Liverpool travel to Ewood Park tomorrow evening to face Blackburn Rovers, in a week that will also see them play away to Manchester Utd at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup. Because of Liverpool’s poor league position the difficult task of prioritizing either the league or the FA Cup may have to be made by Hodgson, having already hinted that key players may need to be rested – though not indicating which game they may need to be rested for.
Unsurprisingly, the debate of ‘league vs. cup’ has been prominent in the run up to these matches. Some argue that Liverpool need to do all they can to improve their league position so it should take precedence. Others highlighting the fact that the FA Cup should be viewed as a chance to clinch some silverware this season, a weakened side should not be sent out at Old Trafford. And a third group, they want to go for it in both games.
But back to the immediate future – tomorrow evening’s away game will no doubt bring some nerves with it – having won only 1 game, drawn 2 and losing 6 on their travels. If the away losses read as 7 tomorrow night at 10pm, could this be the end of Hogdson? Speculation of this has been rife in the media and gathered considerable pace since the home defeat against Wolves.
Let’s look at the positives though. Gerrard and Torres showed glimpses of their tremendous partnership of past, with both linking well to create Liverpool’s first goal and Gerrard’s excellent cross which lead to Liverpool’s winner, and Joe Cole’s first league goal for the club. It was great to see Torres celebrating a goal again and the second half performance should give the squad confidence going into the game too, one full of fight and determination - something that has been missing from some performances this season.
Liverpool will be hoping to complete a league double over Blackburn, having already won at home 2-1 with Kyrgiakos and Torres grabbing the goals that day (as well as Carragher!)
Match facts:
- Fernando Torres has scored five goals in four Premier League appearances against Blackburn
- Liverpool have scored only six goals in their last 10 Premier League away games and not more than once in any of those fixtures
- Blackburn have won none and lost five of their last seven Premier League games against Liverpool
- Blackburn have won just one of their last 20 matches in all competitions against Liverpool and just one of the last 24 in the Premier League
Last Season:
- Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Liverpool FC (5/12/2009)
- Liverpool FC 2-1 Blackburn Rovers (28/2/2010)
Doubtful/injured players:
- Miereles (ankle), Carragher (shoulder), Spearing (ankle)
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