Premier League preview: Blackburn v Liverpool

Liverpool will face an undermanned Blackburn side when they travel to Ewood Park in the English Premier League on Wednesday.

Rovers could be missing up to 10 first-choice players for the match, with injuries, suspension and international commitments all taking their toll on Steve Kean’s squad.

Winger Brett Emerton is away for a month as he takes part in Australia’s Asian Cup campaign, while Nikola Kalinic has two games remaining on his suspension.

Grant Hanley is in doubt with a calf injury, Chris Samba will undergo a fitness test on his ankle and Vince Grella’s comeback has again been delayed after his Achilles injury flared at training.

Understandably, new manager Kean is looking to bolster his squad during the January transfer window, but his replacements won’t be ready in time for Liverpool’s visit.

“Hopefully we’ll be bringing in a few players in the transfer window, in the early the part of the window,” Kean told Blackburn’s official website.

“Then hopefully the squad will then start to look a little bit healthier.”

“We would like to do any deals in the early part of the month so that we can get everybody bedded into the squad. I think any new arrivals will probably be after the Liverpool game.”

Kean has had mixed results since he took over from sacked manager Sam Allardyce, with one win, one draw and two losses from his four games in charge.

Rovers were thumped 3-0 on the road against Sunderland on Saturday, and will need a much-improved performance on Wednesday.

For their part, Liverpool eased the pressure on under-fire manager Roy Hodgson with a come-from-behind win against Bolton on Saturday.

Second-half goals from Fernando Torres and Joe Cole gave Liverpool a three badly needed points and moved them back into the top half of the Premier League.

Wednesday’s match is a crucial one for both sides with only goal difference separating them on the table, although Liverpool do have a game in hand.

The Reds have a horrible record on the road this season, however, with just one win and only six goals in their nine games away from Anfield.