Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's FA Cup clash between AFC Wimbledon and Liverpool. This fixture is a famous one in the cup's history, and a place in the fourth round is up for grabs for the winner at Kingsmeadow. These two sides will also know their opponents for the next round before they kick off, with the draw due to take place in around half an hour. Let's start with a look at our hosts...

Wimbledon come into this match as major underdogs given the distance between the two sides in the league ladder, but they will have taken confidence from the likes of Sheffield United and Rochdale, who have already pulled off big upsets in the third round so far. Victory for the home side tonight would be the biggest of the lot, however, and would be an even bigger shock than the most famous meeting between these two sides.

There has, predictably, been a lot of talk about the 1988 final in the build-up to this match, and Wimbledon will surely look to draw a bit of inspiration from that performance. It was one of the most noteworthy finals in recent times, with the 'Crazy Gang' stunning the 'Culture Club' courtesy of a Lawrie Sanchez header. John Aldridge also saw a penalty brilliantly saved by Dave Beasant in that match as Wimbledon became one of the most unlikely winners of the cup.

This is, quite literally, a different Wimbledon, though. They have not come up against Liverpool since their reformation in 2002 and have never even been to this stage of the FA Cup since then either. They are back in the Football League, however, and will be hoping to push for the playoffs in League Two this season. They currently sit five points off the top six in mid-table, but that is by no means an unassailable gap.

They come into this game in good form too, thrashing Exeter last time out. They raced into a four-goal lead in that match before the visitors got a late consolation to leave the final score at 4-1, lifting the Dons into the top half. That made it four wins from their last five games, during which time they have scored 10 goals. Their only defeat during that run came against Mansfield, who ran out 1-0 winners.

Unlike Liverpool, Wimbledon have had to work to get to this stage of the competition this season, with this being their fourth FA Cup tie of the campaign. They began away to York City and could only manage a 1-1 draw, although they were fairly comfortable 3-1 winners in the replay at Kingsmeadow. Wycombe Wanderers were next up and they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat, setting up the Dons for this plump encounter.

Liverpool are, of course, a class apart from those teams, though. The Reds have certainly not been at their best so far this season, but it would be the low point of the campaign if they were to be eliminated this evening. There have been a couple of occasions in recent seasons that they have lost to lower league teams in the early stages of this competition, however, so Rodgers will be taking nothing granted tonight. You can be sure that Wimbledon will be up for the fight, and Liverpool need to respect that.

This will be Liverpool's first outing since the huge news that Steven Gerrard has decided to leave the club at the end of the season, and the skipper starts tonight. He has been a magnificent servant to the club and his quality is evident simply through the tributes that have poured in for him since his announcement. One of his finest moments in a red short came in the FA Cup, and he will be desperate to end his Liverpool career on a high with victory in this competition again.

It will not simply be a case of turning up and winning the game, however. Liverpool appeared to have turned a bit of a corner in terms of their performances and results in December, but they began 2-15 in disappointing fashion. Gerrard gave them a 2-0 half-time lead from the spot against the Premier League's bottom club Leicester City, but the Foxes fought back with a two-minute salvo in the second half to rescue an unlikely points. It would have almost felt like a defeat for the Reds, so they will need to pick themselves up after that.

They are, however, unbeaten in five matches in all competitions now, while their only defeat in their last 11 outings came away to Manchester United at Old Trafford. That is not a terrible record, but it is a run that includes their exit from the group stages of the Champions League and dropped points to Sunderland at home. Rodgers will know that his side still have a long way to go if they are to put up a fight for a top-four place, but there are at least signs of improvement.

There are big signs of improvement away from home especially. Liverpool have won three of their last four games on the road having only won two all season before that. Their solitary defeat in that time was the heavy loss to Manchester United, so it certainly not an insignificant one, but they have won the games that they were expected to win - against Leicester, Bournemouth and Burnley. That wasn't always the case earlier in the season, but should stand them in good stead tonight.

Despite their loss in the 1988 final, Liverpool have superb pedigree in this competition. They have lifted the trophy seven times overall, the last of which came in the 'Gerrard final' of 2006. They last reached the final in 2012, but were prevented from doing a cup double by Chelsea having already lifted the League Cup. Last season they reached the fifth round, only to be beaten by eventual winners Arsenal.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in for both sides, and as I alluded to earlier, there is a place for Steven Gerrard in the side despite suggestions that he might be rested. Rodgers does make four changes to his team, however, with Manquillo, Skrtel, Markovic and Lambert all coming in. Wimbledon, meanwhile, welcome Akinfenwa back into the starting lineup in one of two changes.

