Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Blackburn Rovers

Liverpool were high on confidence heading into their Champions League clash with Chelsea on Tuesday. A last-gasp win over Fulham the weekend prior had extended their winning run to seven games and put them atop the Premier League table, if only briefly.

Then Guus Hiddink's Blues breached Pepe Reina's goal thrice to leave the Reds' European hopes hanging by a thread. That defeat has underlined the great anomaly of Liverpool's season to date; for while they are enjoying their finest league campaign in yonks, they have been less than fearsome on their own patch.

They are unbeaten at home in the Prem but, despite claiming crucial wins over Manchester United and Chelsea, they have drawn with the likes of Stoke City, Hull City, Fulham, West Ham United and Manchester City.

So this weekend's clash with Blackburn Rovers could prove a particularly tricky one for Rafa Benitez and his charges as they look to plaster over the cracks that were exposed by Branislav Ivanovic and Didier Drogba. They sit just one point behind United, but any slip-up at this stage of proceedings could prove costly.

This will be as big a test for 'Pool as they have had all season. They showed at Craven Cottage that they are now capable of snatching results even when things don't go their way, and they must build upon that performance this weekend - and put Wednesday's disappointment behind them - if they hope to continue their push for a maiden Premier League crown.

Blackburn have spent much of this season mired in the bottom three, following a disastrous six-month stint under rookie manager Paul Ince. At the turn of the year, it seemed they were destined for another spell in the second tier of English football.

However, things have improved since Sam Allardyce took the reins, and last weekend's win over Tottenham Hotspur shot them up to 14th place, five points clear of the relegation zone. But Allardyce, the man who transformed Bolton Wanderers into Premier League stalwarts, knows that his Rovers have plenty to do before they can even begin to contemplate another season in the top flight.

Speaking after the win over Spurs, 'Big Sam' said, "I don’t think that ends our relegation worries. Thirty-four points is nowhere near enough for this season."

Thus, Blackburn head to Merseyside this weekend still seeking sanctuary from the relegation dog-fight, but they are unlikely to be granted such a boon at Anfield. They haven't won a league game at Liverpool since Benitez's arrival back in 2004, and the hosts will be desperate to keep pressure on Manchester United.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Apr 08 Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea (Champions League)
Apr 04 Fulham 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Mar 22 Liverpool 5-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Mar 14 Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool (Premier League)
Mar 10 Liverpool 4-0 Real Madrid (Champions League)

Blackburn Rovers

Apr 04 Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
Mar 21 Blackburn Rovers 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
Mar 14 Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
Mar 11 Fulham 1-2 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
Mar 04 Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Everton (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Javier Mascherano is available once more after missing the Reds' last two fixtures through a combination of fatigue and suspension. The Argentine should replace Lucas Leiva in the starting line-up.

Competition on the left flank is hotting up, as Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera are being pushed by Emiliano Insua and Andrea Dossena, respectively. Neither of the former two were at their best against Chelsea, so a Rafa reshuffle could be on the cards.

Martin Skrtel's once-imperious form in central defence has tapered somewhat, meaning the fit-again Daniel Agger could be up for a rare start.

Probable XI: Reina - Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Insua - Alonso, Mascherano - Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera - Torres

Blackburn Rovers

Allardyce will be missing a whole host of first-team regulars for the short trip through Lancashire. Morten Gamst Pedersen has a calf problem, and Jason Roberts is out for at least three weeks with a stress fracture of the foot. Brett Emerton is a long-term absentee, Vince Grella is still not 100 per cent, and Roque Santa Cruz is battling through tendonitis.

Furthermore, Johann Vogel has left the club after having his contract terminated, leaving options in midfield rather scarce.

Keith Andrews deputised at right-back last week but could lose his place to the departing Dutchman, Andre Ooijer. Carlos Villanueva should be the default choice to fill out the team-sheet in attack.

Probable XI: Robinson - Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Givet - Diouf, Mokoena, Andrews, Warnock - Villanueva - McCarthy


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

The only Red who managed to foil Petr Cech in midweek was Fernando Torres, and he will be hoping to exploit a fairly heavy-legged Rovers rearguard with his considerable pace and guile - not to mention finishing ability. The Spaniard has only started 14 league games this term, due to persistent injuries, but has notched up nine goals nonetheless.

Blackburn Rovers

Some thought Allardyce was having a bubble when he suggested Christopher Samba could be used as an auxiliary forward, but the former Bolton boss was as good as his word and stationed the Congolese giant up front in the second half against Tottenham last weekend. He surely won't start in attack, especially at Anfield, but he should get forward whenever possible and will be a huge threat from set-pieces.

League Is Priority, Says Carragher

Jamie Carragher has illustrated the significance of today's lunchtime encounter with Blackburn to Liverpool's pursuit of Manchester United, making the bold declaration that it is the most important league game of his 13-year career at Anfield. "I'm not just saying that because of what happened against Chelsea, but the league has always been the priority of everyone at this club," said Carragher, ahead of a game for which Rafael Benitez will delay a decision on Steven Gerrard until the last minute.

"In the 13 years I have been involved in the first team, this will be the biggest league game I have been involved in, it really is that important. If we win we can go top of the league with just six games to go, and if anyone had told us at the beginning of the season we would be in this position now, we would have been delighted." Rovers have whipped up some vitriol, midfielder David Dunn saying he wants Benitez to be "having a moan at us on Sunday" after a performance that is certain to physical.

