5. The Reds have beaten Chelsea four times in a row.
Liverpool come into the clash having recorded four consecutive victories over Chelsea, where they converted a total of seven goals and only conceded one. In fact, the last three victories that they claimed were at Stamford Bridge. When the teams last met in November, Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Kelly were on target for Liverpool as they dumped Chelsea out of the Carling Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory. Despite the fact that every game is different, and past statistics are often irrelevant when it comes to kick-off time, the Reds will be motivated by the fact that they have an impressive recent history against the Blues. However, from the four games mentioned, two of those games were decided by Fernando Torres (scorer of both goals in Liverpool's 2-0 win in November, 2010) and Raul Meireles (scorer of the solitary goal in Liverpool's 1-0 win in February, 2011) who will be wearing blue kits on Saturday.
4. Chelsea have a depleted backline.
With a player like Luis Suarez on the opposite side, there's no doubt that Chelsea will be highly concerned about the fact that both Gary Cahill and David Luiz will miss the match due to injury. Chelsea skipper John Terry will continue to partner Branislav Ivanovic in the centre of defence, while Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa will feature on either flank. It's difficult to predict how Chelsea's defence will fare, following their frustrating home defeat to Newcastle United midweek, but one thing's for sure, Roberto Di Matteo will clearly be worried about how to deal with Suarez's proposed threat.
3. The Blues could be distracted by the prospect of being European champions.
The FA Cup is a competition of huge value, but it doesn't even compare to the prominence attached by winning the UEFA Champions League. Chelsea, who reached the final of Europe's biggest club competition following their incredible semi-final defeat of what appeared to be an invincible Barcelona, meet Bayern Munich in the all-important title decider on May 19. But despite the fact that it is still two weeks away, it would not be strange for Chelsea to already be feeling some pre-game nerves, especially because of what it means to have a shot at being crowned champions of Europe for the very first time. Furthermore, no matter what happens on Saturday, no player will even think about missing that match. Could Liverpool possibly take advantage of Chelsea's upcoming date with destiny?
2. Liverpool's hunger to succeed.
Despite their disappointing Premier League campaign this season, at times Liverpool have demonstrated sensation soccer, especially against the big teams. Having already lifted the League Cup, following their penalty shoot-out victory over Cardiff City, the Reds will rate their chances of overcoming a Chelsea side who, at least on paper, appear to be the better team. The fact that Liverpool will be fighting for their first domestic cup double since 2001 will surely motivate Kenny Dalglish's side, because unlike for Chelsea, it will be their biggest game of the season.
1. Suarez's electric form.
Like it or not, Suarez is arguably the most dangerous striker in the Premier League, and one of the most dangerous of the whole planet for that matter. The Uruguay international didn't allow the Patrice Evra race saga affect him one bit, as his prolific form has been nothing less than extraordinary. Suarez, who was rested for Liverpool's midweek game with Fulham, converted a superb hat-trick against Norwich in his last game, and if he manages to fire on all cylinders against Chelsea, there's no question as to which club will lift the FA Cup.
This is what former Liverpool defender John Scales had to say about the Liverpool star:
"Suarez kept Liverpool on track for the final with the equaliser against Everton and he hit a stunning hat-trick against Norwich so, with the form that he is in and the way he can play the game, he is going to be the key player for Liverpool leading their attacking line. His movement, pace and energy will really unsettle a back four that has had to be chopped and changed of late. So Suarez really could cause Chelsea all sorts of problems.
"I am excited at the prospect of seeing Suarez at the weekend because when he is on form there is no better sight than seeing him torment defenders. For me the most important thing for Liverpool is for them to get bodies in the box to support Suarez."
Unlike other top strikers, what is particularly astonishing about Suarez is that he doesn't necessarily need to be provided with service from his team-mates, as he has sufficient talent to create goal-scoring opportunities pretty much out of nothing. Suarez is Liverpool's key to victory.