WIMBLEDON STARTING XI: Shea; Fuller, Goodman, Barrett, Kennedy; Francomb, Bulman, Moore, Rigg; Akinfenwa, Tubbs

WIMBLEDON SUBS: McDonnell, Bennett, Harrison, Pell, Sutherland, Oakley, Azeez

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Manquillo, Sakho, Skrtel, Can, Markovic; Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho; Lambert

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Enrique, Toure, Moreno, Borini, Balotelli, Williams

What can we make of those two sides, then? Well, it is no surprise to see Akinfenwa drafted into the side today, despite Azeez, the player he replaces, getting on the scoresheet against Exeter. Akinfenwa also found the net off the bench in that match and has sufficiently recovered from a leg injury to start. His strength is renowned across football, and he will certainly be a handful for Liverpool defenders at the very least tonight.

Perhaps their biggest dangerman will be Akinfenwa's strike partner Matt Tubbs, though. He has been prolific so far this season, netting 15 goals, and while this is obviously a step up in terms of quality, the goal posts don't move no matter who the opponents are. If he is handed a chance, he is more than capable of tucking it away, which is worrying for a Liverpool defence that has looked so leaky this season.

Elsewhere, Shea is likely to have a busy night in goal for Wimbledon, and he will be relying on his back four to keep their more illustrious opponents at bay to an extent. The goalkeeper was one of the heroes in the 1988 final, with Beasant making a magnificent penalty save to deny Aldridge, and the Dons may need another special showing from the man between the sticks if they are to get through this one.

As for Liverpool, Rodgers has shown plenty of respect to Wimbledon with his team selection. Gerrard, as mentioned, starts after his announcement that he is to leave the club at the end of the season, and it will be interesting to see if that is something of a weight off his shoulders. He is expected to feature in a more advanced role tonight rather than as the holding midfielder.

Lucas and Henderson both remain in the side that drew with Leicester, as does Coutinho, who has started to hit some fine form of late. When he is on song he can unlock any defence in the world, so it is imperative for Wimbledon that they close him down this evening. Luckily for the hosts, he doesn't have a quick striker to slid through-balls in for, though, so that could make their task a little easier.

Liverpool are again expected to play with three central defenders as Can continues to fill in at the back having impressed since dropping into that deeper role. He is re-joined by Martin Skrtel, who returns from suspension this evening, but there is no place in the squad for Dejan Lovren. Instead, it is Sakho who fills in the third centre-back spot. Mignolet, meanwhile, remains in goal due to Brad Jones's continued absence.

The wing-backs this evening are expected to be Javi Manquillo and Lazar Markovic, two summer signings who have begun to find their feet a little in recent weeks. The width they could provide could be crucial in opening space for the likes of Coutinho and Gerrard to work in, while they will also be looking to provide crosses for Rickie Lambert, who starts up front. Balotelli, meanwhile, is back on the bench.

BREAKING NEWS: The draw for the fourth round is underway, and the winner of this tie will face a home match against Bolton Wanderers. Liverpool in particular will see that as a very winnable clash.

PREDICTION: We have just under 10 minutes to do until kickoff at Kingsmeadow, so it's time for a prediction! Wimbledon will be dreaming of another cup upset against Liverpool but, while this may be a decent time to face the visitors, I just can't see it happening. It may not be all plain sailing for Rodgers's side, but I'm going to go for a 3-1 victory to the away team.

While that 1988 final has dominated the build-up to this match, it is important to note that meetings between the two sides were common due to Wimbledon's promotion to the top flight. That is, of course, the most famous meeting between the two sides, but Liverpool did win their last three outings against the old Wimbledon.

It is, incidentally, Vinnie Jones's 50th birthday today, and he was instrumental in that cup final victory. He put in a challenge on McMahon in the opening stages that would probably result in a red card nowadays, but at the time was just a free kick and brought no reaction from the Liverpool player. It was an important statement for the Dons to make, however, and it proved to be effective.

There is one other FA Cup tie taking place tonight, and it is an all-Premier League clash between Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor. That one is already underway, and I will keep you up to date with any major events.

There is a great atmosphere inside Kingsmeadow, as expected. The home side will be hoping to get some joy with high balls into the box today, as Akinfenwa will be a real handful against a defence and goalkeeper short of confidence.

KICKOFF: The hosts get us underway for this tasty FA Cup clash as both of these sides look to earn a place in the fourth round, where we now know Bolton await.