"I don't think we give a toss what people think of us at the minute. It is whatever gets us results," Dunn said. Despite Rovers' physical threat, Gerrard's health is a more pressing concern. Liverpool were aware of his worsening groin problem before last weekend's win at Fulham and it seems he will have to be nursed through the final weeks of the season. Benitez admits the injury will not stand two games in four days and Blackburn appears to be a priority over Tuesday's Champions League tie against Chelsea.

John Aldridge: If Any Team Can Come Back Liverpool Can

One thing we have learned from watching Liverpool in Europe over the years is you can never write them off.

But I’m sure every Liverpool fan will admit Rafa Benitez’s side are faced with a massive mountain to climb if they are to continue their run in this season’s Champions League.

Chelsea are now odds on favourites to go through and it would take something really special from Liverpool – probably on a par with the magnificent comeback in Istanbul – for them to get through to the semi-finals.

It is hard to see Chelsea conceding three at home, particularly given the way they performed at Anfield, but every single Liverpool player must go to Stamford Bridge ready to play for pride and with a genuine belief they can turn things around.

It might be that Benitez has to do something to get a reaction from his players, something that gets them really wound up and ready to go out there with a desire to put the record straight.

I can remember when I was managing Tranmere and we were 3-0 down at home to Southampton in the FA Cup. At half-time I had some harsh words with the players and some cups got thrown around and they went out and won 4-3.

You don’t expect something like that to happen but you can never give up and you have to keep going no matter how bad the situation might be.

If Liverpool are looking for inspiration then their recent victory over Manchester United should do the trick.

Winning 4-1 at the home of the reigning champions is an incredible result and it proved that on their day Liverpool can produce the kind of performance which even the very best cannot live with.

Another positive is that while Chelsea will be without John Terry we will have Javier Mascherano back.

I don’t think you could overstate just how badly Mascherano was missed in the first leg and having him back will be a massive boost. While Chelsea are unlikely to be as solid at the back without Terry who is a big influence for them.

If Liverpool can get even a one goal lead by half time then who knows what might happen? But they will have to defend a hell of a lot better than they did at Anfield if they are to stand a chance.

It is up to Rafa to come up with a strategy and to instill a belief in the team that they can still win.

This Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and as ever my thoughts will be with the families and friends of the 96 who lost their lives that terrible day.

I can’t believe that 20 years have passed and I’m sure Anfield will be packed for the annual memorial service because people have not forgotten what happened at Hillsborough and I’m sure they never will.

THE best way Liverpool can respond to what happened on Wednesday night would be to go out and beat Blackburn today.

We need three points to keep up the title challenge and if we get them then it will be interesting to see how Manchester United react.

They’re going through a bit of an iffy period just now and they’ve looked visibly tired of late so Liverpool have to try and put as much pressure on them as they can.

Blackburn will come to Anfield and try to get at us but if Liverpool get back to their best then they should have too much.

Rafa Benitez Goes On The Attack Against His Critics

RAFA Benitez has launched an impassioned defence of Liverpool’s zonal marking system, insisting their record of defending set pieces is comparable with anyone else in the Premier League.

Liverpool again came in for criticism following the midweek defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League in which Branislav Ivanovic scored two headers from corners.

One TV news channel even went as far as claiming Liverpool have the worst record in the top division for conceding from set pieces even though the statistics suggest otherwise.

Benitez has no plans to ditch his zonal marking system, believing it is the best one for his team and will simply ask his players to defend better against Blackburn today.

"I think that when you have statistics you can manage them in whatever way you want," said the Reds boss in a clear reference to his critics.

"But when you analyse our record at defending set pieces you will see that it is not bad.

"I think Arsenal have conceded seven goals from set pieces, Chelsea have also conceded seven, Man United have conceded six and we have conceded eight.

"So there is not a massive difference between the teams in the top four when it comes to this.

"Then you have Blackburn and Everton who have both conceded ten.

"You can talk about percentages, which depend on the total number of goals you concede, or you can talk about figures but it doesn’t matter.

"We are really pleased in the way that we are working. We know that this is the best system for us and we know that it has been good for us in the past and will hopefully be good for us in the future."

Steven Gerrard remains a major doubt for today’s game with Benitez yet to decide whether to take a chance on his skipper who is suffering from a groin strain.

Should Gerrard not make it, Yossi Benayoun is likely to be asked to play just off Fernando Torres.

The Reds boss is looking for his team to get back to the imperious form they were showing before Wednesday’s setback at the hands of Chelsea and he is confident his players will respond positively to that defeat.

He said: "Clearly we have to change something from the other night. Firstly, we will change the opponent which is very important and the mentality will also be different. People were very surprised because we lost against Chelsea but this is something you can analyse in a positive way because it means we were doing really well previously and it raised people’s expectations about us."So now we have to go back and start doing the same things that we were doing before.

"We have to play well and pass the ball and approach the game with a lot of confidence because we know the fans will be behind the players so hopefully it will be positive."

Should Liverpool win they will go back to the top of the Premier League at least until Man United take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light later today and Benitez is looking for his team to put even more pressure on the reigning champions by collecting all three points against Blackburn.

"If we can win, they will be under pressure," he added. "They are in a better position now so it still depends on them, but we still have to do our job.

"We have to do everything almost perfectly, and that means winning almost every game."

Sir Alex Ferguson Delighted To Get Under Rafael Benitez's Skin

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested that Liverpool's Rafael Benitez is becoming consumed by the war of words between the two.

