After what seems an eternity since these two sides last played – it’s Blackburn Rovers versus Liverpool in the replay of the F.A quarter final. The game at Ewood Park will be a replay of an initial 0-0 stalemate. The first game was a dull affair where Rovers came to frustrate the Reds – and they certainly did. Liverpool had the majority of the game but were left helpless in their attempt to unlock a stern Rovers backline. The game was reminiscent of the tie earlier in the competition when Liverpool hosted Bolton Wanderers and the game finished with no goals. The tie was decided with Liverpool clinching the replay 2-1; let’s hope a similar outcome is on the cards tonight.
(liverpoolfc.com)
Liverpool have come out of the last two games with no points. Two games where points really had to be taken in order for their top four hopes to stay alive. However, it looks like both sides (Manchester United and Arsenal) have found a way to combat the 3-4-2-1 formation the Reds have been displaying in recent times. Pressing. Pressing is the key to this. Arsenal did it particularly well on Saturday. Their aggressive and intelligent pressing was the difference between us and them, essentially. The mistakes that some individuals made on Saturday (and there were a few) were largely down to the aggressive pressing in Arsenal’s play.
They had a plan prior to the game which suggested that they would target Kolo Toure and Alberto Moreno, on and off the ball. Moreno’s defending has never been his strongest attribute, but Arsenal used his weaknesses to Liverpool’s disadvantage and their benefit throughout the game. Toure looked extremely rusty and very nervous, which is peculiar when it comes down to experience; something he has in abundance.
I’m going for a back four here (4-4-2 diamond). I miss our goalscoring threat we used to pose. However cliché it is; goals win you games. Stick someone up top with Sturridge; preferably Balotelli – in reality, Sterling. I don’t mind, though – as long as there’s a diamond on show.
Joe Allen would be the man dropped out of midfield, for me. Have Lucas as the anchor (defensive mid), Coutinho and Henderson either side of Lucas – with Sterling in front behind Mario and Sturridge. Sterling’s best role; makes sense, doesn’t it?
In defence, I’d go with Dejan Lovren (however stupid of a shout that will turn out to be) with Mamadou Sakho. Javi Manquillo right-back (although it will probably turn out to be Glen Johnson) because of Can’s suspension. Alberto Moreno at left-back and hope he has a good game so we can see the man we saw at the start of the season who we were all very excited about.
I think it will be a difficult tie with few goals in it. Nothing would please me more than a 3-0 (but that’s not going to happen). 2-1 to the mighty Reds. It will be tight and I predict an extremely dominant Rovers finish and me to have no nails left. This is ours, lads – don’t mess this up.
(fanscorners.com/Liverpool/squad-selector)
Bobby Vincent
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