Liverpool vs. Blackburn: Using Tonight's Game to Prepare for Wembley

Liverpool do not have a lot left to play for in the league this season except pride. The thing, though, is that the pride of the Reds has been bruised and battered so brutally that any more points dropped will add to the anguish.

This was evident at the weekend against Aston Villa at Anfield, where Liverpool have been fragile this season. The players tried their heart out, but a familiar story unfolded.

On to tonight's game, then. Liverpool play relegation candidates Blackburn at Ewood Park. There should be no shortage of incentive to perform in this game. Firstly, players will want to show that they deserve to start at Wembley. Secondly, one win out of the last eight can only improve and the players will want to get away from such a forgettable run. Thirdly, a win tonight can give encouragement for the semifinal against Everton. However, a draw or a loss would leave the morale very brittle against the in-form Toffees side.

In my opinion, Kenny Dalglish should go in with the exact side that he intends to use at Wembley. Constant chopping and changing of personnel has not done Liverpool Football Club any favors this season. Dalglish, having been in management for so long, should be the first one to know this.

It is ironic how having many new players needing time to jell is touted as a reason for under-achieving yet massive rotation is pursued with.

There is no scope for resting players. No, not tonight. If players that Dalglish intends to play at Wembley are rested against Blackburn, it might spell trouble. What last memory of a game will they have—the frustrating draw against Aston Villa. If this happens, for all you know, the game at the weekend might go down as the same result for the Reds.

And what happened the last time Everton forced Liverpool into extra time? Dan Gosling scored the winner for them to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup. Liverpool fans will hope it is not a case of deja vu.

Talking about the starting lineup, I will certainly not be making forecasts. Kenny Dalglish is the manager and, with all due respect, he is in the hot seat making the crucial decisions. Whatever lineup he does decide on, he should go into the game with a sense of conviction. Most good managers are adorned with the trait of "stubbornness" at some or the other point in their careers. Kenny Dalglish this season has been stubborn for all the wrong reasons, playing undeserving personnel.

What he needs to know is his best 11 and persist with a formation that he deems right. A formation and a team superimposed on that do not start bearing fruit overnight. Dalglish has to realize this and start to look for consistency in his own self. It is probably then that he will find it in his trusted players.

I will not forecast the lineup and formation, but the scoreline is something I just have to take a pop at. Some team will get a mauling soon. Whether it is this season or next remains to be seen. The odds on next season with a good striker are better.

Thus, I will go with a hard-fought 3-2 win for the Reds as the defense has not been particularly good of late. Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Martin Skrtel for Liverpool to score. A brace for the Yak at the other end.

Thanks for reading.