Liverpool vs. Blackburn: Team News, Predicted Line-Ups, Live Stream and TV Info
Liverpool host Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup quarter-final at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, looking to continue their impressive form in 2015.
The Reds are, of course, seeking to continue the fairytale narrative of reaching the cup final on what will be Steven Gerrard's 35th birthday and final game for the club.
Brendan Rodgers has made his intentions clear with the competition from the offset, fielding strong sides throughout and that will continue now we enter the business stage, with Wembley just 90 minutes away.
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The Reds have overcome AFC Wimbledon, Bolton and Crystal Palace en-route to the quarter-final.
Gary Bowyer's Rovers have themselves defeated Premier League opposition in the earlier rounds. They've overcome Charlton Athletic, Swansea and Stoke City.
The last time Blackburn were at Anfield was Boxing Day 2011, which was the season they were relegated from the Premier League. A Charlie Adam own goal was cancelled out by Maxi Rodriguez's second-half goal in a 1-1 draw.
Date: Sunday, 7 March
Time: 4 p.m. GMT / 11 a.m. ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
TV Info: BT Sport 1 / FOX Sports 1 and NBC Sports Live Extra
Live Stream: BT Sport 1 / NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. only)
Predicted Formations
Liverpool have an almost full strength squad, with Mamadou Sakho back to add competition in defence—he may replace Dejan Lovren. Steven Gerrard will face a late fitness test but won't start either way.
Blackburn are without on-loan former Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing as he's cup-tied having already appeared against Liverpool in the fourth round.
Form Lines (all competitions)
Liverpool
Won 2-0 vs. Burnley
Won 3-2 vs. Man City
Lost 1-0 vs. Besiktas (Europa League)
Won 2-0 vs. Southampton
Won 1-0 vs. Besiktas (Europa League)
Blackburn
Won 2-1 vs. Sheffield Wednesday
Drew 0-0 vs. Bournemouth
Lost 2-1 vs. Norwich City
Drew 1-1 vs. Blackpool
Drew 1-1 vs. Cardiff City
Player to watch
Liverpool: Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool vice-captain has been in superb form in his last two appearances in the last week at Anfield, against Man City and Burnley; scoring two and assisting one.
Henderson has really enjoyed his role leading the side in the absence of Steven Gerrard and has revelled in a slightly more attacking role with Joe Allen alongside him for defensive cover.
Blackburn: Jordan Rhodes
Scottish forward Jordan Rhodes, who joined Rovers for £7 million from Huddersfield shortly after Blackburn's relegation from the Premier League in 2012. A prolific football league goalscorer, he's often been linked with a move to the Premier League.
It will be interesting to watch how he does up against a Premier League defence. Can he prove he's capable of playing at the top level?
Key Battles
Henry vs. Sturridge
Doneil Henry made his debut for Blackburn in their 2-1 away win at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night, having joined on loan from West Ham United.
The 21-year-old Canadian will be tested up against Daniel Sturridge, who will buoyed by his goal against Burnley for Liverpool on Wednesday night. If Blackburn can defend resolutely they could frustrate the Reds and perhaps force a replay.
Odds (via Odds Shark)
Liverpool win: 1/3
Draw: 5/1
Blackburn win: 12/1
Adam Lallana FGS: 8/1
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Blackburn
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