FA Cup

Glen Johnson explains reasons behind successful cup run

By Danielle Joynson, Staff ReporterPublished: 04 May 2012 9:33 AM

Glen Johnson is hopeful that Liverpool can sustain their impressive cup form when they take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final tomorrow.

Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson has admitted that the "fear" of being knocked out of the cup competitions this season "spurred" the team on to win.

The Reds have had a disappointing Premier League campaign and currently sit 16 points from fourth spot in the table, but they have prospered in the domestic cups by clinching the Carling Cup trophy in February.

Despite their cup triumph earlier this year, Johnson is under no illusions that Liverpool are favourites heading into the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley tomorrow.

"[We're not favourites] because it's a different cup competition and we're playing against a different team," Johnson told keepupfootball.com. "It'll be the same stadium, a similar occasion, but it's a totally different scenario.

"We're up against a very good team who are full of confidence. We won the Carling Cup but they have reached the Champions League final.

"It's make or break. There are no second chances. So yeah maybe it's the fear of being knocked out that has spurred us on. We've managed to rise to the occasion every time and hopefully we will do that again on Saturday."

Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been full of praise for striker Luis Suarez ahead of this weekend's clash.