Carragher: Liverpool should start Gerrard in FA Cup despite Manchester United fiasco

JAMIE CARRAGHER believes that close friend Steven Gerrard should start for Liverpool in their FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Steven Gerrard - Player Profile

The Reds skipper is available for selection following his red card antics against Manchester United last month, with the defeat at Anfield leaving Liverpool's hopes of a top four finish in tatters.

Some pundits and fans feel that Brendan Rodgers should not pick Gerrard for this weekend's Wembley clash following Lucas Leiva's injury return and Joe Allen's recent fine form.

However, speaking on a Kicca Q&A, Carragher explained that the former England captain should get the nod ahead of his impending exit to LA Galaxy at the end of the season.

I think I would [start Gerrard], just because of what happened in the United game

Jamie Carragher

He said: "I think I would [start Gerrard], just because of what happened in the United game.

"It was a huge game and some players froze in the first half of that game. This is just the same, at Wembley, big crowd and occasion – in the back of his mind the manager will remember what happened in that first half.

"But it's a big call and the manager will obviously have to see how Stevie looks in training and how fit he is because obviously he's not played that much."

steven gerrardGETTY

Steven Gerrard is available for Liverpool's FA Cup tie against Aston Villa after seeing red
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