Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke will hope to continue his rich vein of form when Aston Villa take on Liverpool on Sunday in the FA Cup semi-finals Getty Images

Aston Villa take on Liverpool in the second semi-final of the FA Cup on Sunday, 19 April at Wembley Stadium.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 3pm BST. Live coverage of the game will be available on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 1 HD. Live Radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Overview

Aston Villa come into this match in the best form they have been all season and it coincides with the arrival of Tim Sherwood following the sacking of Paul Lambert.

The former Tottenham manager has revitalised the side since his arrival and taken them to three victories in the last six games. Villa have put six points between them and the relegation zone, which will allow Sherwood to select the strongest possible team for the clash against the Reds.

The manager has also breathed new life into striker Christian Benteke, who has found the net eight times in his last six outings and he will be rearing to make an impression in the cup at Wembley.

Gabriel Agbonlahor is a doubt for the game, while Scott Sinclair and Kieran Westwood have recovered from their injuries and will make the squad.

Steven gerrard
Steven Gerrard will want to end his Anfield career on a high and will be key to Liverpool making the final of the FA Cup Reuters

Meanwhile, Liverpool come into this game in mixed form. After a great start to 2015, which saw them go on a 10-game unbeaten run in the league, their progress was stunted with back-to-back losses to Manchester United and Arsenal.

They also face the prospect of missing out on a place in the top four and the Champions League next season, but their recent victory over Newcastle United and Manchester City's loss in the derby have goven them hope, as they lie just four points behind the Premier League champions.

Brendan Rodgers will hope that they can carry their momentum from St James' Park to Wembley and despite Daniel Sturridge being doubtful for the game, the manager will have the services of Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel, who have completed their three game bans picked up during their loss to Manchester United earlier in the season.

The Reds skipper, who is off to the MLS in the summer will want to end his Anfield career on a high and will be keen to make it to the final, which is on the same day Gerrard will turn 35.

What Managers Say

Tim Sherwood: "Relegation is not at stake on Sunday, it's about us maybe getting some glory for the football club. It's a great opportunity for this club to get into an FA Cup final for the first time in years. It won't be a very good feeling if we lose, I've lost a few semi-finals myself, but we're going into it with a positive frame of mind."

Brendan Rodgers: "Hopefully, I'll be judged on my time here – however long that is – on that we've worked well and a part of that will be having won trophies. It's one game at a time and we have to get over a very difficult game against Aston Villa before we can even think of that. The players are in good form and a good moment now. We'll look forward to the game."

Betting Odds (By 888Sport.com)

  • Aston Villa Win: 21/4
  • Draw: 3
  • Liverpool Win: 6/11

Team News

Aston Villa

Possible XI: Given; Bacuna, Vlaar, Clark, Richardson; Cleverley, Delph, Westwood; Grealish, Sinclair, Benteke

Liverpool

Possible XI: Mignolet; Johnson, Can, Skrtel, Moreno; Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson; Ibe, Coutinho, Sterling.

Liverpool FC