He claims it was "fantastic" to hear his Liverpool counterpart renew hostilities while preparing for the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea.

In what is becoming an increasingly bitter rally of verbal exchanges, the Liverpool manager's most recent contribution – the suggestion that Ferguson was "maybe a little bit scared" of his Anfield team – prompted a broad smile on Ferguson's face as he prepared for United's Premier League trip to Sunderland.

Liverpool have reduced United's seven-point lead at the top of the table to just one point since winning 4-1 at Old Trafford on March 14 and the faltering form of Ferguson's team has reignited a title race that, a month ago, appeared to be a United procession.

But with Benitez criticising Ferguson's tactic of commenting on Liverpool's performances and prospects, the United manager has now responded once more by seemingly questioning the Spaniard's focus.

Ferguson said: "If you ask me a question about other teams, I'll give you an opinion. There's no fault in that.

"Arsene Wenger was talking about Manchester United a couple of weeks ago when he was asked a question and he gave a fair answer.

"But the interesting thing as far as Rafa Benitez is concerned is that he's got a European tie [against Chelsea] and he's talking about Alex Ferguson. Fantastic. I didn't know I was that important."

When asked whether he felt he had successfully "got under Benitez's skin", Ferguson grinned before replying: "I have no more comment to make."

Regardless of the outcome of Liverpool's Anfield encounter with Blackburn this lunchtime, United can end the day in top spot with a victory on Wearside.

But having watched Chelsea's impressive 3-1 success at Anfield, Ferguson risked another riposte from Benitez by claiming that Guus Hiddink's team are now the real threat to United's title hopes.

Ferguson said: "Chelsea will be absolutely buoyed up [by the victory at Liverpool]. You saw the celebrations at the end. They knew it was an emphatic result and they will be flying at the moment.

"That was a good performance by them. I remember when we won the treble in 1999 that just lifted everyone and from then on we were unbeatable.

"It does that to you when you get a very important result, but hopefully Chelsea are beatable. I'd be happy with the race going down to the last day, though. It would do me fine because we're used to that. We've done it four times."

Although Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans (both groin) will miss the Sunderland fixture, Ferguson insisted that Wayne Rooney will play after dismissing reports that the forward suffered a rib injury against Porto on Tuesday evening.

And despite United's recent run of just one victory in four games, Ferguson is confident that his players can ride the storm and deliver the title.

He said: "We've lost two league games to Liverpool and Fulham and people are saying we're cracking up. So what I think I have got to do now is to remind the players where we are at the moment.

"It doesn't matter what happened against Porto, we're still in the European Cup with a chance, we're still in the FA Cup semi-final with a chance, we're top of the league with a chance – so what more can I do but just remind the players why we got here? We're in a fantastic position."

Robbie Fowler: I Tried To Win The Premier League Title For 15 Years - But This Time Liverpool Can Do It

Anfield legend Robbie Fowler believes Liverpool can upset the odds to produce the most dramatic title win of all time.

The former England international is backing his old club to claw back Manchester United’s lead at the top of the table and end their 20-year wait to become champions.

And Fowler admits he will be overjoyed to see the club he served for almost 20 years lift the Premier League trophy and fulfill the one dream he never achieved.

Many critics suggest Liverpool now have no chance of catching United after their disastrous Champions League result against Chelsea in midweek, with the conventional thinking suggesting their confidence will be shattered.

But Fowler has always been of unconventional mind and he believes that losing in Europe could just be the nudge Liverpool need to win the title the Kop craves.

"I know people are saying it’s all over for my old team now and I even heard that the United manager was saying Liverpool are out of the title race because of the Chelsea result," Fowler said.

"But I disagree and I think in a strange way it can help them because they will be able to concentrate every single ounce of their energy and concentration on winning the league.

"Let’s face it, they need a miracle to win 3-0 at Chelsea and stay in Europe but if they can put the result behind them, then they might even be favourites to win the title.

"You can’t under-estimate how draining a Champions League campaign can be and if you don’t have that distraction, then you’re much fitter and fresher.

"If Liverpool are out of Europe they will play once a week in the league and will be able to play their best team every single game – which is a massive advantage.

"United could be involved in Europe, in an FA Cup semi and the title race, and already that is beginning to show in some of their performances.

"They’ll have a lot of games to cram in and they already look shattered. It’s hard to keep it all together in so many competitions, especially when you’re being challenged by rivals who are much fitter, fresher and have more focus."

Fowler has just flown to Australia to join up with his new club North Queensland Fury, where he began pre-season training. He has a two-year contract with the newly-formed A-League club and will start the season in August.

But he has kept an eye on events back home and admits he is desperate to see his old club win the title that eluded him during his years at Anfield.

"I know how much winning the title means to the Liverpool fans - I spent 15 years desperately trying to bring it to them," he said.

"My biggest regret is that I couldn’t win the league with Liverpool. I won every other trophy and even went to the Champions’ League final with them but the league was painful for us.

"We got close and should have won it in 1997 when we were in a great position, but then blew it at Easter.

"It would mean so much to the fans there and I really believe that Liverpool have a great chance of doing it now, after all these years.

"I know they could be four points behind with only seven games to go if United win their game in hand, but there is an awful lot in their favour. United are faltering lately and look really vulnerable. Playing European games and the FA Cup will put them under even more pressure and Liverpool could well have the advantage of just having six matches left after next week’s Champions’ League tie.

