This past Wednesday,
Blackburn Rovers fought a tough battle against Chelsea F.C. in the Carling Cup quarterfinals. After the match ended 3-3 and went to penalties, the Rovers managed to upset the league leaders and surprised the majority who felt they had little chance in this tie. Blackburn are currently 13th in the Premier League and will have felt a major boost in confidence after unseating
Chelsea. However,
Sam Allardyce comes into this match with some selection troubles. Starting midfielders
Keith Andrews and
David Dunn are both injured, and the manager will need to be creative to find suitable replacements. Allardyce will adopt a defensive formation and hope to stave off the attack of Liverpool. However, when Blackburn has faced top sides this season (Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea), they have usually lost by at least a 2 goal deficit and often more.
After their worst start to a Premier League season in decades,
Liverpool F.C. bounced back last weekend in Sunday's
Merseyside Derby. This match came immediately after their elimination from the Champion's League and is a good indication of
Rafa Benitez's determination to finish in the Top Four again this season. Ryan Babel is out with an injury, but the Reds receive an incredible boost with the return of striker
Fernando Torres. Before he picked up a groin injury, the Spaniard netted 10 goals in all 10 Premier League fixtures. Liverpool are only 2 points from breaking into the Top Four and will be sure to win this match against easier competition.
Blackburn lost two key midfielders in their Carling Cup upset of Chelsea. Although this win will definitely boost the team's confidence, it was played against Chelsea's 2nd string and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Fernando Torres returns for this matchup and will be ready to help
Liverpool break the Top Four. Their is enough quality and motivation for the Reds to get all 3 points in
Blackburn.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Liverpool F.C.
Saturday December 5, 2009
Kickoff: 16:00 CET
Tip: Liverpool (1X2)
Best Odds: 1.80 @ 888Sport
