English Premier League: Liverpool vs. Blackburn, A Must Win Game for Hodgson
Liverpool will be looking to dismiss a series of below the par performances as they take on Blackburn Rovers at Anfield today. Roy Hodgson’s side will no longer be able to use internal unrest as an excuse for poor performances on the pitch and will try and
banish the memory of the 0-0 draw against Napoli in midweek in the Europa League.
Liverpool will be strengthened with the return of star striker Fernando Torres and Captain Steven Gerrard, after the pair were rested for the Europa League fixture. Their absence was felt against Napoli and Hodgson will be pleased to have a full squad once
again. Hodgson is well aware that a good result is essential for him to maintain his job therefore a spirited performance by the Reds can be expected.
However, Hodgson is without some important players who have been sidelined because of injury. Dirk Kuyt is missing for at least two more weeks, the Dutch international knocked up his ankle and is out for a while. Christian Poulsen is out for a possible broken
leg and is waiting to undergo tests to confirm the injury. Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson are also out for an indefinite period.
Match Facts:
Hodgson’s side have only scored one goal in the first half and none in the last 20 minutes in the Premier League this season.
Blackburn have a poor record at Anfield, only winning one of their last 16 games at the Reds home.
Blackburn are the second team in the English Premier League which has not had an Englishman score as yet. The other team is Wigan.
Liverpool have only won one of their last 10 League games and have conceded some 9 goals in their last four fixtures.
Last season Liverpool stumbled to a goal less draw and in the second leg barely beat Blackburn 2-1.
Possible Starting XI
Liverpool: (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Reina; Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Carragher; Meireles, Poulsen; Jovanovic, Gerrard, Cole; Torres.
Substitutes: Jones, Rodríguez, Johnson, Agger, Lucas, Ngog, Aurélio, Kelly, Pacheco, Babel, Wilson, Spearing, Shelvey.
Blackburn: (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Robinson; Salgado, Jones, Nelsen, Givet; Nzonzi, Dunn, Emerton, Pedersen, E Diouf; M Diouf.
Substitutes: Benjani, M B Diouf, Chimbonda, Dunn, Doran, Hoilett, Brown, Bunn, Morris, Linganzi.
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