:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45835832/463423466.0.jpg)
Three wins in a week is impressive by any standard, but on the heels of a disappointing European exit--one that came on the other side of the continent in extended, dramatic fashion--it would be a wonderful achievement. Add to that the possibility of a trip to Wembley and another step closer to silverware, and Liverpool are set to continue their excellent run in the new year.
Nothing is guaranteed, of course, and tomorrow they'll face a Blackburn side that's already defeated two Premier League teams in the competition already. Wins over Swansea and Stoke were, at least on the score sheet, comfortable, with the former coming by two goals and the latter in an emphatic 4-1 win. They've only won once in the five matches since that win over Stoke, with the lone victory coming on Wednesday night at Sheffield Wednesday.
Gary Bowyer will be without Josh King, who scored a hat-trick against Stoke, but should otherwise have a full squad to choose from. Against Wednesday, Bowyer named Jason Steele in goal, Adam Henley, Tommy Spurr, Matthew Kilgallon, and Doneil Henry in defense, Ben Marshall, Lee Williamson, Chris Taylor, and Jay Spearing--who will be ineligible after featuring for Bolton earlier in the competition--in midfield, with Chris Brown and Jordan Rhodes up front.
For Liverpool:
Mignolet
Can Skrtel Sakho
Sterling Henderson Allen Moreno
Lallana Coutinho
Sturridge
No confirmation one way or the other on Steven Gerrard, who seems to be the only question mark now that Mamadou Sakho's return to full training was announced yesterday. That leaves Jordon Ibe, Lucas, Jon Flanagan, Brad Jones, and Jose Enrique as confirmed absences.
The return of Sakho should mean a start for the talented French center-back, meaning that Dejan Lovren would drop to the bench with Emre Can and Martin Skrtel retaining their spots in the back three. Last season Rodgers relied on fitness to make his decisions for him, but for all of Lovren's improvements, there's a significant gulf in class between him and Sakho, and the latter is clearly the frontrunner. Both Can and Skrtel could use time off, but that will come over the eight days between tomorrow's match and the trip to Swansea.
Same goes for the midfield, where changes from Wednesday's win over Burnley would be surprising. Raheem Sterling looked better than Lazar Markovic in the right wingback role, and the Serbian looks set for the bench again unless Rodgers decides to rest Alberto Moreno on the left. Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen should continue their increasingly effective partnership in the middle, with Steven Gerrard a possibility off the bench if he passes a late fitness test.
He could also make an appearance further forward, which most agree would be the best way to include him over the last few months of his Liverpool career. Not as a starter, of course, as those roles should be reserved for Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana, who have combined to excellent effect throughout the winter months when deployed off a central striker. Daniel Sturridge is reportedly back at full fitness, meaning he's the man to lead the line.
Kickoff is set for 4:00PM GMT/12:00PM EST on Sunday, with BT Sport 1 providing coverage in the UK and Fox Sports One airing the match in the US. Our coverage will continue with any breaking team news, team sheets when they’re released, and live coverage tomorrow including full viewing options and post-match reactions. If you haven’t already, sign up for an SB Nation account and join us for it.
