Sunday, October 24, 2010

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs Blackburn

Liverpool are in a sorry state of affairs as far as their domestic adventure is concerned, as they are in the relegation zone having amassed only six points from their opening eight games.

With only one victory against their name, there have been several questions asked of Hodgson's methods. But the Liverpool manager has remained firm, insisting that the team still needs time to gel under his guidance.

There had also been some speculation that the former Fulham boss could walk away from Anfield, but here recently rubbished such talk by affirming that he will not resign under any circumstances.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion are the only side to have visited Anfield and not taken a point or more off their opponents, though even their defeat came in the form of a narrow 1-0 scoreline.

And the club's recent defeat to Blackpool means that the players must really pick themselves up and put in a strong performance to take their first steps towards restoring lost pride.

Blackburn have a terrible record at Anfield as they have not registered a victory in their last 14 trips. Their last victory at Liverpool was 17 years ago, and since that win, they have drawn nine and lost five.

But now they have an excellent chance of setting things straight and piling the pressure on their opponents.

But with opposition skipper Gerrard and striker Torres having had a rest, their back line will have to defend well if they are to take anything away from Hodgson's men.

But the back line will have to work doubly hard, as they are missing Chris Samba while Ryan Nelsen has only just recovered from a thigh injury.

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Roy Hodgson rested some of his players during his side's recent goalless draw with Napoli, and should recall them for this encounter.

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will return to the starting line-up, with midfielders Raul Meireles and Lucas also expected to start after they were not used in Italy.

Glen Johnson (hamstring) and Daniel Agger (back) are still doubtful, but could feature if they recover in time. Dirk Kuyt (ankle) is sidelined.

Possible starting line-up: Reina; Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Konchesky; Maxi Rodriguez, Lucas, Meireles, Cole; Gerrard; Torres.

Blackburn

Rovers boss Sam Allardyce will be hoping that defender Ryan Nelsen (thigh) recovers in time to play a part in this game, having missed the previous fixture against Sunderland.

Should he return, the 33-year-old is likely to partner Gael Givet in the absence of Chris Samba, who is serving a suspension.

In the meantime, Benjani has recovered from a concussion he suffered while playing against Sunderland, and is now in contention to play a part at Anfield.

Keith Andrews (groin), Vince Grella (hamstring) and Jason Roberts are still out.

Possible starting line-up: Robinson; Salgado, Nelsen, Givet, Olsson; Pedersen, N'Zonzi, Jones, Dunn, El Hadji Diouf; Kalinic.

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