Match Preview: Liverpool v Blackburn

It’s long long time since I wrote about the Reds. Kinda busy lately, some more too many match to cover due to Boxing Day. Enough of chatting, and now back to business….=)

For this gameweek 18 (Monday, 26^th December 2011), the Reds will host Blackburn Rovers. The game will start after lunch hour at 15:00 local time. Malaysian can watch live at Stadium Astro channel 813 at 22:55

Liverpool had endured a disappointing draw during their last match at DW Stadium. The Reds currently sits 6^th of the table with 30 points from 17 matches. Liverpool’s form stands at DWWLW. It is quite disappointing as the Reds should be able to take maximum points in this month.

Blackburn lost their last match at Ewood Park to fellow relegation battlers, Bolton Wanderers. Their last win was recorded at 3^rd December 2011 when they beat newly promoted Swansea 4 – 2 at Ewood Park. They currently sits bottom at the table with 10 points from 17 matches. Blackburn form stands at LLLWL.

Kenny Daglish will welcome Jay Spearing back after picking up red card during match versus Fulham. Forward Craig Bellamy did not start in the stalemate at DW Stadium because of knee injury will likely to start the game. Andy Carroll will also start the game to provide physicality advantage for Liverpool. Luis Suarez will also start the match despite being handed an eight match ban as he is still have time to appeal the charge. Most probably Kenny Daglish will deploy conventional 4-4-2 formation with Carroll upfront support by Suarez. Downing and Bellamy will add extra width to the attack.

Rovers boss Steve Kean will have Martin Olsson returned at the back. However, they will lose Michel Salgado as the club couldn’t afford to pay his salary if he continues to play. Scott Dann also will not likely to start the match because of ruptured testicle. Steve Kean will probably play 4-5-1 formation and leave Yakubu alone upfront.

Reds possible formation & line up

Possible Line Up

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Downing, Henderson, Adam, Bellamy, Suarez, Carroll

Blackburn: Robinson, Lowe, Samba, Hanley, Olsson, Hoilett, N’zonzi, Dunn, Formica, Pederson, Yakubu

Mr I Prediction

Liverpool 1 – 0 Blackburn; Bellamy on the score sheet.

It is tight game with a lot of competition in midfield area. Liverpool probably creates more chances than Blackburn, however as previous match their finishing is letting them down.