"If Liverpool have a weakness, it’s when they have to rotate, because they don’t have the quality in their squad that United have.

"But if they are only playing once a week they can play their best side and Torres and Gerrard can destroy any team at any time.

"I fancy Liverpool to win all their remaining league matches and I don’t think United will, so they could easily be Champions."

Fowler is settling into life in Australia and plans to fly out his wife Kerry and four children shortly.

And he admits the challenge of joining a new franchise in the A League is an exciting one.

"I don’t feel ready to hang up my boots just yet and the quality out here has impressed me," he said.

"There are a good set of lads here and it’s going to be exciting trying to get a newly-formed team off the ground."

Liverpool Skipper Steven Gerrard: Hillsbrough Victims Will Never Be Forgotten

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard experienced for himself the bitter nature of the tragedy that occurred at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough Stadium 20 years, when 96 fans died in a crush at the FA Cup semi-final between the Merseyside outfit and Nottingham Forest.

Gerrard's own cousin John-Paul was one of those who tragically lost their life that day, and he remembered receiving the terrible news of his death when discussing the tragedy with Liverpool's official website, and how it had driven him on to become the outstanding player he is today.

"I was still a baby. I was only nine years old at the time so I only have small memories from back then. But I've learned more about the actual events as I've got older," he explained.

"I was really shocked and deeply saddened when I watched the scenes live. I was completely and utterly shocked, whilst wondering if there was anyone we knew personally at the game.

"It was exactly the same for every Liverpool fan at the time because I'm sure everyone was wondering if they knew anyone who was at the game too. I remember going to bed that night, lying there praying, and keeping my fingers crossed that it didn't get any worse than what we had already heard.

"Unfortunately for myself and my family we got the dreaded knock the next morning to say that a member of our family was at the game and had been tragically killed.

"Obviously it was a difficult time to know that one of your cousins had been at the game and had been tragically crushed. Seeing the reaction of his Mum, Dad and family helped drive me on to become the player I have developed into today."

Gerrard went on to highlight the central place the tragedy now occupies in the history of both the city of Liverpool and Liverpool FC, and emphasised that the memory would not be forgotten, as he expressed his admiration for the way in which the families of the victims have conducted themselves over the last 20 years.

"It is central and very important to this club," he said.

"The 96 will never ever be forgotten, and nor will the people that got hurt. But it is important these people get remembered individually and not just as the number 96.

"This club has fought for justice ever since and will continue to do so. We have stuck together since that day, like we always do here and that shows what kind of football club we are, sticking by each other when times are tough. We are not just about what happens on the pitch but we are all one off it as well.

"They [the victims' families] have behaved impeccably and the club are very proud of them and the way they have handled this tragedy. The players will continue to be a support for them, I can guarantee that."

Biggest League Match Of My Life, Declares Carragher

Jamie Carragher has billed tomorrow's Anfield showdown with Blackburn as “the biggest league game of my career”.

But boss Rafa Benitez will have to decide whether or not to gamble on Steven Gerrard’s fitness for a match which could take the Reds back on top of the table – at least until Manchester United meet Sunderland at the Stadium of Light later in the day.

Carragher is in no doubt about the enormity of the occasion.

“I’m not just saying this because of what happened against Chelsea the other night but the league has always been the priority for everyone at the club,” said the Reds defender.

“In the 13 years I have been involved in the first team this will be the biggest league game I’ve played in – it really is that important.

“If we win we can go top of the league with just six games to go and if someone would have told us that we would be in this position when the season started we would have all been delighted.

“This is a massive chance for everyone at the club and I’m sure the fans will create a great atmosphere because they know what is at stake.”

Chelsea’s victory in the Champions League on Wednesday was the first time the Reds have been beaten by a fellow member of the big four this season.

Carragher added: “Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say that the other team played well on the night and this was one of those occasions.

“But it’s important to remember that we’ve now played them and Man United five times this season and we’ve won four of those games.

“That’s a record we can be proud of even though we are obviously disappointed about what happened the other night.

“We’ve played more than 40 games in the Premier League and the Champions League – the two biggest competitions – and we’ve only lost three times and one of the most important things is that when we have lost we’ve tended to respond in the right way by going on good runs.

“That’s what we’ll be looking to do again and no-one should be too downhearted about what happened against Chelsea because they are a good side who did well on the night and we’ve still got a hell of a lot to play for.

“The incentive is there for us to go back on top of the league and it may only be for a few hours until United play but you never know it could even be for longer than that.

“That’s how big this game is and that’s why I honestly believe it’s the biggest we’ve had in the league since I’ve been at the club and maybe for even longer than that.”

Skipper Gerrard's involvement is in doubt, however, after a scan yesterday revealed a minor groin strain. Though the injury is not considered serious it will need to be managed to ensure it does not become a bigger problem.

Should Gerrard be pitched in against Blackburn then it would be something of a calculated gamble by the Liverpool manager.

Benitez was set to discuss the situation with his captain and Liverpool’s medical staff today.

Big Sam: Benitez Loves To Whinge

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has taken a swipe at Rafael Benitez by claiming that the Liverpool manager loves to "whinge and moan".

Having clashed with the Spaniard during his tenure at Bolton, the Blackburn manager is now intent on ruffling Benitez and his side again when Rovers travel to Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

"Bolton always used to batter them at the Reebok but we were never capable of reproducing that form at Anfield," Allardyce told The Sun.

"But you can't help him whingeing and moaning, can you? He loves it.

