Liverpool v Blackburn: Ronny Goodlass talks tactics

Apr 12 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL will have to ensure they do not come down to earth with a bump against tricky opponents in Blackburn tomorrow.

After the euphoria of their win over Arsenal, Rafael Benitez’s team will have to refocus their efforts on ensuring they make no slip-ups in the race for fourth place, particularly if Everton have kept the pressure on at Birmingham this afternoon. Benitez has been picking his best players without rotating quite so much – and that has paid dividends in a run of excellent results.

Defence

BRAD FRIEDEL signed from Liverpool on a free transfer – and it must be one of the best bits of business ever done by Blackburn.

He has not missed a Premier League game for four years, he is a calming influence at the back, a good shot-stopper and his handling is also top drawer. Andre Ooijer has proved himself a versatile defender at right-back or in the middle. Strong in the air, he is vulnerable to pace on the ground.

Christopher Samba is a key part of the Blackburn defence, showing power and strength, particularly in the air. He forms a good partnership with New Zealand international Ryan Nelsen who will be the one barking out the orders. An aggressive and committed competitor.

Stephen Warnock will be looking forward to playing against his former club. He likes to tackle, but also likes to get forward and make runs down the left in support of Morten Gamst Pedersen. It’s a surprise he has not been touted for England given their problems in that area and his consistency. Perhaps not playing at a big club is counting against him.

Midfield

DAVID BENTLEY has always had bags of ability, but is now showing it on a more regular basis.

He can take on and beat defenders and can cross with either foot. A threat from free-kicks, he has scored nine times this season.

Aaron Mokoena is the defensive midfield option for manager Mark Hughes, as he can also play in defence. He looks to break up moves and is strong in the tackle.

Steve Reid is more of the driving force. The Republic of Ireland international was signed after shining in the 2002 World Cup. He is a good competitor who packs a powerful long-range shot.

Pedersen has not had quite the same impact as last year but has shown recent signs of returning to his scoring form. He is a threat at the back post.

Attack

JASON ROBERTS is hoping to recover from injury in time to play.

He has scored 121 career goals at Bristol Rovers, West Bromwich Albion and Wigan. He uses his pace, power and strength to his advantage to try and ruffle defenders. Whether he gets much change out of the likes of Martin Skrtel, Sami Hyypia and James Carragher remains to be seen. They have proved rugged rocks at the heart of the Liverpool defence with Skrtel improving rapidly after a shaky start to his Anfield career.

Roberts does have the pace to trouble defenders and is the quickest player in the team. Benni McCarthy has a decent ratio of goals with 11 in 26 games and has scored wherever he has played.

Dangerman

DAVID BENTLEY – Blackburn’s player of the year in my book, his goal return for a wide player is impressive. He also leads the way with most assists, so if he is not scoring them he is helping his team-mates.

Overall verdict

BLACKBURN will make it difficult for Liverpool as they still entertain outside hopes of Europe themselves, but if Liverpool can put the heroics of midweek to one side they possess more than enough to see off the visitors.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON