Rafael Benítez could take encouragement from three goals and a strong bench in Bucharest on Thursday night, although Liverpool’s exertions on a heavy pitch at the Steaua Stadium will influence thinking for a Blackburn side on a decent run of one defeat in six league games. Both teams have problems in central defence, where captain Ryan Nelsen will be absent for Rovers and Martin Skrtel plus Sotirios Kyrgiakos are sidelined for the hosts. Liverpool have taken maximum points from their last five league matches at Anfield whereas Rovers, who last won a league game here in 1993, have triumphed only once on their travels this season. Andy Hunter
Venue Anfield
Tickets £37-39 (0844 844 0844)
Last season Liverpool 4 Blackburn 0
Referee A Wiley
This season’s matches 21 Y67, R4, 3.38 cards per game
Odds Liverpool 2-5 Blackburn 9-1 Draw 15-4
Liverpool
Subs from Cavalieri, Torres, Aquilani, Rodríguez, Aurélio, Degen, Ngog, Riera, Darby, Spearing, Ayala, Pacheco, El Zhar
Doubtful Torres (match fitness)
Injured Johnson (knee, 8 Mar), Skrtel (foot, unknown)
Suspended Kyrgiakos (last of three)
Form guide DLWWDW
Disciplinary record Y43 R5
Leading scorer Torres 12
Blackburn
Subs from Brown, Dunn, Grella, Reid, Jacobsen, Cimbonda, Hoilett, Roberts, Jones, Di Santo, Basturk
Doubtful Bastruk (match fitness)
Injured Nelsen (knee, Apr)
Suspended None
Form guide WWLDWW
Disciplinary record Y41 R2
Leading scorer Dunn 5
Match pointers
• Blackburn have won one of their last 22 league meetings with Liverpool (3-0 at Ewood Park in November 1996)
• If Liverpool do not score it will be the first time since February-March 2005 that they have failed to find the net in three consecutive league games
• Blackburn have failed to score in six of their last 10 league meetings with Liverpool
• Liverpool have conceded one goal in their last 540 minutes of football at Anfield
• Blackburn have been caught offside more times (90) than any other side in the top flight
LiverpoolBlackburn RoversPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk
