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Rafael Benítez spoke tentatively of a “turning point” following Liverpool’s win over Everton last weekend, but Blackburn served notice against Chelsea in midweek of just how difficult it may be for the Reds to turn derby success into sustained momentum. Rovers’ victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the Carling Cup, albeit on penalties, showed just how dangerous Sam Allardyce’s side can be. “They are going to have to play well, because we are at home and our home record is fantastic,” said Allardyce’s assistant, Neil McDonald. John Ashdown

Venue Ewood Park

Tickets £28-38 (0871 222 1444)

Last season Blackburn 1 Liverpool 3

Referee M Atkinson

This season’s matches 11 Y48, R0, 4.36 cards per game

sportingbet odds Blackburn 7-2 Liverpool 7-10 Draw 12-5

Blackburn

Subs from Brown, Salgado, Grella, Dunn, Emerton, McCarthy, Jacobsen, Hoilett, Van Heerden, Olsson, Kalinic

Doubtful Andrews (calf), Dunn (calf), Olsson (virus)

Injured None

Suspended None

Form guide DLWWLL

Disciplinary record Y21 R1

Leading scorer Dunn 5

Liverpool

Subs from Cavalieri, Aquilani, Aurélio, Riera, Kyrgiakos, Babel, Skrtel, Voronin, Degen, Spearing, Dossena, Ayala, El Zhar, Kelly, Eccleston

Doubtful Babel (ankle), Kelly (ankle)

Injured Torres (hernia, 9 Dec)

Suspended None

Form guide WDDLWL

Disciplinary record Y18 R3

Leading scorer Torres 10

Match pointers

• These sides have met 15 times in the Premier League at Ewood Park, with five wins each and five draws

• However, Liverpool have lost only one of their last 21 league meetings with Blackburn at home or away

• Blackburn have conceded fewer goals at home in 2009 (13) than Liverpool have at Anfield (15)

• Liverpool are averaging the most passes per game in the Premier League (513)

• Blackburn have been caught offside more times (52) than any other team in the division

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