Blackburn Rovers

Stoke City V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 26 November 2011 – 12:45 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Blackburn Rovers have been in free-fall ever since the season began, but to see Stoke suffering has come as a major surprise. What it does do, though, is make for an intriguing contest when the two sides rendezvous for the seventh time in the Premier League on Saturday – and it is Stoke seeking to maintain the upper hand, having won four of the previous six encounters, including the three staged at the Brittania.

It wasn’t that long ago Stoke could do no wrong. In fact, there was a stage when folk were talking up their chances of a possible fifth or sixth place finish in the league. But it is no coincidence that their slide in form has coincided with their first ever participation in the UEFA Europa League – a competition many were tipping them to qualify for again next season with a possible fifth of sixth place league finish, but one that does have its fair share of drawbacks.

There is no doubt plying in Europe takes its toll on any squad. Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson would definitely concur. It’s one of the reasons why their clubs, Arsenal and Man Utd, recruit in such large numbers, to handle the large quantity of games each season. Europe caught Stoke by surprise, a pleasant one at that, and that meant their fairly average-sized squad was always going to be susceptible to fatigue over the course of the season – though few would have predicted all those air miles would have such an adverse affect so quickly.

Long, arduous trips to the Ukraine and Israel during the months of September and November have clearly taken their toll, as their league form in between has been atrocious. They’ve only won once in eight Premier League matches, six of those being defeats, while it speaks volumes that their solitary success came straight off the back of an international break, at home to Fulham on 15 October.

It would appear the Potters look forward to internationals more than any other side, as it’s about the only time they get a breather. Hoping to capitalise on Stoke’s gruelling schedule is Blackburn manager Steve Kean, whose side are floundering in the relegation zone and whose job hangs by the slimmest of proverbial threads.

Although last week’s 3-3 draw at Wigan epitomised Blackburn’s hunger and spirit, having fought back to earn a hard-fought point with a last-gasp winner that came courtesy of a Yakubu penalty that was earned by none other than goalkeeper Paul Robinson, it doesn’t change their complexion much. If anything, their situation has only become more dire.

Blackburn’s failure to win in the league for the seventh match running, since their unforgettable 4-3 success over Arsenal at Ewood Park on 17 September, leaves them with a four-point deficit they must bridge if they’re to claw themselves back onto safe footing. In more simpler terms, Rovers go into the weekend four points off safety. So there is no chance whatsoever of Rovers’ miserable spell in the bottom three coming to an end any time soon.

There is, however, some good news for supporters. Your team are playing well, even if they aren’t securing the right results to back up their endeavours on the pitch, while the return of several key players will be a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with out of sorts Stoke, whose recent form is far more woeful than theirs. Christopher Samba, Ryan Nelsen and Martin Olsson could all feature at the Brittania after missing last week’s draw at Wigan through injury, although David Dunn is suspended.

Furthermore, Rovers have found more fortune on their travels of late than at home – which isn’t a surprise when you consider every home game at Ewood Park is like a circus these days, with fans protesting before, during and after every home match. Steve Kean’s side are unbeaten in three on the road, all draws mind, scoring three in both their previous two. The latter does bode well seeing as Stoke have shipped that very same number of goals in their previous two home Premier League games, both in defeat, too.

Match Pointers

- Four of their six Premier League meetings were won by Stoke, whom have triumphed in each of the previous three, home and away. The Potters have also won all three encounters at the Brittania, without conceding either.

- Stoke City are in free-fall and are plummeting down the Premier League table at a rate of knots, to the point where they now reside in 14th after a run of four successive defeats.

- Tony Pulis’ side have won only once in eight league matches (W1 D1 L6), losing their previous two home fixtures to Newcastle (1-3) and QPR (2-3).

- In their last four league games (all defeats), Stoke have shipped a combined total of 14 goals but managed only four themselves.

- All four of Jonathan Walters’ Premier League goals this season were scored at the Brittania Stadium, where he has netted in four of Stoke’s last five league matches.

- Blackburn begin the weekend four points adrift of safety and only one above rock-bottom Wigan Athletic, with Rovers still searching for their first league win since their 4-3 defeat of Arsenal at home on 17 September (their only win of the season thus far).

- Since beating Arsenal at Ewood Park, Blackburn have taken just three points from their subsequent seven league fixtures (W0 D3 L4).

- Rovers are unbeaten on their travels in three, having drawn away at Norwich (3-3), QPR (1-1) and more recently Wigan (3-3).

- Striker Yakubu and Canadian David Hoilett have netted in both of Blackburn’s previous two away matches, with the latter’s three league goals this term all coming away from home.

