Top four finish vs. Domestic cup double

Rarely has such a response to a defeat been so emphatic and impressive. After falling to an abysmal 3-1 defeat away to relegation candidates Bolton Wanderers, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish slated his side, accusing the players of not being worthy of wearing the famous Red shirt.

Consequently, those same players have reached the Carling Cup final and the fifth round of the FA Cup thanks to triumphs over Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, the country's top two teams. Moreover, that scintillating form has carried over into the League as well, the Merseysiders putting Wolves to the sword on transfer deadline day to move, temporarily at least, into fifth position.

Those victories are the perfect preparation for what will almost certainly prove to be a make or break period for Liverpool's season. In February, the Reds host high-flying Tottenham Hotspur, make the short trip to bitter rivals Manchester United, compete in the fifth round of the FA Cup and look to secure their eighth Carling Cup in their first appearance at the 'new' Wembley. Arsenal are the first to travel to Anfield in March and the Reds could also have a rearranged Merseyside derby in the third month of 2012.

Heading into those crucial and exciting fixtures, the question remains: should Liverpool prioritise achieving a top four finish or clinching a memorable domestic cup double?

There is no doubt that it is fantastic to be going to the 'new' Wembley for the first time.

Without European football to consider, Kenny Dalglish has been able to show the Carling Cup a huge amount of respect and picked strong starting elevens in virtually every round. As a result, the Reds have embarked on an entertaining and enjoyable run of wins that has taken them all the way to Wembley. They are now firm favourites to beat Cardiff City and lift their first trophy since the Charity Shield was hoisted high at the Millennium Stadium in 2006 after beating Chelsea.

Also, although Brighton will be no pushovers, the Reds should progress to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and, with Manchester United and Manchester City already out, there is no reason why they cannot compete to complete a historical domestic cup double.

Liverpool have a tradition of respecting domestic cup competitions and doing well in them. In 1980 the Reds won the League Cup for the first time and went on to claim the cup on four consecutive occasions. They have also won the FA Cup seven times, with only Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United recording a higher number of triumphs in the world's best domestic cup competition.

Unfortunately, though, half a dozen years have passed since they last won the FA Cup in 2006. The need, therefore, to finally win another cup competition is tangible. The Reds need to clinch some silverware to emphatically confirm that they have recovered from the disastrous Hicks, Gillett and Hodgson era and are on the road to retaining their rightful position at the pinnacle of English football. For that, amongst other reasons, some would take a domestic cup double over a top four finish.

Others, though, have argued that a top four finish would be more beneficial to the Reds, especially in the long-term. Clearly, Liverpool must improve on their sixth placed finish from last season. Although King Kenny performed a minor miracle to secure that position in the table after the woeful start to the season under Hodgson, it remains unsatisfactory for a team of Liverpool's prestige.

The League is the bread and butter that arguably provides a true reflection of the Reds in comparison to their rivals. In order to remain competitive at the top table of English and European football, Liverpool must achieve a top four finish because it is that much harder to attract world-class players without the pull of Champions League football and the wages that can be funded through the money earned by qualifying for the renowned competition.

Another season outside of the Champions League and Liverpool may well struggle to keep pace with the elite for an extended period of time, particularly considering the rise of Tottenham Hotspur and the money of Manchester City. Therefore, a top four finish is of paramount importance and must be prioritised above cup success, according to some Kopites.

Nevertheless, it cannot be underestimated how much winning the FA Cup could contribute to attracting top quality players to Anfield. Despite being seemingly undervalued season after season, it remains the world's most watched and respected domestic cup competition. Winning it could encourage foreign stars to choose Merseyside above London or Manchester.

Perhaps more importantly, it doesn't necessarily have to be a case of either-or. Clinching the Carling Cup at the end of February could inspire Liverpool to claim success in the FA Cup as well and possibly even finish in the top four to put the cherry on top of the proverbial cake.

Take the 2000/2001 season for example. Under Gerard Houiller, Liverpool won the League Cup and the FA Cup, as well as securing their third UEFA Cup win with a 5-4 extra time victory over Alaves. The Reds also qualified for the Champions League thanks to a third place finish sealed with a thumping 4-0 victory at Charlton Athletic's Valley Parade on the final day of the season.

Ultimately, though, if I had to choose between a top four finish and a domestic cup double I would pick the latter, as Liverpool FC exists to win trophies. However, I am eternally optimistic and believe Dalglish's side are good enough to, with a lot of hard work and a little luck, achieve both and make the legendary Scot's first full season back in the Anfield dugout a memorable one.

YNWA