"It's great when a manager moans about the way my teams play, though.

"Irrespective of what label they might give me, if I can beat Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United home or away, then I am a major tactician and a very good manager.

On Benitez's feud with Sir Alex Ferguson, Allardyce had this to say: "You'd be foolish taking on Sir Alex because he knows every trick in the book.

"I've managed to psyche out a few managers in my time but nobody has ever psyched me out."

However, Allardyce, who was at Anfield on Wednesday night to see the Reds beaten in the Champions League, has defended Benitez's use of a zonal-marking system after Chelsea scored two of their three goals from corners.

"I went to watch what was probably the most in-form team in this country at the moment come a little unstuck on the night," said Allardyce.

"We can only hope that that knocks their confidence a little bit.

"It can happen to us all on occasions, but Chelsea got the tactics right and also used their outstanding ability to punish them very heavily in the end.

"I just want to get as many of my experienced players as fit as possible to go and pick a side who can combat a very good Liverpool team, and then try and expose one or two weaknesses that were shown up.

"But I thought there was a little of unfair criticism of the zonal marking system, because I don't think any system would have stopped those two goals on the night."

Benitez Urges Reds To Response

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has challenged his side to keep their Barclays Premier League title dreams alive.

The Anfield men were left reeling on Wednesday after their Champions League quarter-final first-leg 3-1 defeat by Chelsea.

But the Spaniard has urged his players to put disappointment aside and make sure they are ready to face a Blackburn team desperate to haul themselves away from the relegation zone on Saturday lunchtime.

Benitez said on Thursday: "We have an important league game next so we have to be ready. We have two full days to think and plan for the Blackburn game. That is the first priority now.

"Only after that will Chelsea be the priority in the Champions League second leg on Tuesday.

"We will have Javier Mascherano back from now on for both these games and the rest of the season. He is very important to us now.

"We have to believe anything can happen. Firstly we must do the right things against Blackburn and then go to Chelsea with confidence. If we score first there we will be in the game.

"But at Anfield this weekend I know our fans will be behind us again, that is always the case. They will know what the first priority is, and that is to win a league game.

"They know people make mistakes. But they will be determined to help us through this situation.

"To stop the result against Chelsea having a damaging effect on us, we must keep working really hard and prepare properly for the next game.

"We must find the form that we were showing in the recent weeks. We know we can do that."

Goalkeeper Jose Reina has also called for a positive reaction to the midweek mauling by Chelsea.

Reina could do little about any of Chelsea's goals at Anfield as Liverpool's zonal marking system was twice exploited by Branislav Ivanovic.

"It is Blackburn next, another competition, and we are very much alive in the title race," said Reina.

"It is an important game, and early kick-offs are never easy against a rested team so we have to be ready.

"It is our job to be ready. Whenever we lose games you have to come in the next day and forget about what happened so we can try to move forward and improve.

"We now have to prove to ourselves and our fans that we're still there in the league."

Mascherano will return to the side and there could be a place for central defender Daniel Agger, while full-back Andrea Dossena is also in line for a recall.

Liverpool Midfielder Xabi Alonso Insists Chelsea Defeat Must Be Forgotten

Liverpool's deep-lying ball-pinging midfielder Xabi Alonso has issued a plea to his Anfield team-mates indicating that the painful 3-1 midweek defeat against Chelsea needs to be put to bed, buried, and forgotten, so that it does not jeopardise their Premier League title ambitions.

Liverpool host Sam Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers in an early kick-off tie on Saturday that will introduce the latest round of domestic action. The Reds have an opportunity to usurp Manchester United at the head of the table should they claim a positive result, therefore keeping the pressure on the current league leaders, who do not get their own game underway until the afternoon.

Alonso told the club's official website, "It's very important for us. I hope it won't be tough to forget about Chelsea because we are professionals and this is another competition. We still have a chance to fight for the Premier League.

"At home this season we have dropped too many points - this time it has to be different. We have to start very well and play very well to win the game. It's important to do our job and that is to win this game. Of course I will be happy if we are still top after United's game but we have to wait."

Regarding the manner in which the side snuck a 1-0 win against Fulham last weekend, Alonso continued, "We enjoyed ourselves after Yossi Benayoun scored because it was reassuring after the international break that we were still in the title race. Obviously I could see the fans were enjoying it too.

"Of course, there is no doubt United are still favourites. They have the advantage and we respect that but our job is to try to go for it and fight."

On the prospect of facing a hard-working Allardyce unit, Alonso concluded by saying, "They work very well as a team and they got a great result against Tottenham last weekend from a difficult position.

"They are also fighting relegation, which will make it even more difficult."

Fabio Aurelio: It's Not Over Yet

Fabio Aurelio today insisted no-one at Liverpool is yet ready to give up the ghost on this season’s Champions League dream despite last night’s first leg setback at the hands of Chelsea.

Guus Hiddink’s side ran up a 3-1 lead to take back to Stamford Bridge for next week’s second leg on a night to forget for the Anfield men as a brace of headers from Branislav Ivanovic and a Didier Drogba strike from close range cancelled out Fernando Torres’ opener.

Though willing to concede that Liverpool now have a mountain to climb if they are to make it through to the semi-finals at Chelsea expense, Aurelio vowed that everyone in a red shirt will fight until the end in a bid to keep their European hopes alive.

“We are really disappointed, particularly after the good start we made to the game,” said the Brazilian left back.

“We scored a good goal and we were controlling the game but after they drew level we started to lose control of the game.