Betting

Even though they have had a tendency in the past to embark on miserable stretches of form, Stoke’s recent dismal spell has come as a shock. Just one win in eight in the league is disastrous form, relegation form even, and at the current rate they are accumulating points that is precisely where they are heading at this moment in time. Fittingly, Stoke face a team this weekend who are actually in the relegation zone, in third from bottom and without a win in seven Blackburn.

Normally Blackburn aren’t the sort of side I’d put much faith in at the Brittania, a venue where even the big teams tend to crumble. But Blackburn have shown plenty of heart in recent games, especially on the road, and with manager Steve Kean set to be boosted by the return of several influential figures, I sense a first win since the middle of September could be just around the corner.

To be fair, Stoke rarely come up short in the effort department. Tony Pulis’ charges invariably give 110%, particularly at home. But it is now two home defeats on the spin, after losing heavily to Newcastle and QPR, and after shipping three goals in each, it is impossible not to have reservations over the Potters in a match they should win but aren’t in the slightest bit alluring in odds to do so.

Blackburn for me, then, whose courage could secure them three colossal points at fortress Brittania.

Match Outcome: Blackburn Rovers to WIN – 4/1 Bet365

Value Bet: Draw/Blackburn (HT/FT) – 10/1 888Sport

Match Odds

Stoke City – 5/6 Coral

Draw – 11/4 WilliamHill

Blackburn Rovers – 4/1 Bet365

Wigan Athletic V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 19 November 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: DW Stadium

Preview

This has been Wigan’s worst ever start to a Premier League season, while Blackburn haven’t picked up fewer points at this stage since the 1996-97 term – so what we have here is a match made in heaven as the league’s two slowest starters slug it out for three coveted points.

Separated by a single point at the foot of the league, with both having mustered just one win all season so far, Wigan (20th) and Blackburn (19^th) already find themselves stranded due to their equally lethargic openings. A win for either side would not be sufficient as to lift them out of the relegation zone, but it would be progress nonetheless; visitors Blackburn have failed to win any of their previous six while Wigan are on a retched run of eight straight defeats!

Something has to give, right? Surely one has to profit from the other? Well, these two clubs are meeting for the seventh consecutive season, and in their previous twelve encounters there have only been two draws. The most recent meeting? It was only a seven-goal spectacle, with Wigan triumphing 4-3 at the DW Stadium.

It’s also worth pointing out that these two managers, Roberto Martinez of Wigan and Steve Kean of Blackburn, head the betting for the next managerial departure. Could defeat in this very fixture be the final nail in the coffin for one of them?

Wigan

League Position: 20th

League Form: LLLLL

It would appear there are no depths Wigan won’t sink to at the minute. As if their eighth consecutive league defeat wasn’t pitiful enough, defender Antolin Alcaraz spitting on an opponent during his team’s 3-1 loss away at Wolves last time out was a despicable act that only highlighted how in disarray the Latics currently are. This was supposedly the Wigan skipper, would you believe it, and he has subsequently been banned for three games by the FA.

So, Alcaraz-less, Wigan seek a hasty revival. From going their first three games of the season unbeaten, they’ve slumped to eight defeats in a row and are now the team propping up the table. Their last was arguably the most concerning, or perhaps ominous.

To lose 3-1 away at Wolves, who themselves were in dire straits at the time, hardly inspires confidence, while it was yet another performance which epitomised their season up till now; creating chances, even using the ball to good affect at times, but woeful in front of goal and even more calamitous at the back. Had it not been for goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, who has been in sensational form between the sticks for well over a year now, the margin of defeat would have been greater.

The onus on Al Habsi to keep bailing his team out of trouble is far too much and it is time the forwards eased some of the pressure by putting the ball in the net up the other end. During this dismal eight-game losing run of theirs, Wigan have plundered an embarrassing four goals – failing to score on four occasions – making them the league’s lowest scorers, on top of being the league’s poorest side in general down in 20th.

Wigan are, unfortunately, a bit of a hopeless cause at the minute. Many are already viewing their demotion back to the Championship as inevitable, and on current form it’s impossible to oppose such an argument.

Blackburn

League Position: 19th

League Form: LDLDL

Playing away from the circus that is Ewood Park is proving a blessing in disguise for Blackburn, who in their previous two away assignments could have so easily ended their winning drought. They’ll be hoping third time’s a charm when they take on rock-bottom Wigan at the DW Stadium, whom they’ve not beaten in Greater Manchester in any of the previous four seasons.

Incredibly, Blackburn have only won once this season. I say that because their performances in some matches were outstanding, deserving of maximum hauls. However, Lady Luck is not sweet on Steve Kean, the Rovers boss who is continually bombarded with desperate pleas from fans to step down from his position as first-team manager, after the club’s worst start in the top flight for 15 years, and the 44-year-old Glaswegian is unsurprisingly the bookies favourite to be the next Premier League manager out the door.

