Gerrard hopes for cup success

Last updated : 03 January 2007 By Al Campbell
Liverpool begin their defence of the famous old trophy against Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday. Steven Gerrard hopes to retain the FA Cup and become the first Liverpool captain in history to lift the trophy twice.

"The draw could have been kinder but the important thing is we are at home. They will be fearing the tie more than we will," said the Reds' skipper.

"They're a top side with top players and we know it's going to be a very difficult game but we've proved we can beat anybody at Anfield and I'm sure it's going to be a terrific match this weekend. We're certainly all looking forward to it.

"We've got a really strong squad, we're playing well at the moment and I fancy us to be in the draw for the fourth round.

"I know Liverpool have never won the FA Cup two years in a row but this team likes breaking records and rewriting history and this is another statistic we want to put right.

"We all remember how we won the competition last season and we're keen to do it again. I'd love nothing better than to lift the trophy again at the new Wembley at the end of the season."