Liverpool-Blackburn: Preview

Liverpool vs. Blackburn

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Anfield

Kickoff: 12:45

Liverpool

Liverpool beat Fulham 1-0 away in their last league match, the Reds' fourth straight Premier League victory.

In their last five matches, Liverpool have won four and lost one, earning 12 points from the 15 on offer.

They current sit second in the league, one point behind leaders Manchester United (who still have a game in hand), and three points clear of third-place Chelsea.

Liverpool have no new injury concerns, with Philipp Degen (groin) still likely to be absent.

Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at home in their last league match, the Rovers' first league win in three matches.

In their last five games, Blackburn have won two, drawn two and lost one, picking up seven points from the 15 on offer. They currently sit 14th in the league, one point behind 13th-place Stoke and equal on points with 15th-place Hull.

Blackburn will still be without Jason Roberts, whilst Vince Grella, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Roque Santa Cruz are still doubtful.

Prediction

Liverpool defeated Blackburn 3-1 earlier this season at Ewood Park, with last season's Liverpool vs. Blackburn fixture also ending with the same scoreline.

With both teams having everything to play for at opposite sides of the table, a result would be absolutely crucial for either side.

Liverpool will have been dealt a massive confidence blow after their shock loss to Chelsea at home in Tuesday night's Champions League quarter-final first leg. The effect that this will have on their Premier League campaign, if any, remains to be seen.

Prior to this, the Reds were in absolutely brilliant form, with their last defeat coming in February and no sign of another defeat coming at any time soon.

Blackburn are currently fighting against the threat of relegation, and some key results since March have taken the Rovers out of the relegation zone and into 14th place, although they are still only five points clear of the zone.

Shock result aside, there is nothing to suggest that Liverpool won't rise to the occasion in this match.

With only their first loss at Anfield all season in any competition coming on Tuesday, the Reds are unlikely to make it two in a row and will go into this match as overwhelming favourites for the win.

For the complete preview with the best bookmakers odds, go to the Liverpool vs Blackburn odds and preview page now!

Then Read More Weekend Premier League Football Previews:

Chelsea vs Bolton
Sunderland vs Man Utd
Wigan vs Arsenal
Aston Villa vs Everton