As I said, the performances have been encouraging. Very encouraging indeed. Not many will claim they competed with Chelsea and Tottenham for the full 90 minutes this season, and Blackburn certainly did that – albeit still losing both, marginally, while they really ought to taken the spoils in their most recent away encounter. A 3-3 draw at Norwich will have been tough to swallow for Steve Kean, who saw his side lead 3-1 going into the closing stages only to concede an equaliser at the death courtesy of a dubious penalty decision.

A season filled with hard-luck stories, then, for Rovers, who away from home have kept just one clean sheet in their last 24 Premier League matches. A rare shut-out would not appear likely at the weekend either, not even away at Wigan, whom have failed to net in four of their previous eight games. That’s because defenders Vince Grella, Ryan Nelsen, Michel Salgado and Cristopher Samba are rated doubtful for the trip, while full-back Jason Lowe is suspended. Scott Dann should return, though.

Match Pointers

- Wigan have won two and lost none of their previous three Premier League meetings with Blackburn at the DW, but Rovers boss the head-to-head with seven victories to Wigan’s three. There have been just two draws in their twelve meetings.

- Last season’s corresponding fixture produced a seven-goal thriller, with Wigan 4-3 victors.

- The Latics have suffered eight consecutive league defeats and subsequently prop up the league in 20^th, winning only one of their first eleven fixtures (W1 D2 L8).

- Blackburn are without a win in their last six league games, with Steve Kean’s side floundering in 19^th after also managing just one win from their first eleven (W1 D3 L7).

- Rovers have scored in each of their five away matches this season, but on four occasions it was just a solitary goal.

Betting

Clearly bookmakers are of the same opinion as me, that Blackburn have shown some encouraging signs of mounting a recovery whereas Wigan cut a despairing figure and are generally a team to avoid at all costs right now.

Physically Blackburn have always been able to compete, however their football has improved leaps and bounds this season and I can see them playing Wigan off the park in a contest where whoever makes the least amount of mistakes should profit. The Latics make far too many on a regular basis, particularly in defence, so an improving Blackburn, who do have a few accomplished individuals in the attacking third, at 2/1 looks tremendous value.

For value, Blackburn have scored precisely three goals on two of their previous four trips to Wigan in the Premier League. Coupled with Wigan having conceded that same exact number on four occasions this season, three of which were in 3-1 defeats, Blackburn to win 3-1 could be worth a punt. They really ought to have won by that scoreline in their last away fixture as well, away at Norwich.

Match Outcome: Blackburn to WIN @ 2/1 VictorChandler

Value Bet: Blackburn 3-1 (Correct Score) @ 28/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Wigan Athletic – 8/5 Boylesports

Draw – 23/10 WilliamHill

Blackburn Rovers – 2/1 VictorChandler

Blackburn Rovers V Arsenal

Date & kick-off: Saturday, 17th September 2011 – 12:45 (GMT)

Venue: Ewood Park

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2

Preview

In recent times, this fixture has been somewhat problematic for Arsenal. Last season they were 2-1 winners courtesy of goals from wide-men Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin, but the season before they were defeated by the very same scoreline. But times have changed dramatically since their last encounter almost thirteen months ago, with Blackburn now under new management and no longer that same, intimidating presence on the pitch that they were under former boss Sam Allardyce – which is precisely why I can’t foresee anything other than yet another Arsenal victory over Blackburn in the Premier League.

These two teams have clashed – and clashed being the appropriate description at times – 34 times in the Premier League. Arsenal were triumphant in 18 of those, five of which have come in their last seven meetings. Even when Blackburn were at their rugged, combative best under ‘Big Sam’, Arsenal still invariably came out on top. So it seems a formality for me that the Gunners will reign supreme again on Saturday, against a club whose objective nowadays isn’t to make themselves as difficult as possible to beat against the elite clubs in the division, as it was under the previous regime, it’s to compete.

Key Stat: Blackburn have won just one of the last ten meetings with Arsenal in the Premier League (W1 D2 L7), including two of the previous three encounters at Ewood Park.

Blackburn

League Position: 20th

League Form: DLLL

If Arsene Wenger thought he was under pressure, he need only spend a few minutes in his opposite number’s shoes to experience what a wanted man really feels like. Steve Kean, the 43-year-old who had no previous managerial experience at this level when he decided he would try his hand at management with Blackburn Rovers, already has the ignominy of knowing he has overseen the club’s worst ever start to a Premier League season – any season since 1947/48 – and the severity of their forthcoming fixtures would suggest a reprieve isn’t on its way any time soon for the under-fire Glaswegian.