“Dirk (Kuyt) had a good chance when he went one on one but unfortunately he was not able to score and I think if that had gone in it might have changed the game.

“But you have to give credit to Chelsea because they played really well, especially in the second half, and they were more effective.

“After going behind we probably became a little bit desperate to score a goal to give ourselves a better chance for the second leg and we started to give the ball away easily and this meant they could use counter attacks which is one of their strengths.

“We know that it will be really difficult for us now because as last night showed we are playing against a really good team but we will not give up.

“We will fight until the very end because this season as shown that there have been many occasions when we have had setbacks but we have managed to turn things around.

“This means that we have to fight until the very end.”

He added: “We know it will be difficult but we want it really badly and we will try everything.”

Liverpool Players Got John Terry booked, Seethes Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard claimed last night that Liverpool players helped to get John Terry the yellow card which rules him out of the second leg.

Chelsea's inspirational skipper had challenged home keeper Pepe Reina in what looked like a 50-50 ball.

And Lampard suggested that Liverpool's reaction was payback for the controversial yellow card which caused Xabi Alonso to miss the second leg of the 2005 semi-final.

He said: "It's unfortunate that when he got booked all the Liverpool players ran around to make sure he did.

"I remember them moaning about Alonso being booked a few years ago and it was the reverse on Wednesday.

"But hopefully we have enough cover. Ricardo Carvalho is nearly fit and if we can go through, John will have a clean slate going into the semifinals." Lampard admits the Blues are now setting their sights on treble glory.

The titanic Champions League victory at Anfield leaves Chelsea close to the semi-finals and another showdown with Barcelona. And Lampard is convinced the performance that stunned Merseyside can have a psychological effect on Chelsea's rivals.

Lampard said: "I don't know if Barcelona will be too worried about anyone, the way they're playing. But if we can carry on playing like that we will put fear into a lot of teams.

"Who knows what can happen in the league, FA Cup and the Champions League? Everything is still up for grabs.

"Even though we're still behind in the league, it's important we keep the standards we set at Liverpool.

"When we play to those standards, when we look at the strength we have throughout the pitch, we're as good as anybody.

"We've just got to play to that standard all the time. We have been doing that in recent weeks and at Liverpool we did everything right except maybe get an two extra goals."

Liverpool Skipper Steven Gerrard To Miss Champions League Game With New Injury

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard dealt Rafa Benitez another crushing blow last night.

Just 24 hours after being humiliated by Chelsea at Anfield, the England midfielder was almost certainly ruled out of the Reds' next three games.

Gerrard is set to miss tomorrow's home match against Blackburn and boss Benitez will leave him out of the Champions League return at Chelsea on Tuesday.

That rest could give him a 50-50 chance of being fit to face Arsenal at Anfield on April 21.

Benitez could decide to risk his captain against Blackburn this weekend, in a game Liverpool MUST win to keep their title dream alive.

But it would be a massive gamble that could aggravate the problem. It seems more likely the manager will rest Gerrard for the next two weeks, and attempt to get him fit to face Arsenal.

The Liverpool boss knows it is pointless risking his skipper in the Chelsea game, given his side face an almost hopeless task, needing to win by three goals to claw back the deficit.

Instead Gerrard looks likely to be left with a battle to be fit for the league game that will go a long way to deciding who will be champions this season.

Liverpool have a break after their European trip because of the FA Cup semifinals, before they entertain the Gunners.

If Liverpool win that they will feel they can still catch Manchester United, and they will be desperate to have their captain available.

Liverpool will get the results of the scan this morning to determine exactly how long Gerrard will be out, at a time when they need him most.

Benitez And Liverpool Will Pay The Price For Allowing Gerrard To Play Through The Pain

Steven Gerrard's groin problem has returned and it could derail Liverpool's season, but they seem to have only themselves to blame.

The club are saying it will only keep him out for a match or two but what is the betting the injury ends up lasting a lot longer than that?

Liverpool cannot afford for him to be out at all as they have little hope of glory without him and, as he has indicated he will play through the pain, are bound to throw him back into action soon.

But for how long will he have to put himself through it and why wasn't the injury cleared up when he had surgery last August?

Rafael Benitez's over reliance on Gerrard must be at least partly to blame and so too must the player's reluctance to rest.

The midfielder is similar to Chelsea's John Terry in that he far too often plays in pain regardless of the consequences.

But the attitude of Gerrard and approach of Benitez have come back to haunt them and they need to learn from this, the end to Liverpool's season, otherwise the pattern of pain for their captain and for the club in the Premier League will continue.

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 3 Chelsea

Liverpool were hammered in their own back-yard in the Champions League tonight as Chelsea took a huge step on the road to a possible Rome final.

Chelsea produced a performance of great quality and strength to leave Liverpool's dreams in tatters after this quarter-final first leg.

Next Tuesday's second leg at Stamford Bridge may not be a mere formality just yet, but Liverpool will need an exceptional performance to stay in the competition.

It all started so well for Liverpool when Fernando Torres scored in the sixth minute. But Chelsea gradually took over, and two headed goals from Branislav Ivanovic - both poorly-defended set-pieces - and a close-range Didier Drogba strike stunned the Reds.

Steven Gerrard appeared to be struggling for full fitness - and with their captain's powers compromised, Liverpool saw a 14-month and 32-match unbeaten home record destroyed.

The side that has of late battered Real Madrid and Manchester United into submission was nowhere to be seen as Chelsea reigned supreme.