An early concern for Liverpool as Manquillo goes down under an untidy challenge from Rigg in the corner. The Spanish full-back will try to carry on, but he isn't moving freely right now.

Gerrard pings a lovely pass across the field for Manquillo, who plays a good one-two with Lambert to get in behind momentarily. However, he can't make the most of it and Wimbledon recover to clear the danger.

This game has quickly fallen into a pattern that we could well find familiar throughout. Liverpool are dominating possession in the early stages, but Wimbledon have remain organised so far and are making it tough for the visitors to play through them.

CHANCE! The best chance of the match falls the way of the hosts! Akinfenwa and Tubbs both flick the ball on to release Rigg, but the angle is against him. He goes for the bottom far corner, but it is a yard or so past the post.

Good spell for Wimbledon, although they haven't been able to pose much of a threat in the final third aside from Rigg's sight of goal. They are looking solid at the back, though.

Who else? The week he announced his intention to leave the club, it is of course Steven Gerrard to breaks the deadlock here. The ball was worked out to the right wing for Manquillo, who swung his cross into the middle. Gerrard attacked it really well and put his head in bravely to nod it past the keeper.

That will really settle the nerves for the visitors. They have been on top, as expected, in the opening stages, but Wimbledon would have been pretty happy with the start they made. They face an uphill battle to get back into this one now, though.

Manquillo has been quite heavily involved in the opening exchanges. More often than not he hasn;t been able to provide a telling final ball, but his delivery for the goal was a good one. It is an avenue Liverpool look keen to exploit, though.

Lambert has been pretty anonymous, on the other hand. The Wimbledon defenders have done a good job of keeping him quiet so far, which is forcing Liverpool to go out wide. The visitors seem happy enough to go from side to side, though.

CLOSE! Good break from Liverpool as they finally find some space in the Wimbledon half. Coutinho slips it down the channel for Markovic, who uses his pace to get into the box. He goes for a cross/shot that whistles right across the face of goal and wide of the far post.

It is quite clear that Wimbledon's forwards have been told not to close the Liverpool defenders down to much. When the visitors have the ball at the back, the hosts are staying rigid and being drawn out. That is understandable, of course, but it may need to change as time goes by in this game.

Liverpool have enjoyed 77% possession in this match so far, and it is the visitors who are dictating the tempo of the game. Wimbledon are struggling to keep hold of it for any length of time, with Liverpool pressing well.

A few questions are being asked of the pitch here. A number of players have slipped so far, while the ball is bobbling about a lot in passes. Liverpool will need to adapt to that, while Wimbledon will be used to it, which is a slight advantage for the hosts.

Mario Balotelli goes for a jog down the touchline, and as expected it draws a reaction from the crowd. He is the pantomime villain wherever he goes, and that is only going to be exaggerated in the lower leagues. I expected him to feature at some point tonight, though.

SAVE! Some fine defending from Skrtel sees a dangerous cross cleared behind for a corner, and the subsequent delivery causes the Reds problems. They can't get it clear and it eventually falls to Rigg, who draws a very good one-handed save from Mignolet.

Barrett gets his head to the next corner after that, but can only loop his header over the top. That was a good spell for the hosts, and it has really got the fans going again.

Those set pieces are likely to be Wimbledon's best weapon against Liverpool today. The visitors have been poor defending those all season, while the hosts boast some real threats in there.

CLOSE! Wimbledon so nearly have their equaliser! One long ball from the keeper manages to make it all the way to the edge of the box, with four Liverpool players failing to cut it out. It eventually falls to Tubbs, who hooks a volley towards the bottom corner, but it goes narrowly past the far post.

The hosts are beginning to get a bit of momentum now, and finally we see Akinfenwa attacking an aerial ball in the middle. Francomb swung a good delivery into the box, but Can did just about enough to deny the big striker and get a free kick.

Wimbledon have done it! Kingsmeadow goes wild as the Dons level things up, and again it comes from a set piece. Mignolet comes to claim the corner but completely misses Francomb's delivery. Fuller gets something to turn it onto the bar, and Akinfenwa is quickest to react when it drops into the six-yard box, poking it home.

You have to say that Wimbledon have been knocking on the door in the last 10 minutes or so. Liverpool know that they are in a cup tie now, and all of the momentum is with the home side.

YELLOW CARD! Akinfenwa becomes the first name in the book due to the totting-up offence, but it is a harsh one. None of his fouls have been too bad, and he is certainly unhappy with Jonathan Moss's decision there.

Manquillo almost nips in and makes something happen with a diagonal ball into the area. Kennedy and Shea got mixed up in the Spaniard's run, but luckily for them it runs through to safety.

Liverpool took their foot off the pedal after their opening goal, and they could do with regaining control of this match. They have created very little other than Gerrard's header in terms of chances, and can't complain at being level right now.

There will be a minimum of one minute added time at the end of this first half.

The first half comes to an end, and it was a really enjoyable 45 minutes of cup football. Liverpool started well and seemed to be in control of the match during the early stages, but Wimbledon came back really strongly and go into the break level courtesy of their equaliser. This one could very much go either way in the second 45.

It was Steven Gerrard who gave Liverpool the lead following a comfortable, composed and confident start from the visitors. Manquillo was the provider, swinging a cross into the middle for the skipper to nod home. It wasn't a trademark Gerrard goal, but he showed good desire and bravery to get to the ball and it was a decent header in the end.

The hosts came back, however, and began knocking on the door of their more illustrious opponents. The equaliser, predictably, came from a set piece as Mignolet left his line in an attempt to get the ball. However, he got nowhere near it and the ball fell to Fuller, whose scrambled effort hit the bar. The ball dropped into the six-yard box, and it was Akinfenwa who reacted quickest to poke home from close range.

Another corner earlier in the game should have given Liverpool a warning as they struggled to deal with the ball into the middle. It eventually dropped to Rigg, who lashed his effort towards the roof of the net. However, Mignolet showed the good side of his game as he reacted well to make a good one-handed save.

Rigg also fired another effort a yard or so wide of the far post with the first clear opening of the match having been played through behind the Liverpool defence, who failed to deal with a couple of flick-ons. Another long ball forward caused more problems later in the game, but Tubbs hooked an effort just past the post.

A theme of that first half was Liverpool's inability to cope with high balls, and that will surely be an avenue that they will look to exploit again in the coming 45. They are in with a great chance of a giant-killing here.

KICKOFF: Can they do it? We will find out in the next 45 minutes as Liverpool get us underway for the second period.

OFF THE LINE! An early sight of goal for Wimbledon as Gerrard carelessly gives the ball away. The subsequent shot is deflected wide, which of course means another corner. Barrett wins the header this time, and it needs Gerrard to clear it off the line.

It has been a bright start to the second half for the hosts, who have come out fired up here. Liverpool are by no means having things their own way here, and Wimbledon look most likely to get the game's third goal right now.

UPDATE: The other FA Cup tie has been a much less entertaining spectacle, but there has finally been a goal at Turf Moor. It has gone to the visitors Tottenham, with Nacer Chadli putting his side in the lead.

CHANCE! Poor defending again from Liverpool, with Can culpable on this occasion. He fails to deal with a through-ball from Akinfenwa, allowing Rigg to race clear, but he is forced a little wide and blazes his effort wide of the near post.

SHOT! This time it is Liverpool who threaten as Coutinho collects a chipped ball on the left channel. He ducks inside and gets into a shooting position, but lashes his effort wide of the far post. Gerrard was in space in the middle and Coutinho probably should have passed it to his skipper.

Lambert has barely been involved at all this evening, which is a surprise. He spent plenty of time in the lower leagues during the earlier stages of his career and is the type of player who usually relishes a physical battle, but he has fairly had a kick. In fairness, he hasn't got much service, so it isn't entirely his fault. Will we see Balotelli soon?

Lambert does make a rare contribution as he flicks the ball on for Gerrard before racing into the box. The striker is Gerrard's only option in the box, but the delivery is too high. Moments later Gerrard wants a penalty for handball, but Jonathan Moss turns a blind eye. It certainly hit Fuller on the arm, but it was strange one as he was not looking at the ball.

Liverpool have managed to quell the momentum from Wimbledon over the last five minutes or so. The hosts started the half really well, but it was always going to be difficult for them to keep that intensity up.

YELLOW CARD! Fuller goes into the book, and he can have no complaints. He went lunging in on Coutinho and got nowhere near the ball, conceding a free kick in a very dangerous position. Gerrard is standing over this one...

There is the moment of quality that can prove to be the difference in these games. Gerrard gets a brace for the second game in a row, and this is the pick of the bunch as he curls the free kick over the wall and in. Brilliant strike from the skipper.

CLOSE! Almost an immediate response from Wimbledon! The hosts again hoist crosses into the box that Liverpool can't deal with. The ball drops to Bulman, who lashes an effort inches over the crossbar with Mignolet a mere spectator.

This is all about game management for Liverpool now. Wimbledon have looked very dangerous when they have got a bit of momentum, so the visitors just need to take the sting out of things by keeping the ball and perhaps slowing the tempo down.

