeeling the pressure to win more than his players.

Pressure is on Liverpool - Sherwood

5) Yakubu looking for vengeance

Nigerian international Yakubu missed a glorious opportunity to end Arsenal's unbeaten run back in the 2003/2004 season but is confident his side can secure a win this time around. The 32 year old has scored five times against the Gunners and has insisted that Reading players will give their all to ensure a victory.

“For sure we can beat them,” he said. “You can beat any team. You have to believe.

“We are playing at Wembley against one of the best teams in England. It’s great for the players, the club, for the fans and for the community. Everyone is excited.

“But we’re not just going there to play. We’re going there to give it our best TO WIN .”

Reading manager Steve Clarke said his side must give everything if they are to upset the odds and beat Arsenal in their FA Cup semi-final on Saturday. How likely is that to happen?

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Reading 1 - 2 Arsenal

April 18, 2015 12:20pmWembley Stadium (London)

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Aston Villa 2 - 1 Liverpool

April 19, 2015 10:00amWembley Stadium (London)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

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