[lfc-news] Liverpool v Blackburn

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Liverpool v Blackburn
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4322112.stm
Anfield
Saturday, 15 October
Kick-off: 1500 BST
BBC Radio Five Live

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Liverpool team news to follow later.

Blackburn could recall Robbie Savage after suspension in place of Republic
of Ireland midfielder Steven Reid.

Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi, who hit both goals in the 2-0 win against the
Baggies last time out, could come in for Craig Bellamy (knee).

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Blackburn (from): Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Gray, Bentley,
Emerton, Tugay, Mokoena, Pedersen, Dickov, Reid, Savage, Kuqi, Jansen,
Gresko, Todd, Enckelman.

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Blackburn boss Mark Hughes:
"Nobody expect as to get anything form Old trafford but we went there with
the right attitude and need to do the same at Anfield.
"It's another sporting arena that asks questions of you and a place where
you have to stand up and be counted.

"This year we are in better shape so we can go there with a bit more
confidence and more of a cutting edge."

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BIG-MATCH FACTS

LIVERPOOL take to the field for the first time since losing their unbeaten
Premiership record in the humbling 1-4 loss to champions Chelsea - their
heaviest home defeat in 36 years. The Reds have failed to win five of their
six League matches this season, and in Blackburn face a side in form having
dismissed Manchester United away and West Brom at home in their last two
engagements.

The Reds, who visit Anderlecht in the Champions League next Wednesday, have
already played 15 League and Cup matches this term. They have become the
Premiership's draw specialists with four of their six top table clashes
ending all square. Defeat would mean their worst ever start to a
Premiership season, and could see the European champions below Sunderland
in the table should the Wearsiders pull off a shock victory at Manchester
United.

The Merseysiders are undefeated in nine in all competitions against
Blackburn, and in 13 Premiership meetings. Last season's no score draw in
this fixture was the third time these clubs had finished goalless in
Premiership contests at Anfield. A frustrated Reds outfit were unable to
break down a defiant Rovers side in March to record a second Premiership
draw against them last season. They shared four goals at Anfield last
October, when Liverpool's Djibril Cisse was sadly stretchered off with a
broken leg.

BLACKBURN ROVERS are four points better off than Liverpool, even though
they've failed to score in four of the last six Premiership matches. They
go to Anfield in search of a fourth successive victory, having preceded the
two League wins with a Carling Cup triumph over Huddersfield. Mark Hughes
will hope the international break has not been detrimental to his side.
Rovers fans will want to see some swallow dives from the Flying Finn Shefki
Kuqi at Ewood Park, after he celebrated his two late goals at the Hawthorns
last time out in that unique manner.

Rovers have not registered more than two victories on the spin in the top
League, since claiming 12 points out of 12 in the season before last when
Fulham (a), Leicester (h), Everton (a) and Manchester United (h) all fell
foul to them between 12 April and 1 May 2004.

Rovers last beat Liverpool in the Premiership on 2 November 1996 - a 3-0
victory at Ewood Park. Their last League maximum at Anfield was 12 years
ago, a 0-1 triumph on 12 September 1993.

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Referee:

Mark Halsey (Lancashire)

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SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

LIVERPOOL

Club stats
Fixtures
13th 7 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 12th
Lowest could fall: 15th

Failed to score in three of their six top division encounters, and kept
clean sheets in four of them.
Picked up more points than any other club in the top division when failing
to score (three).
On the longest current sequence in the Premiership of 18 matches since
winning by more than a single goal (3-1, home to Fulham on 5 February).
One of the Premiership clubs to avoid as far as goals return is concerned.
Their six games have produced just 10 goals (four for, six against).
Everton's matches have also produced 10 goals (one for, nine against), but
from seven starts.

Lost only two of 17 matches in all competitions at Anfield.
Recorded a win, a draw and a defeat in home Premiership matches so far this
season.
BLACKBURN ROVERS

Club stats
Fixtures
11th 11 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 4th
Lowest could fall: 12th

Failed to score four times in the Premiership this season. Only Everton
(six) and Newcastle (five) have recorded more blanks.
Gone 11 top flight matches since a score draw (1-1 at West Brom on 26 April).

Only notched more than a single score in two of the last 22 top flight
engagements on the road.
The 1-2 victory at Manchester United on 24 September was only their second
win in 11 on their travels, and in 11 away Premiership games.

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KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

LIVERPOOL

Squad profiles

If selected in the 11, Sanz LUIS GARCIA will be making his 50th start for
Liverpool.
BLACKBURN ROVERS

Squad profiles

If they participate, Brad FRIEDEL, Dominic MATTEO and David THOMPSON will
be facing their former club - the latter pair began their professional
careers at Anfield.

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LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME:
Liverpool 0-0 Blackburn Rovers
16 March 2005 - Ref: Barry Knight

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HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
League: Liverpool 46 wins, Blackburn 33, Draws 35
Prem: Liverpool 9 wins, Blackburn 5, Draws 8

HEAD TO HEAD at Liverpool
League: Liverpool 33 wins, Blackburn 9, Draws 15
Prem: Liverpool 6 wins, Blackburn 1, Draws 4

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