ENGLISH FA Cup contenders Liverpool, Leeds United and Wimbledon must put Wembley thoughts on hold as they revert to Premiership business tonight. Liverpool manager Roy Evans is preaching patience and persistence to his frustrated players who fear they may become mere bystanders in their campaign.
Jamie Redknapp, Ian Rush and Neil Ruddock will be left waiting in the wings when Liverpool meet relegation-haunted Wimbledon at Anfield. "The players have been asking why they are not getting in the team," says Evans. "I sympathise with their frustration, but it is just part and parcel of my job to make tough decisions.
"My problem, and it is a nice one to have, is the team has been playing well and those who are not in it must be patient. But persistence is also vital. Matches are coming thick and fast now and we need all the players in the squad."
Evans, who expects to have skipper John Barnes fit despite coming off with a twisted ankle late in the goalless draw at Elland Road on Sunday, certainly dismisses any suggestions they will have an easy ride against struggling Wimbledon, traditionally one of their fiercest foes.
"They are fighting for their lives in the Premiership and by their standards are in a bad position way down the table," said Evans. "But over the years we've had great respect for what they've done with small resources. At some stage they've given every big team a beating and can never be underestimated."
Wimbledon's Cup run has disguised their continuing problems in the Premiership - just one win in their last seven matches following a purple patch before Christmas when they beat Chelsea and Arsenal on successive weekends after a desperate run of 16 games without victory.
Manager Joe Kinnear likely to restore top scorer Dean Holdsworth to the starting line up after his goal as substitute on Saturday earned the replay against Chelsea, admits: "We still need another four wins to feel safe. We've done well against Liverpool in the past, but they are on a great run at present after going 16 games unbeaten. We have a hell of a week coming up, but we must aim high."
Leeds United's back-to-form goalkeeper John Lukic believes it is time Howard Wilkinson's team transferred some of their cup success into league consistency, starting at Blackburn tonight. Lukic, who has regained his place and reproduced his best form after being dropped following the 6-2 defeat by Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday in December. admits mid-table Leeds have under-achieved.
"A lot was expected after the way we finished last season and then began the new term with three straight wins," said Lukic. "But we have stumbled and never really put a run together. It just hasn't worked out for us in the league, but our cup achievements have shown we halve the ability, and we must start making it count in terms of points."
Lukic has been doing his bit, conceding only four goals in the last eight games. But Leeds could lack firepower again at Ewood Park, with top scorer Tony Yeboah almost certain to be ruled out with ankle and foot injuries. Wales midfielder Gary Speed also misses out even though he is desperate to play only three weeks after fracturing a cheekbone.
Faltering Blackburn hope to welcome back Lars Bohinen as they look to improve a poor run of just one Premiership point from a possible 12. The Norway international has missed the last four fixtures, and Rovers' remote hopes of salvaging a UEFA Cup place from the season have floundered. But Bohinen's recovery from a calf Injury is a timely boost and he could come in for suspended skipper Tim Sherwood.
Manager Ray Harford has been afflicted by a long injury list all season and still has long-term casualties Chris Sutton, Graeme Le Saux and Ian Pearce on the sidelines, joined again recently by wingers Jason Wilcox and Stuart Ripley.
"We have not had and sort of continuity and have been unable to field the same team from one game to the next," said Harford. "It has been a difficult season in a lot of respects and many of our first team players have spent several months out of the picture through injury."
