Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Ewood Park

"Blackburn Rovers substitute Rudy Gestede was cheered to the echo as he warmed up - and even with a slight hamstring injury he might fancy this even more with a Liverpool central defence of Dejan Lovren and Kolo Toure to contend with."

Moments after that effort, Philippe Coutinho has another pop. But this time his 20-yard strike flies harmlessly wide into the stand behind the goal. The ball seemed to take an unkind bounce off the bobbly Ewood Park pitch, just as he struck it.

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

"That almost sneaked in. The goalkeeper can't have seen that until very late. The keeper did very well but a touch off Daniel Sturridge and that would have gone in."

Image source, EPA

All sorts of commotion in the Blackburn box. Home defender Alex Baptiste tries to head clear the Reds corner, while team-mate Lee Williamson swings a boot as the ball pings around. Philippe Coutinho seizes the moment and pounces to fire a low shot towards the bottom corner. But Simon Eastwood is alert, dropping low to his right to claw away from his net.

Another Liverpool corner as the Championship side's defence unconvincingly hack clear...

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

Image source, Getty Images

"This hasn't been the best of quality up to now, has it? It's largely down to the pitch, with neither side able to get the ball down. Every pass is bobbling its way along, which is making close control hard for the players out there."

Johnny Glenn: Brendan Rodgers says a top four place is near to impossible. He was talking about the FA Cup. Come on Blackburn!

Isa Zina: Liverpool are already making defensive mistakes - there's a reason they got slaughtered by Arsenal and United...

Aaron Mortimore: Blackburn will be very cautious defensively, but they way they've been playing they will be confident up front.

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Despite Liverpool hogging possession, the Premier League side haven't really put any dirt on Rovers keeper Simon Eastwood's gloves. Until now. Right-back Glen Johnson lashes towards the near post from a tight angle, before Daniel Sturridge tries his luck with a dipping effort from outside the box. But both are meat and drink for the home stopper.

Image source, Getty Images

Rovers midfielder Lee Williamson, sporting an impressive afro and beard combo, clatters into the back of Philippe Coutinho with an over-exuberant high challenge near the halfway line. Are we going to see the first card of the match? No. Referee Kevin Friend thinks a ticking off for Williamson is enough.

Image source, AFP

Mamadou Sakho is tapping out - he is out of the game. Kolo Toure, fresh from his shaky defensive display at Arsenal, scampers on to replace the Frenchman. The blood pressure of Liverpool fans everywhere goes up a touch...

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

"He should have scored, Jordan Rhodes. He's got excellent movement inside the penalty area. A great ball in from the wing and what a big, big chance. A great opening for Rhodes and he should have hit the target. Blackburn should lead here."

Image source, AFP

Mamadou Sakho looks in a spot of bother. The Liverpool defender holds the back of his leg, before gingerly chasing back as Blackburn attack. His immobility allows Jordan Rhodes to find space, but the Scotland striker cannot keep his header down from Craig Conway's left-wing cross.

Daniel Sturridge wriggles into a little bit of space in the right channel of the Blackburn box, only to see a heavy touch allow Rovers skipper Matt Kilgallon to nip across and snuff out the danger.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Ewood Park

Image source, Getty Images

"Lots of scrappy sparring so far but Blackburn Rovers might just have liked the look of the confusion a routine long ball into Liverpool's box has already caused. Mamadou Sakho's hesitation was almost costly but the defender recovered to block Craig Conway.

"And, to put it politely, Raheem Sterling's good name is currently being trashed by Blackburn's fans."

Image source, Getty Images

We all know being a football manager is a stressful business - and even Brendan Rodgers, that affable Northern Irishman with the pearly white grin, is feeling the tension. Well, judging by this picture at least. Chill out Brendan, your team are looking good so far. Still the men in red hog possession...

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

Image source, Getty Images

"Daniel Sturridge pulls the trigger so quickly. A minimum amount of backlift. His first thought - score!"

Reds skipper Jordan Henderson boots the left-wing corner deep - very deep in fact - to the far post where Philippe Coutinho is loitering. The Brazilian's shot is quickly charged down by a blue and white shirt, before Daniel Sturridge flashes one over the home net moments later.

Image source, Getty Images

After that scare, normal service is resumed. Liverpool have possession - they have enjoyed about 70% of the ball so far - and attempt to make inroads in the Blackburn half. Away corner...

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

"Sloppy defending from Sakho, who just had to clear his lines. Fortunately he did well to make the second challenge and make amends."

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

"Liverpool got away with one there. Sakho was idling. You wonder if Blackburn will get a better opportunity than that..."