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FA Cup Quarterfinal Preview

By Afshin Zahraee

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Brendan Rodgers looks on as his side put on an impressive display against Burnley. PHOTO CREDIT: Liverpool twitter account @LFC.

Liverpool vs. Blackburn Rovers

Where: Anfield in Liverpool, Merseyside, England

When: Sunday, March 8 at 12:00pm Eastern on Fox Sports 1

Overview: With Arsenal and Manchester United pitted against each other, Liverpool have become the bookkeepers’ favorites to hoist the FA Cup. Interestingly enough, the final will take place on Steven Gerrard’s 35th birthday, which would be quite the fairy tale ending to the Liverpool legend’s career. Despite the fact that Blackburn Rovers haven’t been in the Premier League since their relegation in 2012, the sides do have some history. Blackburn Rovers lifted the Premier League title at Anfield in 1995. The Reds look to at least partially avenge that day by knocking the Rovers out of the FA Cup and make their way to Wembley.

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"Dreadful" Liverpool defender was shunned for being "miles off" vs Wolves
"Dreadful" Liverpool defender was shunned for being "miles off" vs Wolves /

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    • There is no question that the Reds have been the hottest team in the Premier League in 2015. They are undefeated in their past 8 matches overall and have tightened up a defense that was leaky earlier in the season. In FA Cup competition, the Reds knocked out AFC Wimbledon, Bolton Wanderers and Crystal Palace to reach the quarter-finals. Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling are joint goal-scoring leaders on the season with 10 goals a piece. As a matter of fact, Gerrard played his first ever Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers and has scored 4 times in his last 6 starts against them. The skipper was back in training this week and it will be interesting to see if Rodgers reintroduces him to a side that has frankly been on fire without him.

    Blackburn Rovers looked fantastic in their fifth round trouncing of Stoke City. The Rovers defeated Charlton Athletic before knocking off top flight sides Swansea City and Stoke City at Ewood Park to advance to this quarter-final stage. Blackburn currently find themselves 10th in the Championship table; quite a distance out from a play-off spot, which means they will likely put all their resources into this match. Jordan Rhodes and Rudy Gestede are extremely dangerous up front and have tallied 13 goals each in all competitions on the season.

    Players to Watch: For Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge has scored 10 goals in his past 12 FA Cup matches. If I’m a betting man, and I may or may not be, I’d put my money on the English striker to add to that goal scoring record.

    After earning a surprise start against Stoke and scoring a hat trick, Joshua King may be in line for another go if there is room for him in the lineup. Once again, there is a chance he won’t start, but it would be a surprise if he is left out after his FA Cup exploits against the Potters.

    Prediction: Liverpool 3, Blackburn Rovers 1. The Rovers have been valiant but it will be tough to face an in-form squad at Anfield that seems to have their firepower back. While Liverpool’s defense have been tough to crack, the Rovers do possess some great attacking options; just not nearly as good as the Reds.

    Next: Manchester United vs. Arsenal

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