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Liverpool v Blackburn - The Facts

Last updated : 01 April 2004 By Adam Bryant

Liverpool welcome off-the-boil Blackburn and former boss Graeme Souness to Anfield, with one remaining requirement from a disappointing season on which Gerard Houllier's job seemingly hangs - the much coveted fourth Champions League qualifying spot.

These clubs go face to face for the third time this season and the first time at Anfield. The Merseysiders are on course for a third win, having won the reverse League fixture 1-3 and the Carling Cup Third Round tie 3-4. Michael Owen scored a brace in the first match, Emile Heskey a double in the Cup tie and Blackburn's Lucas Neill was sent off in both.

The Merseysiders are unbeaten in six League and Cup matches against Rovers (three wins, three draws). They're also on target to claim a third Premiership 'double' over their north west rivals and eighth over them since the first League fixture was played in 1894.

Blackburn Rovers make the short journey having slipped dangerously near the relegation mire, with one win from six Premiership outings and two wins from 11.

Rovers have won just eight of 30 League games this term, while Liverpool have lost just eight - but both clubs have scored 42 goals.

Rovers have drawn six and lost four of their last ten top flight meetings with Liverpool. They have only won once in the Premiership at Anfield - that being a 0-1 victory on 12 September 1993.

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

LIVERPOOL

Going into the weekend: 4th 46 points

  • The tally of 46 points is Liverpool's lowest for five years, after the first 30 games of a Premiership season.
  • Won seven and drawn three in all competitions at home, since losing 1-2 to Southampton on 13 December.
  • Chalked up 16 points from a last possible 18 at Anfield.
  • Yet to achieve a Premiership 'double' this season.
  • The next fixture is away to Arsenal next Saturday.
  • After this, four home League games and three away remain, including fixtures with Charlton and Fulham at Anfield, a visit to Manchester United and a potentially decisive finale, home to Newcastle.

    BLACKBURN ROVERS

    Going into the weekend: 16th 31 points

  • 31 points is Blackburn's second lowest total after the first 30 games of a Premiership season.
  • Gained 12 more points away from home than at Ewood Park (19 to 12).
  • The 0-2 win at Aston Villa on 20 March was Rovers' only maximum in six outings (five points from the 18).
  • Failed to score in only one of the last 13 Premiership matches.
  • Failed to keep a clean sheet in 25 of the 30 League encounters.
  • Only club to hold a 100% record when a Premiership clean sheet has been kept (five wins from five).
  • Lost all seven top flight matches in which failed to score. The only club to have lost every Premiership game when blanks have been fired.
  • Yet to register a no score draw in any competition in this campaign.
  • Played 33 top tier games since a goalless draw (home to Bolton on 21 April).
  • Already been 'doubled' by Arsenal.
  • The next fixture is at home to Leeds next Saturday.
  • After this, four home League games and three away remain. Leicester and Manchester United are yet to visit Ewood Park.

    LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

    Liverpool 1-1 Blackburn Rovers
    26 December 2002 - Ref: Neale Barry
    Liverpool scorer: Riise 17
    Blackburn scorer: Cole 77

    THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

    Blackburn Rovers 1-3 Liverpool
    13 September 2003 - Ref: Neale Barry
    Blackburn scorer: Jansen 8
    Liverpool scorers: Owen 12 pen, 68, Kewell 90
    Sent Off: Neill (Blackburn) 13

    HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
    League: Liverpool 45 wins, Blackburn 33, Draws 33
    Prem: Liverpool 8 wins, Blackburn 5, Draws 6

    HEAD TO HEAD at Liverpool
    League: Liverpool 32 wins, Blackburn 9, Draws 14
    Prem: Liverpool 5 wins, Blackburn 1, Draws 3