Brendan Rodgers says he was surprised to learn Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has received more social media abuse than any other Premier League player.

"I was shocked when I saw that. One message is one too many," says the Northern Irishman.

And Brendan Rodgers has another reason to be cheerful - he can pick skipper Steven Gerrard again. If he wants to, of course...

The Reds midfielder, 34, is available after completing a three-match ban for his rash red card against Manchester United last month.

"Steven has produced big moments in big games. The most important thing is having him back," says Rodgers.

Image source, Juliette Ferrington/Twitter

You're the manager of one of England's biggest clubs. You've guided them to the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. What's not to smile about?

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers flashes his teeth as he takes his seat at the top table....

While we wait to hear from Brendan Rodgers, how about an FA Cup-related stat? Yes.

Liverpool have won the last six FA Cup meetings with Aston Villa in a row, without conceding a single goal.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has finished his lunch (possibly) and is about to face the assembled media at the Reds' Melwood training ground in the next few minutes (probably).

We will bring you the finest lines from the Northern Irishman when we get them...

The Championship player of the season shortlist - Middlesbrough's Patrick Bamford, Watford's Troy Deeney and Ipswich's Daryl Murphy - is prompting plenty of discussion. Here are a few of your text messages...

Eddie Smith, Worlingworth: While I get there should be some other mentions for nominations for the Championship player of the year. Murphy is deservedly up there, you can't score 24 in a season for Ipswich and not win the trophy.

Mike, Chelmsford: Another disappointing season for Bournemouth then.

Image source, AP

The full transcript from Manuel Pellegrini's news conference has arrived at BBC Sport Towers.

And the cool, calm and collected Chilean says he felt more pressure last season when Manchester City were fighting for the Premier League title than he does now - with the Blues slipping to fourth having lost four of their last six matches.

"It is the worst period of results since I arrived and 2015 has been a very bad year," says Pellegrini, who arrived from Malaga in the summer of 2013.

"I have a different thinking to you of what pressure is - that's to win every game and play the way I like. Last year more there was pressure, I arrived in the Premier League and fought for the title."

Image source, Getty Images

Louis Smith tells BBC Sport he has started training on parallel bars in order to make the Great Britain team for the World Championships in October.

Smith, a pommel specialist, says he knows he must be able to offer more than just one apparatus skill in order to make the team for the event in Glasgow.

The 25-year-old, who came out of retirement after winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, qualified in first place for tomorrow's pommel final at the European Gymnastics Championships in Montpellier.

Former England fly-half Olly Barkley signs a contract extension with Championship-bound London Welsh.

Capped 23 times by his country, the 33-year-old joined the Exiles last year and has made 21 appearances so far.

"It's not been an easy year but I'm committed to seeing my journey with London Welsh through," said Barkley.

The Championship player of the season shortlist - Middlesbrough's Patrick Bamford, Watford's Troy Deeney and Ipswich's Daryl Murphy - is prompting plenty of discussion. Here are a few of your Tweets...

Tom Gower: How Bradley Johnson and Matt Richie aren't on the list just shows how strikers get too much credit

Craig Robertson: For me Bamford has been inconsistent. Ighalo, Nuhiu, Jota and Jerome should have been included too. Troy Deeney should win.

Tom AkA Fetzie: They might as well call it the "top scorer award" and be done with it. There's more to a top player than goal tally.

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood also reveals pacy striker Gabby Agnonlahor (hamstring) is doubtful and Villa will delay a decision on his fitness until the day of the match.

"He is touch and go," says Sherwood.

Both Agbonlahor and Ciaran Clark were injured in last weekend's 1-0 win at Sherwood's former club Tottenham.

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood reveals his Wembley team news - and it is bad news for Ciaran Clark.

The central defender is out with a medial knee ligament injury and may not play again before the end of the season.

Image source, @AVFCOfficial/Twitter

Blimey! These managers are turning up quicker than cabs at Birmingham New Street station's taxi rank.

And talking of the Second City, it is Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood who is next to arrive.

Got batteries in those recording devices, lads? Good.

Image source, Liverpool Twitter

Liverpool are treating their Twitter followers, external to pictures of Friday's training session before their FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.

Despite his recent off-field issues, Raheem Sterling is able to crack a smile while having a run around with player of the year contender Philipe Coutinho.

Image source, Reuters

Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany faces an anxious wait to see if he will return from injury before the end of the season, admits boss Manuel Pellegrini.

"He has a muscle injury - we don't know how long. We don't know if he will be fit before the end of the season," adds the Chilean.

What's that old saying? When it rains it pours? Manuel Pellegrini had better grab a brolly.

The Manchester City manager's injury list is mounting ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against West Ham at the Etihad.

Skipper Vincent Kompany heads the casualties, with Stevan Jovetic, Wilfried Bony, Gael Clichy and James Milner also not fit.

Image source, @MCFC/Twitter

The stage is set for Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean is the latest Premier League manager to face the media - and he could face a grilling after City's recent slump.

City have dropped to fourth after losing four of their last six matches, but Pellegrini opens by launching a rallying cry.

"It's more important than ever to have the fans, the players and the staff together as one. We are one club," he says.

Newport County's Chris Zebroski has been jailed for four years and four months for robbery and assault.

The 28-year-old striker admitted four charges of robbery, attempted robbery and assault relating to two separate incidents.

Zebroski, who previously played for Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham, came off the bench in Tuesday's defeat by Southend.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is joined by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in his news conference today.

The pair will preview Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa at Wembley.

And it's the Belgian keeper who's in the chair first.

Image source, AP

Some team news from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho - he is without top scorer Diego Costa for Saturday's home match against Manchester United.

The Spain striker limped out of the win against Stoke on 4 April with a thigh injury.

"He is progressing very well," says Mourinho. "I think he has a chance for the next weekend against Arsenal.

"Our target was for Diego to play in the last four matches. Arsenal is the sixth match to the end so if he doesn't play Arsenal or Leicester, it is not a problem."