Liverpool had Albert Riera and Fabio Aurelio back after being rested on Saturday at Fulham, while Lucas was in for the suspended Javier Mascherano.

Chelsea had Drogba back up front, and Ivanovic continued as the injured Jose Bosingwa's replacement.

For the 23rd meeting between these bitter rivals in five years - nine in the Champions League - the atmosphere was electric, the noise deafening and the stakes so high.

Liverpool could not have got off to a better start.

Dirk Kuyt had already seen a shot deflected inches wide, before he produced a clever backheel on the edge of the box to set up Alvaro Arbeloa for a laid-back cross which was clinically driven past Petr Cech by Torres from 12 yards.

Yet that just served to galvanise Chelsea into sustained possession and pressure and a performance of growing assertiveness.

The alarm bells should have been ringing within two minutes of their goal for Liverpool when Salomon Kalou pounced on an Aurelio error to send Drogba clear - only for Jose Reina to make a fine, blocking save.

Michael Ballack and Michael Essien slowly but surely took over in midfield, and Liverpool were forced back. Florent Malouda flashed one effort wide of the far post, before Drogba blasted over from close range.

Liverpool were rattled, Torres isolated and Gerrard denied time and space.

Drogba, all menace and muscle, gave Martin Skrtel a hard time - while Kalou was equally dangerous on the right against Aurelio.

Torres curled one effort wide, and Arbeloa missed with a left-footer. But they were rare breaks from Liverpool, Chelsea already moving relentlessly towards an equaliser.

It came after 38 minutes when Malouda's right-wing corner was met with a firm header by Ivanovic, having evaded three defenders in the box as he darted and twisted into space to beat Reina from six yards.

Chelsea went for the throat straight after the break, and only Jamie Carragher's plunging clearance off the line from Drogba's angled effort stopped them going ahead after 51 minutes.

The game had taken a nasty turn by now.

Torres took a painful crack on the ankle from Alex seconds after firing over, and Essien looked to be caught by Skrtel's shoulder in one shuddering aerial collision - before John Terry clattered into Reina in mid air and was booked.

That yellow card will put Terry out of next week's second leg, but Chelsea annoyance was soon replaced by more elation.

A 62nd-minute corner from Frank Lampard was again met by Ivanovic, again unmarked, as he powered another header past Reina to put the Blues ahead.

It soon got even better for Chelsea, and horribly worse for Liverpool.

Five minutes after their second, Drogba arrived in the six-yard box to finish off a low cross from Malouda on the left.

Liverpool's fans fell silent, and the replacement of Riera with Yossi Benayoun before the re-start seemed of little consequence.

Liverpool sent on Ryan Babel for Lucas and Andrea Dossena for an out-of-touch Aurelio, who had just been booked. Drogba went off to a great ovation from the travelling support, allowing Nicolas Anelka into the fray.

The game, though, was already well won by the Blues and up for the Reds.

Guus Hiddink: Liverpool Can Still Surprise

Guus Hiddink has insisted Chelsea must not believe their place in the Champions League semi-final is already booked because of Liverpool's rich history of doing "impossible" things in the competition.

The Chelsea manager admitted the 3-1 win, which leaves Rafa Benitez's side needing a miracle at Stamford Bridge next week to progress, was "unexpected" but said he would urge his players not to take anything for granted, especially with captain John Terry suspended.

He said: "We cannot afford to take it lightly because Liverpool have proved that they can surprise. We will have to concentrate very much. You have to remember that it is only half-time in the tie. For tonight, though, we are very happy with the result. It was unexpected, but it was very well deserved.

"Normally teams would lean back on their defence when they equalise at Anfield, especially in the later stages of the Champions League, but we thought we could do more so we said we had to go for the second. If you feel you can hurt part of their team it would be stupid not to go for it.

"We looked at their zonal marking system and we have some tall, brave players and of course, we got some benefit." His counterpart, dejected but noble enough to greet Hiddink warmly when the two met in the Anfield corridor, admitted his team had made "mistakes" for the first two goals but remained adamant the tie is not over yet.

Benitez said: "Maybe I am disappointed [with the first two goals]. It is difficult to stop them in the air but we could have done better. We had three men around but [Branislav] Ivanovic was free, we made a mistake and paid for it.

"It will be very difficult now. We have to score three goals, but there are still 90 minutes to play. Now we have a very important game against Blackburn and after that we will start to look at this game and see what we can do."

Reds' Reina Refuses To Give Up Hope

Jose Reina has not given up on Liverpool's chances of reaching the Champions League semi-finals despite their 3-1 first-leg loss to Chelsea.

The Reds endured a heavy defeat at Anfield against their Premier League rivals in the first meeting of their last-eight tie on Wednesday night.

Having netted three away goals, Chelsea are now in a commanding position, but Liverpool goalkeeper Reina remains optimistic of a dramatic fightback at Stamford Bridge next week.

The Spaniard told Sky Sports: "The game is going to be much tougher now. We have to go to Stamford Bridge and beat them 3-1 or 3-0.

"But, as I said before, we are capable of winning at any stadium. We know we have to put ourselves back on track and try not to make the same mistakes."

Full-back Fabio Aurelio said: "We cannot let it [the loss] affect us. We have been playing really well and the team has been really confident.

"For sure, the result has been a disappointment. But we know that we still have a chance."

Midfielder Lucas Leiva added: "We know that it is going to be really difficult, but not impossible. We now have to think about the Premier League, and then the second leg."

