The view from Blackpool....
Jack Gaughan from Blackpool.vitalfootball.co.uk provides the view from Bloomfield Road ahead of tonight's clash.
You stunned Anfield back in October - how's your season gone since?
It's gone incredibly well - there really is nothing to complain about and the run we've been on has been unreal. Ollie has stuck with the superb brand of football (which, for me, is one of the best to watch in the whole division) and we've hit teams head on. It's been breathtaking. Our attacking 4-5-1 formation baffled teams last year but he's coached the players to become more astute with their running off the ball and retaining of possession this term. The way our team plays we are always going to be short at the back (especially when playing at home) but the method is that we'll go and score more than the opposition. So in essence you have to ride your luck if the attacking ethos is to be upheld, and likewise for Liverpool - our best chance of coming out on top is by attacking.
Your thoughts on meeting us this time around?
Without wanting to sound arrogant, we weren't scared of Liverpool in October and certainly won't be now. Call us naive, but it's working thus far! However, when you give the likes of Kuyt and Torres the opportunity to find pockets of space, you will get punished.
Who else do you rate on our side?
Obviously there's quality all over the park. Looking specifically at our game, I think the players with pace are going to be the ones who influence the game the most. Whilst the likes of Joe Cole and Meireles are brilliant on the ball, players like Glen Johnson from right back and Ryan Babel are the ones who could really hurt us on the break.
What about you? Who's shining so far this season?
Luke Varney and David Vaughan have been my stand-outs so far. Varney gives an out ball when we're under pressure, especially away from home, and has the quality to not only chip in with goals but to build attacks and keep possession when needed. As for Vaughan, the midfielder is an absolute star - a tenacious tackler, he reads the game with ease and has an eye for defence-splitting passes. You can't not mention the impact Elliot Grandin and DJ Campbell have too. Both have excellent movement off the ball and can drag defenders everywhere.
Any weaknesses we can exploit?
The full-backs are vulnerable when up against tricky wingers, because they have no back-up in front of them. We're fairly weak at set pieces too.
What can we expect from the home fans?
Travelling fans always compliment the home crowd and in fairness it's always loud, no matter who the team is playing. But with it being Liverpool, I'd expect the atmosphere to be even better than normal. Because our football has been so good in the past year, there is an element of expecting a performance but that comes with watching a successful team like Liverpool.
Any advice for travelling Reds fans?
Get down early, have a good walk down the prom with some fish and chips and then head to the Old Bridge Inn on Lytham Road (two minutes' walk from the ground) - it's always good for a pint.
Score prediction?
I'm normally terribly at predictions. I'll go with 1-1!
Jack Gaughan from Blackpool.vitalfootball.co.uk provides the view from Bloomfield Road ahead of tonight's clash.
You stunned Anfield back in October - how's your season gone since?
It's gone incredibly well - there really is nothing to complain about and the run we've been on has been unreal. Ollie has stuck with the superb brand of football (which, for me, is one of the best to watch in the whole division) and we've hit teams head on. It's been breathtaking. Our attacking 4-5-1 formation baffled teams last year but he's coached the players to become more astute with their running off the ball and retaining of possession this term. The way our team plays we are always going to be short at the back (especially when playing at home) but the method is that we'll go and score more than the opposition. So in essence you have to ride your luck if the attacking ethos is to be upheld, and likewise for Liverpool - our best chance of coming out on top is by attacking.
Your thoughts on meeting us this time around?
Without wanting to sound arrogant, we weren't scared of Liverpool in October and certainly won't be now. Call us naive, but it's working thus far! However, when you give the likes of Kuyt and Torres the opportunity to find pockets of space, you will get punished.
Who else do you rate on our side?
Obviously there's quality all over the park. Looking specifically at our game, I think the players with pace are going to be the ones who influence the game the most. Whilst the likes of Joe Cole and Meireles are brilliant on the ball, players like Glen Johnson from right back and Ryan Babel are the ones who could really hurt us on the break.
What about you? Who's shining so far this season?
Luke Varney and David Vaughan have been my stand-outs so far. Varney gives an out ball when we're under pressure, especially away from home, and has the quality to not only chip in with goals but to build attacks and keep possession when needed. As for Vaughan, the midfielder is an absolute star - a tenacious tackler, he reads the game with ease and has an eye for defence-splitting passes. You can't not mention the impact Elliot Grandin and DJ Campbell have too. Both have excellent movement off the ball and can drag defenders everywhere.
Any weaknesses we can exploit?
The full-backs are vulnerable when up against tricky wingers, because they have no back-up in front of them. We're fairly weak at set pieces too.
What can we expect from the home fans?
Travelling fans always compliment the home crowd and in fairness it's always loud, no matter who the team is playing. But with it being Liverpool, I'd expect the atmosphere to be even better than normal. Because our football has been so good in the past year, there is an element of expecting a performance but that comes with watching a successful team like Liverpool.
Any advice for travelling Reds fans?
Get down early, have a good walk down the prom with some fish and chips and then head to the Old Bridge Inn on Lytham Road (two minutes' walk from the ground) - it's always good for a pint.
Score prediction?
I'm normally terribly at predictions. I'll go with 1-1!
and Tom Hicks is a
Liverpool FC - League Champions 2011/2012
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