vs
BLACKBURN
Liverpool, Anfield
October 24th, 2010, 6:25 PM IST (+0300 BST)
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It was half-a-century ago, in 1953, that Liverpool FC found itself in a similar League position. Liverpool stand 19th in the league table and can thank Newcastle for not starting at the bottom of the table when they take on Blackburn at Anfield on Sunday.
Not a good sight for the new owners!
It goes without saying how crucial this match is for Liverpool, a club that is desperate to break out of the relegation zone. For Roy Hodgson, this could potentially be a do or die match. If the Reds fail to gather all three points at the end of ninety minutes, it could well be Roy’s last ninety minutes as Liverpool manager. Notably, it would also be the first opportunity for the fans and the players to welcome the new owners at Anfield, who are expected to take the club back to its days of glory.
Blackburn will be in an unfamiliar territory when they step out at Anfield. For the first time in their recent history, Rovers are positioned above Liverpool in the League table. Living up to their manager’s reputation, Blackburn rovers would put out a physical and aggressive display of football. Sam Allardyce, the manager of Blackburn Rovers, has often publicly expressed his feelings towards Liverpool FC and he would leave no stone unturned to pin down a club in turmoil.
Team News
Liverpool
Roy Hodgson’s tactics have failed miserably and the confidence level of the players is at an all-time low. More importantly, though, the opponents have started to make use of these weaknesses. Reportedly, he has also lost the backing of players like Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina and Daniel Agger. Interestingly, none of the journalists have actually come out and criticised the Englishman’s methods. Although the support and respect Hodgson commands in England is admirable, it is hard to neglect his role in Liverpool’s current downfall.
However, Liverpool did produce a positive result in hostile circumstances at Napoli on Thursday. Although it was an improvement, the fact is that Roy Hodgson’s tactics are suitable for European competitions. The manger’s defensive mentality would make it difficult for Liverpool to win on Sunday. Torres and Gerrard are expected to be back while Glen Johnson will be out with an injury. The team that lost to Everton did not look weak on paper and the team that will face Blackburn should, ideally, have no trouble beating its Sunday opponents. Of course, the ideal world is far from Liverpool’s world, today.
Blackburn
Blackburn’s players do not pose a threat individually, but collectively with their physical nature of play and route one football tactics, they are good enough to produce an upset. Rovers largely depend on a long-ball strategy, playing the ball inside the opponents box at every opportunity. This strategy, in particular, might prove effective against Liverpool who have been weak in fending off aerial threats. Blackburn will be missing captain Christopher Samba in their defense following his red card against Sunderland last weekend.
Probable Starting Lineups
Liverpool: Reina, Carrager, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Konchesky, Meireles, Lucas, Cole, Jovanovic, Torres.
Blackburn: Robinson, Nelsen, Givet, Olosson, Salgado, Nzonzi, Jones, Pedersen, Emerton, Kalinic.
TheHardTackle’s Player To Watch Out For
FERNANDO TORRES (Liverpool)
He will come back from the dead, someday. The Liverpool talisman is rumoured to have fallen out with his coach due to the lack of support from midfield. However, Torres would like to prove his point and score his way in silencing his critics. A moment of individual brilliance against an ordinary Rovers defense should be enough to bring his confidence back. Perhaps, this game is the game all Liverpool fans are waiting for.
TheHardTackle’s Prediction
Liverpool 2-1 Blackburn
TheHardTackle predicts a red revival at Anfield, this Sunday. Liverpool are unlikely to keep a clean sheet against a Blackburn side that will be set up to exploit the home side’s weakness. It will be a close game that could go either way.
TheHardTackle’s Blast From The Past