Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer has described the recent criticism aimed at Liverpool as "ridiculous".

Realistically, the Reds are unlikely to claim a Champions League spot this season as they are seven points adrift of fourth place following defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal.

Despite Liverpool's recent dip, Bowyer is wary of the threat posed by tonight's opponents as his Championship side prepare to fight for a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

"I think it's ridiculous that after losing two games, the team that was hailed prior to those two games as being the best in the Premier League - which they were at the time with the football they were playing - then comes in for that," FA.com quotes Bowyer as saying.

"Brendan Rodgers has done an unbelievable job, he doesn't need me telling him, but that's just the world we live in now - it's crazy."

Prior to the Merseyside outfit's defeat to Manchester United last month, Liverpool were unbeaten in 13 Premier League games.