Venue: Ewood Park
Date: 10/04/12
Kick-Off: 8:00pm
Liverpool will be looking to close the gap on Merseyside rivals Everton to just one point when they travel to Ewood Park to take on relegation candidates Blackburn Rovers tonight.
The Reds currently sit 8th in the Premier League table but with only four points separating them from Swansea in 14th position maximum points is vital in order to avoid finishing in an embarrassing league position. Realistically the highest Liverpool can finish up is 7th but with their biggest rivals currently occupying that spot then there is still something to play for despite a poor end to the season as bragging rights are always crucial on Merseyside.
Liverpool will go into the game as favourites despite the Reds recent woeful form – losing five out of their last seven league games. Blackburn Rovers have lost ten games at Ewood Park this season, only Wolves (11) have lost more matches at home than Steve Kean’s men. However, only Bolton and QPR (11) have lost more away games than Liverpool this campaign, the Reds racking up 9 defeats on the road.
These two met at Anfield on Boxing Day this season and Liverpool could only manage a 1-1 draw, keeping up with their tradition of picking up just the one point at home. Liverpool dominated throughout, however, Charlie Adam put through his own net just before half-time to give Blackburn the lead. Maxi Rodriguez scored only his second league goal of the season eight minutes into the second half to draw the Reds level but, despite 28 attempts, Liverpool couldn’t find a winner and Steve Kean and his team earned a much needed point.
On the injury front, Lucas and Charlie Adam remain sidelined for the rest of the current campaign and this game will probably come too soon for Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson, as Kenny Dalglish will have one eye on the big FA Cup semi-final at the weekend. Daniel Agger could be in contention to start or at least figure on the bench after making a late substitute appearance against Aston Villa at the weekend. Alexander Doni looks likely to continue in goal as Pepe Reina serves the second match of his three-game suspension for the red card he picked up against Newcastle.
[ad_pod id=”unruly-video” align=”center”]
Blackburn will be without Anthony Modeste after he was sent off in their weekend fixture against West Brom and will be suspended. Michel Salgado and Vince Grella are their only other absentees as Steve Kean has an almost fully fit squad to choose from.
The main threat for Blackburn will come in the form of Junior Hoilett, who was linked with a January move to Liverpool. The winger has pace, power and raw talent and will have to be stopped in his tracks if Liverpool want to pick up all three points tonight. David Dunn also has the creative intelligence to unlock Liverpool’s tight defence if given the chance.
Liverpool and especially manager Kenny Dalglish will know that the Reds are in desperate need of a win not only for a much desired three points but for a massive confidence boost ahead of what is arguably one of Liverpool’s biggest games in recent years; an FA Cup semi-final against arch rivals Everton.
L4L Match Prediction – Blackburn 0 – 2 Liverpool
Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com
Follow us on Twitter here: @live4Liverpool and ‘Like’ us on Facebook
