BLACKBURN are unbeaten in six Premier League matches since losing 1-0 at home to Chelsea on December 23 while Everton have won three and drawn one of the last four.

Defence

Brad Friedel offers a calming influence behind the Blackburn defence and rarely makes a mistake. Signed from Liverpool on a free transfer in 2000, his consistency makes him one of the Premier League’s best.

Australian international Brett Emerton started as a right-sided midfielder but has adapted well at full-back while on the other flank Ormskirk-born Stephen Warnock is a tough tackling defender who loves to get forward at every opportunity.

Dutch international Andre Ooijer will look to organise the back four, but lacks a bit of pace, which is something Everton can work on exploiting.

Zurab Khizanishvili has played in a number of roles, but central defence suits him. Comfortable on the ball, he likes to play the ball out when needed.

Midfield

Blackburn go for a 4-4-2 formation with their attacking thrust coming from midfield players like David Dunn, who like to pick the ball up and run at defences.

They will play with some width, too, provided by David Bentley and Morten Gamst Pedersen. Full-backs Emerton and Warnock will look to deliver the ball to them and then get up in support as Blackburn push forward.

Up front Roque Santa Cruz is a player who benefits from the crosses, particularly from Bentley, that Blackburn put in.

Pedersen enjoyed a very prolific campaign last season, but feels teams may have worked him out a little more this time round. He has two good feet, but is stronger on the left and teams will try and push him towards the weaker right. He does not have the tricks in his armoury of Bentley, who can dribble or slip in a Cruyff-like turn, and his more direct style can be repelled by the opposition. That leaves Pedersen with little option but to turn back to find a pass, which can upset the momentum of an attack.

Bentley always had the potential, but he is starting to show his best ability. He can cross the ball with both feet and has a decent goal return for a midfielder.

Steven Reid has had his injury problems, but brings a competitive edge to the midfield and has a long-range shot that can be damaging.

Dunn is an attacking midfielder who likes to run with the ball and take players on and is capable of coming up with the odd goal.

Pedersen has failed to reach the heights of last season and it is nine months since he last scored a goal – Everton beware!

Attack

Matt Derbyshire will be hoping to keep his place in attack. Great pace and a cool finisher.

Paraguayan international Santa Cruz is an obvious threat in the air at six feet two inches tall, but his first touch and running with the ball is excellent. He forms a useful partnership alongside Beni McCarthy if manager Mark Hughes goes for that option.

Dangerman

DAVID BENTLEY – one of the best in the Premier League for the chances he creates and the goals he scores. Delivers good crosses from out wide and is a danger at set pieces.

Overall verdict

Always a tight and dour encounter when these two teams meet. Earlier this season it ended 1-1 at Goodison Park, and I can see the same result this afternoon.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON