Reds should back Pompey for cup

Another major Wembley occasion will pass without Liverpool's involvement today and there is a good chance the majority of televisions in this city will remain switched off at 3pm.

Chelsea versus Portsmouth has a horribly one-sided look to it but, in what has been the season for FA Cup shocks, wouldn't it be nice to think there is one more in store?

True, Liverpudlians have paid nothing other than lip service to the competition since Reading triumphed at Anfield in January but there is reason for thinking the Red half of Merseyside should be right behind Portsmouth today.

Not due to apathy for Chelsea. No. Thanks to Portsmouth's financial mismanagement, Liverpool will be able to compete in Europe next season.

Had they still been on an even footing, Pompey would have taken the final remaining Europa League place and left Liverpool with only domestic competitions to concentrate on for the first time in more than a decade.

As, then, some form of compensation, Portsmouth - who will have former Reds David James and Steve Finnan in their ranks - deserve a moment in the sun. It might be a long time before they get another.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.