With Liverpool having been dumped out of the Europa League by Beşiktaş last week, Brendan Rodgers’ side’s last chance of silverware this season comes in the FA Cup. They’re strong favourites to make it into the the semifinals as they take on Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the sixth round on Sunday -- a team they haven’t played since Rovers were relegated from the Premier League three years ago.
Liverpool vs. Blackburn 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch FA Cup online
Liverpool welcome second tier opponents Blackburn Rovers to Anfield in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Michael Steele/Getty Images
While Liverpool have hit some pretty good form of late -- moving within a couple of points of Manchester United and the final Champions League qualification place -- Rovers have been pretty underwhelming in the second tier. Gary Bowyer’s side are tucked comfortably up in mid-table, though their hopes of bouncing back to the top flight are all but over. They’ve won just once in their last five, and need to pull off a massive upset if they’re to win away at Anfield.
Key player - Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Liverpool attacker Philippe Coutinho can be a pretty frustrating player, though the odd long-range lash is arguably a small price to pay for his not infrequent moments of brilliance. Buzzing around the final third, the Brazilian is a defender’s nightmare, and could well tear Blackburn’s Championship defence to shreds.
Key matchup - The wide battle
Liverpool's resurgence has concided with a switch to a 3-4-3 formation, in which the Reds are often able to overload their opponents on the flanks. They'll no doubt look to do the same against Blackburn in this match, meaning Rovers will have to work very hard to make sure Liverpool can't isolate their full-backs.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Lucas Leiva (thigh), Jordan Ibe (cup-tied). In doubt: Jon Flanagan (knee), Mamadou Sakho (hip), Steven Gerrard (hamstring)
Blackburn Rovers injuries and suspensions
Out: Jason Lowe (foot), Joshua King (hamstring). In doubt: None.
Liverpool will certainly still be without midfield anchorman Lucas Leiva and the cup-tied youngster Jordan Ibe, though Jon Flanagan, Mamadou Sakho and Steven Gerrard could return from their respective injury problems. For Blackburn Rovers, midfielder Jason Lowe is injured, as is attacker Josh King, who scored a hat-trick against Stoke City in the last round.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 11 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
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