Blackburn build up

[Exiled_red]

We've lacked a focal point to our attack in our last two games; luckily Villa were awful from set-pieces, but without those two early goals, I have a feeling we'd have been cursing the woodwork and up in arms about failing to score *again* - we all know what happened at Wigan.

We seem to have reached an unfounded opinion that Carroll can only play if Downing is whipping in crosses, I think we can see a different side of Carroll's game without Carragher in the team looking for him from the back and Downing trying to float one in from the right with his weaker foot.

We'll have the width from both Johnson and Enrique - both capable of hitting him from the flanks (and to a lesser extent - but more than capable - Henderson and Adam), but equally we'll have a presence constantly in the centre of the pitch. Against Wigan, Suarez drifted towards the ball and more often than not ended up on the left side with nobody in the middle. Kenny tried to address this by getting Bellamy to hug that left side, but Suarez continued to float.

I think the formation above allows Suarez to go get the ball, but it also keeps some one up top. I also think Carroll will occupy Samba - if in the right frame of mind - and we can have two players coming off him and taking the game to Blackburn.

In my opinion of course.

[BootRoom]

Doesn't the 14 day appeal period start once LFC have the written report from the FA Commission?? Bearing in mind that there are rumours that the report won't be received until the middle of January, if Liverpool put an appeal in at the end of the 14 day period Luis may be available well into February.

We can't launch an appeal until we've received the evidence upon which the initial verdict was based.

[ChesterDave]

14 days to launch the appeal - then they will get an appeal date.

Play it smart and could have him into March even if the verdict goes against him.

Hat-trick at old toilet in his last game before serving a reduced ban?

[BootRoom]

Reina

Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique

Bellamy


Maxi


Suarez


I can only come up with 8 definite starters; I'm undecided on how to perm 3 from Adam/Henderson/Downing/Carroll/Kuyt/Spearing.

Probably slot Adam/Henderson/Downing in and go from there. I'd want more dedicated strikers on the pitch but Carroll isn't justifying it, and the defensive side of midfield is a worry.

Edit: Forgot to include Shevley in the midfield mix.

[~LFCHistory~]

Reina

Johnson
Skrtel
Agger
Enrique

Bellamy


Maxi


Suarez


I can only come up with 8 definite starters; I'm undecided on how to perm 3 from Adam/Henderson/Downing/Carroll/Kuyt/Spearing.

Probably slot Adam/Henderson/Downing in and go from there. I'd want more dedicated strikers on the pitch but Carroll isn't justifying it, and the defensive side of midfield is a worry.

I'd expect Adam and Henderson to start, I'd start Spearing which leaves AC, Downing and Kuyt on the bench.

[Muddled]

I'd want more dedicated strikers on the pitch but Carroll isn't justifying it

To be fair, he's played 20 minutes of the last three games and started none of them.

[BootRoom]

To be fair, he's playing 20 minutes of the last three games and started none of them.

He's supposed to be a monster in the air, yet there has been no sign of it either when making a start or coming on as sub. The rest of his game is subpar, so if Samba bosses the air - highly likely - I don't see a role, on recent form, for Carroll.

[Muddled]

I'm going on the proviso that he takes the opportunity of a rare start by the scruff of the neck and takes the game to Samba. It can be argued we haven't played to Carroll's strengths when he has come on and he's dropped deep with his back to goal and off the pace of the game, thus his touch has looked heavy with little time to make an impact.

It's very much guess work, as obviously only Kenny gets to see him in training, so I'm basing it on no substance, but I think occupying Samba with Carroll could free up space for Suarez and Bellamy to exploit.

[Mostar]

Fair enough mate, I would worry about Carroll against Samba, who is imo stronger in the air than him.

Imo, our problem in against Wigan was that our midfield offered so little in terms of support,

I would definitely play Carroll against his former club but against Blackburn I'll have him on the bench.

Personally would like to see again Suarez, Maxi and Bellamy trio but this time from the start as their pace and trickery will be very difficult to Blackburn back 4 to cope with.

[Mostar]

Liverpool under 8 visited Melwood today and had the chance to meet their heroes

[topscorer]

Can someone start the predictions thread please.

You don't seriously expect me to come on here on Christmas Day to post my prediction

Merry Christmas everyone

[Muddled]

Have you not been given thread starting privileges yet?! 2012 could be that year.

Merry Christmas to you too.

[brightred]

One more post till 600! Should I wait and do it on Chtistmas day!

[Rabiosa]

Heard Luuk de Jong will be in the directors box for this game, anyone know if its true?

[Craig_H]

The view from Blackburn...

Blackburn Rovers fan Tony Sharples from www.roversfans.co.uk provides the view from Ewood Park ahead of the Boxing Day clash at Anfield.

How are Blackburn fans feeling about a trip to Anfield?

About as low as can be. Our previous four matches were seen as our best chance of putting points on the board before difficult away trips to Anfield and Old Trafford. Having only managed three points from a possible 12 and coming into this match on a run of three straight defeats, no Rovers fan is expecting to come away from Anfield with much.

Best thing about being a Blackburn fan?

The best thing was the fact that the club felt like it belonged to the fans. We have a very proud history but we are a small town, with limited finances as a football club. We go because we love the club. The press, television, and most other clubs don't seem to like us but we don't care, and we continue to support a club continually beating the odds year on year. There's a great solidarity amongst Rovers fan.

Do the Rovers fans still hold Kenny Dalglish in high regard after he led you to the title in 1995?

Absolutely, yes. Our glory years under King Kenny are days as a football fan I know I'll never experience again. They couldn't seem further from how things are for us right now! King Kenny will always be a legend to Blackburn Rovers fans.

Who makes you tick?

Usually you think of a midfielder making us tick but currently our midfield is none existent. Chris Samba at the heart of our defence is at the fore front of everything for us. A literal giant in defence, and a menace in the opposition area. Expect us to play to his height throughout the match.

Players you'll be worried about on our side?

Luis Suarez, a wonderful player full stop. Downing also likes to score against us if I remember correctly.

What player would you most love from LFC in the Blackburn team?

Obviously any club would like Suarez, but given our midfield and defensive issues a Charlie Adam to pull the strings in the middle and a Daniel Agger at the back would do nicely thanks.

Weak links?

We have no defence! Jason Lowe's a great talent but he's a midfielder not a right back. I expect Pedersen to play out of position at left back again too. With just Samba alongside the inexperienced Grant Hanley in the middle, I expect they'll all have their work cut out!

Best way to beat Blackburn?

Don't worry about that, we'll give you all day on the ball to pick your passes. We have seemingly decided this season to put the opposition under zero pressure when they have the ball. This, coupled with our depleted defence, should mean if you put us under any sort of pressure it's only a matter of time before you're reaping the rewards.

Prediction?

I've had to become a deluded optimist these days in the hope I'll be proved wrong in my weekly predictions. However, I'll be amazed if it's anything other than a defeat for Rovers by at least two goals.