Boxing Day Against Blackburn

A worried Steve Kean could do with three points on Boxing Day...
Liverpool welcome Blackburn Rovers to Anfield on Boxing Day for a festive feast of footy. Blackburn have been very poor of late and with unbearable pressure on manager Steve Kean it could work in Liverpool's favour. Blackburn have sometimes shown signs of taking teams to the cleaners but they've lost their nerve at vital moments.

Liverpool have Jay Spearing back for selection after he served his final ban against Wigan. Steven Gerrard is back in training but it is assumed he will not be back for the Boxing Day clash.

Blackburn have several injuries and to add to this goalkeeper Paul Robinson has torn a calf muscle. Such is his hunger for the cause though, Robinson is believed to be starting still and playing on through the pain. Blackburn are also without Nelsen, Dann, Olsson and Givet.

Liverpool are currently in 6th place, 2 points behind Arsenal whilst Blackburn are left propping up the table.

The last time the two sides met was in January. Blackburn beat us 3-1 in what was one of our worst games under Roy Hodgson. Captain Steven Gerrard on that day missed a penalty for us and it was left to Torres to grab a consolation goal.

Blackburn haven't managed to beat Liverpool at Anfield since 2000 and in all honesty it doesn't look like that is going to change on Boxing Day.

Stat Sandwich

  • Liverpool have lost only one game in their last 12 in the Premier League.
  • Blackburn have not won away from home this season.
  • Liverpool have failed to score in 5 league matches this season.

Liverpool have a very good away record this season and despite a poor performance against Wigan the Reds still kept a clean sheet and didn't lose. At home however, some of the smaller clubs have posed problems for Dalglish's boys and with Blackburn sitting at the bottom of the table, this could be a bad omen for Liverpool on Boxing Day.

I'm not so sure whether we'll see Craig Bellamy starting on Boxing Day but if I'm honest i would like him to start. Unfortunately for me the wingers have not been up to scratch of late and Bellamy in that position is a far better option for me at the moment.

I'd also be quite happy to see Shelvey alongside Adam in midfield again but i have a feeling Dalglish will start Jay Spearing now he has served his ban.

Whatever side is fielded by Dalglish here's hoping to a Boxing Day treat!