FA Cup preview: Reds chase domestic double

Liverpool’s quest to secure a trophy double this campaign continues on Sunday when they host Stoke City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The Reds returned to winning form in the Merseyside derby with Everton on Tuesday, as inspirational captain Steven Gerrard nabbed a hat-trick to move them two points behind sixth-placed Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The win ended a three-game losing streak in the league and gave Kenny Dalglish’s side plenty to build on ahead of their date with last season’s FA Cup finalists.

Tony Pulis’ Stoke are virtually assured of top-flight football next season, with a 14-point buffer on the relegation places allowing the Britannia Stadium outfit to focus on trying to go one better in the FA Cup this term.

Stoke’s campaign has seen them avoid Premier League opposition and included wins over Gillingham, Derby and Crawley Town.

All of those fixtures have come away from home and they will once again hit the road to face the Reds in front of their partisan fans at Anfield.

Also on Sunday, Chelsea take on Leicester City at Stamford Bridge, the latter being the only non-Premier League side remaining in the competition.

The Championship side, managed by Nigel Pearson, defeated rivals Birmingham City midweek in a massive confidence boost heading into the away tie.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will look to continue building momentum under interim manager Roberto Di Matteo.

The former West Brom boss will be looking to make his mark in London, and any piece of silverware his side can claim this term will see the Italian firm as a potential permanent boss after season’s end.

Elsewhere, Everton host Sunderland at Goodison Park on Saturday, fresh from their trouncing by rivals Liverpool.

David Moyes’ men had gone 10 matches unbeaten prior to their loss at Anfield, while Sunderland most recently defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the league.

Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland manufactured a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the fifth round, with wins over Middlesbrough and Peterborough preceding that for the North-East club.

Everton’s run to the final eight has been their best since they reached the final in 2009, with the club still in contention for its first title since they lifted the prestigious trophy in 1995.

Also on Saturday, Tottenham will host Bolton at White Hart Lane looking to overcome a form slump.

Harry Redknapp’s men have lost three straight league games and were forced to a replay to get past League One’s Stevenage in the fifth round.

Bolton surpassed Championship side Milwall to reach the final eight and, following league losses to big clubs Chelsea and Manchester City, defeated Queens Park Rangers 2-1.

The Reebok Stadium side are still struggling in the league, sitting just a point above the drop zone.

Owen Coyle’s Bolton made the semi-finals in the FA Cup last season before getting thrashed by Stoke.