A couple of full-blooded challenges go in in quick succession, but the referee allows play to continue on both occasions, which is the right decision. No-one appears to be hurt, but it did raise the volume levels once again.

CHANCE! Liverpool have a chance to all but kill the game off, but it is a weak finish from Lambert in the end. The visitors break quickly with Gerrard leading the four-on-one charge. He gives the ball to Lambert, whose finish is safe. It is still a good save from the keeper but, having not had much joy today, it was a disappointing finish from the Liverpool striker.

YELLOW CARD! Another card for the hosts, and this time it is Goodman who goes into the book for a cynical foul on Gerrard as the Liverpool skipper broke free.

LIVERPOOL SUB: The first change of the night comes from Liverpool as Manquillo hobbles off to be replaced by Jose Enrique.

SHOT! This would be some way to clinch a hat-trick in an eventful week for Gerrard. He lets fly with a 40-yard free kick that is on target all the way before it swerves just wide. The keeper looked to have it covered, though.

UPDATE: There has been a second goal at Turf Moor and, as things stand, they are heading for a replay in that tie. Burnley have equalised against Spurs and, almost as importantly, it is Sam Vokes who has the goal. It is great for him to be back and scoring.

Liverpool have regained control of this match, but they will be wary of one more Wimbledon fightback. Gerrard in particular is running the match right now and he looks eager to get a hat-trick tonight.

YELLOW CARD! Liverpool's first booking of the night is shown to Coutinho, but it is a harsh one. The Brazilian got the ball when challenging Tubbs, but was penalised nonetheless.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Balotelli will get a little over 10 minutes here as he comes on for Lambert, who has had a quiet game other than that one chance.

WIMBLEDON SUB: The hosts makes a change of their own, and interestingly it is Rigg who goes off. He has been Wimbledon's best player tonight, but makes way to be replaced by Adebayo Azeez.

Important interception from Mignolet as he is quick off his line to collect an Akinfenwa through-ball that was causing Can some problems.

CHANCE! Lovely football from Liverpool as Gerrard gives it to Balotelli, who drills it back into the middle for his skipper. Gerrard back-heels it to Coutinho, but Shea makes the save from the Brazilian. The keeper is called into action once again shortly afterwards, denying Gerrard from the edge of the box.

Liverpool are looking eager to get a third that might kill things off here, and Wimbledon are beginning to look very tired. They are letting the Reds coast past them all too easily. They need to find a second wind from somewhere.

Another Wimbledon set piece causes problems for Liverpool! Again they can't clear the danger as it falls for Azeez, but his powerful effort is well blocked by Skrtel.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Liverpool to put this game to bed! For once, Liverpool clear the danger from the corner and immediately launch a counter. They are queuing up to have a go at goal but it is Markovic who eventually places a tame effort into the arms of the keeper. He should have done much better there.

WIMBLEDON SUBS: A couple of changes for Wimbledon as they make a final throw of the dice. Harry Pell and Frankie Sutherland come on, while Francomb and Moore go off.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Liverpool also make their third and final change, with Kolo Toure coming on for his last appearance before the African Cup of Nations. He replaces Markovic.

Time is running out for Wimbledon now, but they are looking too tired to create anything much. Liverpool are keeping the ball and making the hosts work, which is exactly what they need to do.

CHANCE! Liverpool have a chance for a third, but Gerrard opts against going for his hat-trick when very well placed! He only had to knock it past the keeper but instead tried a pass to Balotelli, but he was beaten to the ball by the defender.

Wimbledon have three minutes of added time to rescue this one!

CHANCE! The hosts almost do it! Again Liverpool don't win the first or second headers as the ball is hoisted into the middle, and Mignolet is needed to make a vital block.

OFF THE LINE! Mignolet does really well to collect a high ball and launch an attack, which sees Liverpool flood forward. Balotelli draws a save from the keeper and the ball rebounds to Gerrard, who sees his effort brilliantly cleared off the line by Kennedy.

Liverpool safely negotiate the banana skin of Wimbledon in what was a cracking cup tie at Kingsmeadow. A Gerrard brace was enough to see them into the fourth round, where Bolton await, but the hosts gave it a really good go and can be proud of their efforts. Akinfenwa got Wimbledon's goal with a scrappy close-range finish, but ultimately a moment of class from Gerrard was the difference.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was a cracking match in one of the cup's most famous fixtures as Liverpool book their place in the fourth round with victory over AFC Wimbledon. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, which should be on site shortly. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!