Image source, Getty Images

I'm not sure what Blackburn had in their half-time tea - but I want some.

Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland defender Mark Lawrenson, BBC Match of the Day

"Free header. A very good header. He got in front of his marker.

"That will have made Brendan Rodgers put his thinking cap on. He will have told them to start brightly and it has been anything but."

Image source, AP

Blackburn fly out of the blocks - and the Championship side could be ahead! Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet denies the home side twice in a matter of seconds to keep the visitors on terms.

The Belgian acrobatically tips over Tom Cairney's swerving 25-yarder for a corner, then reacts brilliantly to palm Ben Marshall's firm header on to the left-hand post from the resulting corner. Did Marshall's header clip the arm of Joe Allen on the way through? Very faintly - that would be a harsh penalty.

Liverpool have the honour - game on.

Fans shuffle back to their seats armed with hot pies, and both sets of players stroll out of the Ewood Park tunnel rehydrated. The second half is upon us...

What is more important for Liverpool? Finishing fourth in the Premier League or winning the FA Cup? Have your say by taking part in the BBC Sport vote on this page.

Any plans tonight? No? Good. Because one suspects that Blackburn will be happy to take this quarter-final to 120 minutes - and a penalty shootout. Although that might be a misguided tactic against Liverpool....

Paul Walmsley: This pitch is awful. Championship quality? It's killing the game so far.

Daniel Kelly: All Liverpool need is a goal and this game should be killed off. They've been the better team, though Blackburn are doing well defensively.

Stuart Chawira: Watching Liverpool play, you just feel Blackburn will score soon. It is heart breaking. Liverpool have lost it.

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Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Ewood Park

Image source, Reuters

"A mess of a first 45 minutes - but you suspect that Blackburn Rovers and manager Gary Bowyer will be reasonably pleased with that. Liverpool have had plenty of possession but very little in the way of serious threat."

I should clarify that it is Liverpool who need a tactical rethink at the break - they haven't created enough clearcut chances for the amount of possession they have enjoyed.

Credit must go to Blackburn for their organisation and resilience, but they have not looked like slicing Liverpool open too often. Rovers boss Gary Bowyer will be happy enough though as he unfurls his masterplan in the home dressing room.

Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland defender Mark Lawrenson, BBC Match of the Day

"Blackburn can be really pleased with the first half. It has not been the most enthralling first 45 minutes but tactically they have really matched Liverpool."

Former Everton and Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane
at Ewood Park for 5 live Sport

"Liverpool have had a lot of possession, territorially almost all inside the Blackburn third. But they have done very little with the possession they have had, hardly threatening at all. They haven't been able to open up a really tough, rigid Blackburn back four.

"Daniel Sturridge has had his moments but other than that Liverpool have struggled to open up this defence. Comfortable really, for Blackburn."

Nope, is the answer to the question below. Liverpool go closest to nicking the opener though, right-back Glen Johnson again testing Rovers keeper Simon Eastwood with a skimmer. But Eastwood gathers and that is virtually the last touch of the first half. Time for a half-time orange and a tactical rethink.

The fourth official hoists his electronic board into the east Lancashire sky. And it indicates there will be one minute of injury-time. Can anyone - probably Liverpool - nab a half-time lead?

Image source, Reuters

Any hopes that Liverpool had of playing a slick passing game would have evaporated when they inspected the pitch before kick-off. It has not helped them - or the quality of this game. Pretty turgid.

Former Everton and Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane
at Ewood Park for 5 live Sport

"The bodies Blackburn are putting in front of them is making it really difficult for Liverpool to break them down. It's so hard for them to break through.

"If it stays like this Blackburn will be delighted. They will hope they can fashion another chance like the one Jordan Rhodes missed earlier on. If they take it then this could be a famous victory."

Still Liverpool push and probe, still Blackburn have plenty of numbers back to deal with the Premier League side's threat. Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho is the most likely to wave the magic wand for the away side, but sees another attempt blocked by a blue and white shirt.

Paul Thompson: Toure is on. Come on Rovers, you won't get a better chance now.

Ryan Lloyd: Without Sakho's aerial prowess, Liverpool might be in trouble if Gestede comes on and it's still even.

Nathan Nicholls: Liverpool have had a fairly easy run in the FA Cup, but never made it easy for themselves.

Get involved using #bbcfootball, external on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page., external You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.