Liverpool FC Boss Staying Positive Over Euro Mission

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists his side still have a chance of Champions League success despite last night’s defeat to Chelsea.

The Reds go to Stamford Bridge next week trailing 3-1 after a first leg disaster at Anfield.

Fernando Torres put the hosts ahead, but Branislav Ivanovic netted twice before Didier Drogba put the Londoners in the box seat.

But afterwards Benitez said: “Clearly it will be very difficult, but in football anything can happen. We have to play well and score three goals against a very good team.”

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink said: “Liverpool have shown in the past they can do unthinkable things, and we have to avoid that.”

Liverpool FC Have It All To Do Against Chelsea

Rafael Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson haven’t agreed on much this season. But if the Spaniard is to be believed, then neither would have been overly enamoured by what transpired at Anfield last night.

Liverpool’s late charge for the championship will now take on extra meaning after Benitez’s side slipped to the precipice of Champions League elimination.

Responding to Ferguson’s latest barbs, the Spaniard had declared before the game that the Manchester United manager would be supporting their bitter North West rivals as extra games could threaten their title momentum.

That’s unlikely to be a problem for Liverpool after next Tuesday’s second leg at Stamford Bridge following this demoralising loss.

It was their first defeat in 33 home games and only the second time they had lost a first leg in European competition when played at Anfield.

John Terry may be missing next week, but his absence through suspension is unlikely to make much difference.

After all, Liverpool now have to score three goals at Stamford Bridge to keep alive their European dream – something they haven’t managed for almost 20 years.

The 23rd meeting between the sides since Benitez assumed charge in June 2004, this was by far the most painful for Liverpool.

But as impressive as Chelsea played, Liverpool made it easy for the Londoners by falling massively short of the standards they have been setting in recent weeks.

The defence, so solid of late, was unsure throughout, the midfield badly missed the banned Javier Mascherano while going forward only Fernando Torres came close to his best.

It had all started so well when Torres netted with just six minutes gone. But in truth Liverpool were second best from that moment onwards.

No doubt the zonal marking will again be called into question after Branislav Ivanovic twice stealed in to head beyond Pepe Reina from corner kicks.

Didier Drogba could have had a hat-trick before eventually netting with still a quarter of the game to go. Indeed, Chelsea could easily have won by more as the home side realised the tie – let alone the game – was probably already up.

The portents had been mixed for Liverpool. Chelsea had not won in their last seven away games in Europe, while Benitez’s side were unbeaten in five at home to the Londoners.

However, Liverpool had won only four of 16 previous games against English opposition in Europe.

Since Guus Hiddink replaced the sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari shortly after Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat of Chelsea at Anfield in February, the Londoners have rediscovered their verve with the Dutch coach having lost just one of his 10 games in charge.

This was the fifth successive season the teams had been paired together in Europe, the previous eight matches yielding just 10 goals and often left the neutral cold.

But with Liverpool in freescoring form and Hiddink insisting his side would attack, both sides poured forward at every opportunity. It made for an absorbing encounter.

Mascherano’s one-match suspension gave a start to Lucas Leiva, while Albert Riera returned from his own European ban to augment an otherwise full-strength Liverpool line-up.

Lucas will probably be vilified by the faceless critics on internet messageboards, but it would be unfair to single out the Brazilian. Many of his more experienced colleagues were similarly under par.

How long ago the opening moments seem now. Liverpool exploded out of the blocks at home to Real Madrid and Aston Villa in recent weeks, so Chelsea knew what to expect from the first whistle at fizzling Anfield.

But Benitez’s side took only six minutes to forge ahead. After expertly controlling Alex’s airborne clearance, Dirk Kuyt produced an even better reverse pass to set Alvaro Arbeloa free down the right.

The Spaniard then picked out unmarked compatriot Torres for a clinical finish beyond Petr Cech.

Liverpool, though, were indebted to Reina barely 60 seconds later when Salomon Kalou caught Lucas in possession and sent Drogba clean through only for the Ivorian to shoot straight in the midriff of the well-positioned home goalkeeper.

Curiously, the visitors reacted better to the early goal, Florent Malouda firing across the face before Drogba missing a glorious chance when fed by Michael Ballack, smashing miles over from eight yards when a simple finish would have surely sufficed.

In between, there was an indication of how little time there was on the ball during a rip-roaring first half when Torres robbed a dawdling Frank Lampard but curled his effort narrowly over.

But Chelsea grabbed a deserved equaliser six minutes before the interval when Ivanovic timed his run to lose his markers and head home Malouda’s corner from the right.

Kuyt should have restored Liverpool’s advantage immediately when his low shot was blocked by Cech’s legs, but the away goal muted the atmosphere among previous vibrant home support.

Drogba missed another sitter seven minutes into the second half, although Carragher produced heroics to clear the Chelsea man’s effort off the line after Fabio Aurelio’s slack pass had caused problems in the Liverpool defence.

And the home side showed they had learned nothing from the first half when Ivanovic headed Chelsea in front of 62 minutes, again unmarked to meet Lampard’s delivery.

Five minutes later it was 3-1, Drogba finally getting his goal by turning in Malouda’s cross from the right.

“I think it’s only a coincidence, we will change this,” said Benitez when told the team drawn at home in the first leg of the three previous Champions League encounters against Chelsea had been eliminated.

Liverpool now have no other choice if they are to stay on the road to Rome.