Liverpool vs. Blackburn - FA Cup preview

Article by Ella Cahoon

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The FA cup returns this weekend and Brendan Rodgers’ men face a Blackburn side looking to repeat the shock result of 15 years ago, when Rovers beat Liverpool courtesy of a Nathan Blake goal.

After being knocked out of the Europa League by Besiktas, Liverpool’s playing schedule has cleared somewhat, allowing Rodgers to play his strongest starting XI in a competition that provides Liverpool’s only chance at silverware this season.

Speaking at a press conference earlier in the week Rodgers emphasised his want for a trophy at Liverpool saying: “The first year here was all about integration. The second year objective was to get in to the Champions League. This season I felt we had the depth to challenge for trophies.”

There are 24 league places separating these two sides and although Liverpool are on a fine run of form in the Premier League, picking up 29 points from their last 11 games, they will need to have their wits about them. Blackburn have already knocked out Stoke and Swansea from the competition and will be hoping to add another top-flight team to their list when the sides meet at Anfield.

Liverpool will be wary of Blackburn’s key man Tom Cairney who dictates the play from midfield for Gary Bowyer’s side. His average of 2.7 key passes per league game is higher than any Liverpool player in the Premier League.

It is unlikely Rodgers will make any changes to his starting XI that beat Burnley midweek, although Captain Steven Gerrard could make a return to the bench following a hamstring injury.

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