Filed under: Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: GOODISON PARK, SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2011: KICK-OFF: 1500BSTIt is six years since Everton last finished above Liverpool, but David Moyes' side will really pile the pressure on their Merseyside neighbours should this game go to form.
Four weeks ago Liverpool boasted a nine point lead over the blue half of the city.
Yet the gap between the two will be down to a single point if Everton warm up for next week's Old Trafford showdown with leaders Manchester United by defeating Blackburn.
This is as big a game for Blackburn as it is for Everton, who still have an outside chance of securing a Europa League place.
Having ruthlessly disposed of manager Sam Allardyce in December, Rovers' Indian owners Venky's have seen the team struggle under Steve Kean's leadership.
Kean has won three in 15 league games, a terrible run which has placed Blackburn's Premier League status in danger.
They start the weekend three points above the relegation zone with six matches remaining.
Worryingly for Kean and his players, the run-in includes games against Sir Alex Ferguson's United and Manchester City.
Form Guide: These two have endured contrasting fortunes lately. While Blackburn have picked up just four points from the last 24 on offer since their last league win on January 23, Everton have flown up the table after taking 17 points from the last eight games.
Key Match-Up: Jermaine Beckford v Paul Robinson: Blackburn keeper Robinson mixed with royalty this week when he was introduced to Prince William and Kate Middleton during the royal couple's tour of east Lancashire. Robinson knows he will be crowned king of Ewood Park if he helps keep Rovers in the Premier League. But he faces a difficult task stopping Everton, who have netted seven in the last three outings, and for whom striker Beckford, after a difficult start, is proving his worth.
Odds: Everton 4/6, Blackburn 9/2, Draw 11/4
EVERTON:
Tim Cahill has informed manager Moyes that he is ready to put club before country - and recharge his batteries ahead of next season.
Cahill missed a month of Everton's campaign in January to represent the Australia at the Asian Cup having had little rest last summer due to his commitments with the Socceroos at the World Cup.
But the 31-year-old has decided against representing his country in two friendly matches in June and has instead opted for rest after an exhausting schedule.
"I've played seven years (with) no rest in the summer, probably more," Cahill, who has scored nine goals, said.
"I wouldn't change it for the world. I've got a foot problem but I'm buzzing. I love football and I
love playing for my country.
"But also I think common sense has to prevail. I missed the Germany game (in March) and I'll probably miss the next couple of games because they're friendlies.
"For me, when it's competition and it's something where I'm going to win something or get something out of, then I'll be back."
Strategy: Moyes is desperate for his patched-up team to maintain the momentum following last week's easy win at Wolves. But this will be no walk in the park for the hosts. After all, it is only two weeks ago that Blackburn left Arsenal bitterly frustrated at the Emirates after grinding out a goalless draw. Leon Osman and Phil Neville will hope they have better luck unlocking the visitors defence. Beckford has to make a nuisance of himself.
Injury Update: Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Jack Rodwell, Marouane Fellaini, Louis Saha and Seamus Coleman have all been missing in recent weeks. But Moyes is hopeful that at least one of them will return for this game.
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