Bolton: The view from the opposition

The 26-year-old lined up against the Reds 10 times during the course of his career with Arsenal, Birmingham and Bolton, enjoying some good battles going head to head with the likes of Steven Gerrard and co - most recently in January 2012.

Sadly, the highly rated midfielder was forced to call time on his promising career after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch in a game at Tottenham Hotspur just two months later.

Having made a full recovery, Muamba is currently operating as a regional education officer for the Professional Footballers' Association and is also working towards a vocation in sports journalism, presently undertaking a course at Staffordshire University.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, he outlines what he's expecting from this evening's clash at the Macron Stadium, explains why it was a 'privilege' to have played against Gerrard, and tells us what impact Anfield has on opposing players...

Firstly, Fabrice, what's your assessment of how Bolton have played this season and how have they changed under Neil Lennon?

Since Neil took over, we've been a much better team and are unbeaten at home. We're are very difficult to break down and they had a fantastic result to get a draw at Anfield, especially considering they are a team going through a transitional period right now. There's still a long way to go and there has been change at the football club, but they have been positive changes and things can only get better from now until the end of the season.

What is the target for Bolton in the remainder of the season?

It's just to try and finish as high up in the league as possible. We had a very, very bad start to the season until Neil took over. That was something people had to accept responsibility for and the players did not perform to the best of their ability. However, bringing in someone of Neil's calibre has changed the football club - it's changed the mentality of how the team play at home. So, as I said, it's about finishing as high as possible from now until the end of the season and trying to build for next season.

They've got plenty of experience in attack in Emile Heskey and Ediur Gudjohnsen...

Bolton don't have the money they used to have when they were in the Premier League and it's very difficult to target top, top players when you're in the Championship. You've got to try and bring in people with experience and help the club move forward. Heskey and Gudjohnsen have been very good additions to the team, and other young players have come through the system and done extremely well. Those younger lads can learn from the likes of Emile and Ediur.

They got a draw against Liverpool at Anfield - can they cause an upset tonight?

It'll be difficult. Brendan rested Steven Gerrard at the weekend, so he'll come into the game fresh. I also think one or two other players who weren't involved at the weekend will come in and freshen them up. Sturridge is coming back from injury and will want to get some more game-time under his belt, and this is another great opportunity for him to get some minutes. So it'll be a very difficult game for Bolton because Liverpool will come here and want to do well in the Cup, especially with all of the big teams that are already out of the competition this season. It is now anybody's to win. It's also Steven Gerrard's last FA Cup tournament before he goes to LA, so there are a lot of things riding on this game and Liverpool will be a very difficult task for Bolton.

Speaking of Steven, how much did you used to enjoy your battles with him?

Listen, he is the kind of player you work very hard for in order to be able to come up against. Gerrard is an extremely important player for Liverpool and is one of the best midfielders I've played against. It is a privilege and an honour to have played against him and they were always games I looked forward to. You'd really want to give your best because it's not every day - let alone every week - that you play against Gerrard. For me, it was a huge privilege and I enjoyed every moment of it.

It could be a special night for Steven, too - he's one match away from his 700^th appearance for Liverpool...

If he plays tonight, then it'll be a fantastic honour for him and his family for what he has achieved in the football world. He deserves more than the 700 games because he has been Mr. Liverpool since the first time he wore the red shirt. He's given nothing but everything he has every single time he's crossed that white line.

What kind of personal memories do you have from coming up against Liverpool as a player?

Anfield is special. You have the atmosphere, the fans, the stadium and the history behind the football club. It's a place where you can't go and feel shy or feel as though you're not going to perform - you have to go there and try your best. Liverpool always had a very, very good side when I played against them. As I said, Anfield is a special place and I am sure when they build the new Main Stand it'll generate more noise with more fans coming in, and that'll be very effective for the team. It's a place that would intimidate anybody, in my opinion.

Just finally, a word on yourself - what are you up to these days?

I'm in the PFA now and I'm in my final year at university now as well, so I am enjoying my time and my work. I visit football clubs and speak to young players about opportunities, having a 'Plan B' and making the most of education while you're in football. I am also studying sports journalism and I am in the final year of my course. It's been a very exciting year and I am looking forward to what the next six months will hold.