City vs L'pool: Blockbuster FA Cup clash and duel that could break Szobo's run

The FA Cup quarter-finals draw has brought us a genuine blockbuster clash.

While Chelsea and Arsenal eye progress to the semis against the third-tier and second-tier sides, Port Vale and Southampton, respectively, Manchester City and Liverpool will lock horns (14.45), seeking their spot in the last 4.

Szobo warns: "If we don't wake up, we'll end up in Conference League"

Apart from being one of the greatest derbies in the modern history of English football and marking the start of Mohamed Salah's farewell tour, the match at Etihad Stadium will be specifically important to one Reds' player - Dominik Szoboszlai.

Namely, the Hungarian has won at least one trophy in each of eight professional seasons he's played - from his early beginnings with Red Bull Salzburg, over his spell with Red Bull Leipzig, to Liverpool. Every campaign was trophy-winning for Szobo.

Nevertheless, this incredible eight-year run may be broken soon, and the clash against the Cityzens could determine its fate.

The Reds have lost all chance of defending the Premier League title they won last season, while their EFL Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 with a crushing 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace.

Liverpool are still alive in the Champions League, though their recent mediocre form and the fact that they face the European Champions Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals, while Real Madrid or Bayern Munich wait in the semis, and (most likely) Barcelona and Arsenal in the grand final don't give Arne Slot's crew great odds to win the elite competition.

You find my last name hard to pronounce? Call me Mr Trophy

Hence, the EFL Cup might be Szobo's last chance to extend his trophy-winning streak.

This season, the two giants have met twice - both times in the Premier League - and Pep Guardiola's team emerged victorious on both occasions - 3-0 at Etihad and 2-1 at Anfield, when Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland's late goals annulled Szoboszlai's beautiful free-kick opener.

They say that no motivational speech is needed for games like this one. The mere fact that one is about to participate in such a blockbuster duel is enough. However, one lad in red with #8 on his back will have an additional reason to leave it all on the pitch.

Will the EFL Cup silverware be a silver lining for Szobo and Liverpool's poor season, or will Pep and Co. break their trophy hopes the way they broke their dream of defending the EPL title?

FA CUP - QUARTER-FINALS

Saturday

14.45: (1.80) Man City (4.10) Liverpool (3.90)

19.15: (1.05) Chelsea (12.5) Port Vale (33.0)

22.00: (9.50) Southampton (5.80) Arsenal (1.30)

Sunday

18.30: (2.45) West Ham (3.55) Leeds (2.80)

***odds are subject to change***