Preview: No Shirt Swapping at Anfield!

Results this afternoon haven’t been particularly kind on Blackpool ahead of Sunday’s clash against Liverpool.

With Wigan and Everton both winning, the Seasiders travel to Anfield on seven points whilst their North West rivals sit in the relegation places on one point less.

Ian Holloway this week described the fixture as one you always dream about but has stressed that he does not want his players swapping shirts at the end of the game as the gaffer strives to change the mentality within the club.

So if he has seen Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s comments on Sky Sports today, Ollie won’t be best pleased! The midfielder has said that a player has already put ‘dibs’ on Fernando Torres’ shirt.

Pool have perhaps been guilty of showing teams a little too much respect so far this campaign which Holloway believes is summed up after games with the clamour for opposition shirts.

It’s widely thought that if the Tangerines can go out and play their football tomorrow that they could cause a bit of an upset after Liverpool’s recent wobble.

The Reds have won just once in the league all season – at home to West Brom – whilst being knocked out of the League Cup by Northampton Town at Anfield.

The key to success will be to not think about the opposition and to play with freedom, hopefully not closing up in front of 40,000, at least four thousand of those being from the Fylde Coast.

Vital Quotes:

Ian Holloway can’t wait to pit his wits against the scouse outfit: ‘It’s one of those that you look forward to all your life.

‘I remember when I first played at Anfield and I can’t tell you what I said to my lads about how I felt when I saw that sign at the top of the steps.

‘The psychology of it – ‘This Is Anfield’ – does make you wobble and does make your butterflies seem even worse and bigger than they were before.

‘The football club has a fantastic tradition and I can’t wait to go and take my team there.

‘To go away to play Liverpool at Anfield at any time is an honour and a privilege because of what they have achieved.’

Christian Poulsen is looking for a win to give Liverpool a little bit of breathing space before the week break: ‘There are no easy games, and we have seen that in the League this year,’ Poulsen told LFC TV.

‘Each team is strong and even when we play at home against Blackpool, but of course it’s an important game for us, and it would be nice to get three points before the international break.’

Liverpool Team News:

Daniel Agger is doubtful but could be passed fit to play, which would be a huge boost in the back four after the news Paul Konchesky is out.

Steven Gerrard will captain the side after being rested on Thursday in the Europa Cup.

Fernando Torres will start up front with Dirk Kuyt likely to operate from the right.

Player to watch: Steven Gerrard

Isn’t it fantastic that a player like Gerrard is being ‘rested’ ahead of a game against Blackpool?

Simply brilliant, and the Liverpool skipper will yet again be the driving force from midfield.

Playing Keith Southern is an absolute must to try to nullify Gerrard’s threat.

Blackpool Team News:

Alex Baptiste is out for weeks to come to Neal Eardley looks set to keep his place at right back despite recent questionable performances.

Holloway is likely to go 4-3-3 but it could be that Marlon Harewood is dropped in favour of a more mobile forward who’s able to cover more ground.

Player to watch: Gary Taylor-Fletcher

A Liverpool fan, GTF has said that it was always his dream to run out at Anfield.

Whilst it isn’t for the home team, it’ll still be special for the midfielder who has been fantastic so far this campaign.

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Next Fixtures:

Sunday October 17
Manchester City (H)
16:00
Sky