Goalkeeper troubles multiply for Liverpool ahead of FA Cup semi
Published:Alexander Doni’s red card at Ewood Park last night leaves Liverpool with just one available goalkeeper for their FA Cup semi-final with Everton, and that could hinder their chances of winning in 90 minutes at 6/4.
Doni became the second goalkeeper in the Reds’ past three matches to be sent off, following Pepe Reina’s dismissal away to Newcastle just over a week ago, forcing Brad Jones to deputise off the bench.
Jones’s first action was to thwart Yakubu from the penalty spot, though he did appear shaky in the second half, when he fouled the Nigerian striker and was this time beaten from the spot.
Liverpool fans breathed a huge sigh of relief when Jones was only booked for his challenge on the Blackburn striker, and must now place their faith in him ahead of their Wembley showdown with Merseyside rivals Everton, who have been cut to 9/5 for success.
It could prove a daunting tie for the Australian goalkeeper, whose substitute appearance last night was his first in the Premier League as a Reds player, though he will be eager to impress as Reina will be serving the last game of a three-match suspension.
Those who do feel as though Liverpool could crumble with a backline that has very little competitive experience playing alongside each other though, can take advantage of a wide range of goal markets on the game.
Everton are 11/10 shots to capitalise on any fraying nerves by scoring the first goal of the game, and they will surely be eager to test Jones in the early stages.
They are a bigger 15/8 to score the first goal of the game before the break, whilst the Toffees can also be backed at 15/8 to find the net two or three times.
Whilst it remains to be seen how Liverpool, and Jones in particular, will cope with the occasion, it may be worth avoiding them at 6/4 with such disarray surrounding their backline going into the match.
