Then, it happened. The team in tangerine and white slotted two quick goals — stunning the Anfield faithful — and they held on for a 2-1 win.
Months later, that result has proven to have been no fluke. Liverpool sits 12th in the table while Blackpool are 13th — but with three games in hand on most of the league. Both teams have 25 points.
Ian Holloway's side has continued to produce results, and they have done so in a way that most of the league's smaller clubs are afraid to do — by playing aggressive soccer. Now, Liverpool heads to Bloomfield Road looking for revenge, but also looking to prove that the ship has in fact been righted.
NESN caught up with John Campbell of Blackpool FC Blog to preview the match and get his take on what has been a great 2010 for the Tangerines.
See what he had to say below.
NESN: Blackpool was able to pull of what many considered a shocking victory at Anfield earlier this season. What adjustments do you expect from Kenny Dalglish's side at Bloomfield Road? How will Ian Holloway cope with such?
John Campbell: I think that day they had problems in midfield with Steven Gerrard and Raul Meireles in midfield going missing at times. Also, Jamie Carragher had to fill in at right back, and he was ripped apart by Luke Varney, who won a penalty cutting inside. As for adjustments, I don't think the side would be much different, it's more the difference in confidence of the Liverpool players which could make the difference.
NESN: The Seasiders have enjoyed somewhat of a dream start to the Premier League campaign. What do you think have been the most significant factors contributing to the team's success? What has to happen for Blackpool to continue that succes and remain in the Premier League next year?
JC: I think we still have to believe we can compete. There's no doubt we might be the end of some bad results similar to the defeats at Arsenal (6-0) and Chelsea (4-0) but as long as our confidence is kept up we should be OK. We've also had a few injuries, which hasn't affected us too much, but if we can the injuries down it will help.
NESN: How do you think Kenny Dalglish's appointment as manager will affect Liverpool's tactics? How will Blackpool respond?
JC: It's hard to tell. Against Manchester United, it was a clear 4-5-1 with Fernando Torres on his own — that was until the sending off of Gerrard. In the past, Dalglish has played a number for formations 4-4-2 with Blackburn Rovers, 4-4-1-1 with Newcastle and he used to play a 4-3-3 at Liverpool with a front three of [John] Barnes, [Peter] Beardsley and [John] Aldridge.
I think the suspension of Gerrard may limit him, and he'll go for a 4-4-2, there a few fans thinking he'll go 4-5-1 again to try and outrun our midfield, which I think is a big compliment to see a team changing their formation to fit us. As for us, we won't change our formation. It will be the same.
NESN: Blackpool exited the FA Cup at the weekend, with the team not fielding its strongest side because Ian Holloway felt the league was more important. What do you think of that decision?
JC: I agree with the decision, having had three games cancelled we now will play seven games in January — which is far too many for our small squad. Also, the priority has to be staying in the league, if that means going out of the FA Cup in the first round then so be it.
The only annoying part was that Southampton also made eight changes but still beat our side — which says a lot about our backup players and squad strength.
NESN: Blackpool has barely played a league game since November given all of the postponements. How has the layoff affected the team?
JC: Against Sunderland — despite the win — we looked a bit rusty, but we've had the Manchester City game and the Birmingham game so the players are match fit. For the home fans it's been a very frustrating as we've not got going at home. A lack of home games has made it hard for us to build up form at home. Last year, we only lost four at home, we've lost three at home already which isn't ideal.
NESN: Do you expect Blackpool to be active in the January window? If so, what do you expect to see?
JC: Yes, I think we might try to bring in a keeper, midfielder and striker. I would expect someone else to come in on loan too. A few have mentioned getting in Stephen Dobbie who was on loan last season from Swansea.
NESN: Blackpool have had no trouble scoring goals thus far — playing positive, attacking soccer– but the defense has struggled accordingly. What can be done to improve Blackpool's defense?
JC: I think our defense hasn't been too bad. Ten of the 31 goals we let in were in two matches, Arsenal and Chelsea. If you take into consideration how we play, it's not a too bad record. As for improvement, we just need to concentrate for the full 90 minutes. We've conceded too many late goals so far this season.
NESN: Though Liverpool have continued to be inconsistent, they do look to be a better side from the one that Blackpool defeated in early October and will be welcoming Steven Gerrard back from injury. What about Liverpool poses the greatest difficulty for Blackpool? On the other hand, what about Liverpool will Blackpool most easily be able to exploit?
JC: As most football fans who've watched Liverpool know, they can be a threat when Gerrard and Fernando Torres decide to "turn up." When they link up, they can take apart any defense. As for us, if we can start the game well and get an early goal, hopefully we'll be able to relax and play some good football. From what I've seen of Liverpool, they never really get going in some games, so we need to impose ourselves on them early on.
Special thanks to John Campbell of Blackpool FC Blog. Follow the Blog here on Twitter or visit at http://bfcblog.co.uk.