Chelsea (Nov 5), Man City (Oct 1) and Tottenham (Oct 23) are Blackburn’s next three opponents at Ewood Park, after this weekend’s crunch encounter with Arsenal in Lancashire, either side of tricky trips to such places as Newcastle and QPR. So pinpointing Rovers’ first win of the season isn’t a straightforward task, and you’d be surprised if Kean even makes it to that Chelsea encounter on November 5 still in his capacity as Blackburn manager unless he pulls something special out of the hat beforehand.

To complicate matters further, a number of key players are nursing injuries ahead of the game that could see them miss out. Club captain Christopher Samba was substituted at the half-time interval in last week’s 1-1 draw at Fulham with a back spasm, although the towering centre-half should recover in time to partner summer signing Scott Dann. Ryan Nelsen and Morten Gamst Pederson sat out that aforementioned game with a knee and hamstring problems respectively and are thus doubtful, while David Dunn, the midfielder who has netted five times for Blackburn against Arsenal, did damage to his calf at Craven Cottage. David Hoilett is a major doubt with concussion.

The point earned at Craven Cottage away to Fulham – and it was a hard-earned point, that’s for sure – clearly came at a price with so many injuries, but the performance will have surely pleased disgruntled supporters, who are reportedly planning a pre-match protest this weekend. Blackburn more than matched a pretty formidable host, who had lost just once on home soil in their last ten league games, while the link-up between Ruben Rochina, Mauro Formica and David Hoilett will have given Arsenal’s scouts food for thought. The negatives, however, were once again their full-backs – Michel Salgado and Gael Givet, who may as well not even be there at times – and David Goodwillie up top.

While he does work so hard for the team, David Goodwillie, 22, has been largely ineffective playing up front on his own, so it could be an ideal time for Steve Kean to use his wild card on Saturday – former Everton goal-getter Yakubu, who was an unused substitute last weekend. His powerful presence will be a rude awakening for Arsenal new-boy Per Mertesacker.

Team News – Christopher Samba should overcome Sunday’s back spasm at Craven Cottage but Ryan Nelsen, Morten Gamst Pedersen and David Dunn are all doubts. Yakubu could lead the attack in place of David Goodwillie, Martin Olsson should replace Gael Givet at left-back.

Arsenal

League Position: 12th

League Form: WLLD

Just four days after battling to a draw in their UEFA Champions League Group F opener in Dortmund, Arsenal return to league action eager to build on last week’s narrow win at home to new boys Swansea.

The Gunners had previously made their worst ever start to a Premier League season after failing to win any of their opening three fixtures, but Wenger is as defiant as ever and believes his side’s recent return to winnings ways, coupled with the excitement of several new faces at the club, has helped his team ‘turn a corner’ following a turbulent few weeks that began with the sudden departures of their talismanic duo, midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, that ultimately culminated in an 8-2 thrashing away to arch rivals Manchester United.

So, are Arsenal over their troubles? A first win of the season in the league – a narrow and slightly fortuitous 1-0 win over Swansea at the Emirates – and a creditable draw away in Germany against the defending domestic champions, Borussia Dortmund, would suggest they are on the right path; however, their performances in both will have reaffirmed what Arsene Wenger already knew – that there is still plenty of work to be done on the training ground before the Gunners are back firing on all cylinders.

One important characteristic that has improved ten fold, however, is the atmosphere in camp, which is no longer dark and depressing. The new faces in and around the training ground have clearly had an affect in this particular department, so you do get the impression that the only way is up for the Gunners, especially with regards to their performances on the pitch, which will improve with time.

In the meantime, I do feel Arsenal are a bit of a gamble. Both Borussia Dortmund and Swansea created some wonderful scoring opportunities, cutting through the Arsenal defence time and time again, and it wasn’t as though Wenger’s men created a load of their own, either. Fortunately this shouldn’t really matter against Blackburn this weekend, who they should outscore with consummate ease at Ewood Park.

Team News – Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshere are long-term absentees so won’t feature for Arsenal any time soon. However, Wales captain Aaron Ramysey could return after missing the midweek trip to Dortmund, according to his manager. The midfielder is nursing an ankle injury but should recover in time to partner Emmanuel Frimpong or Alex Song in the centre of the park. Mikel Arteta will make his third consecutive appearance for the Gunners from the off, as will centre-half Per Mertesacker, however Yossi Benayoun may have to make do with a place on the bench.

Match Pointers

Blackburn and Arsenal have clashed on 34 occasions in the Premier League, with Arsenal dominating the head-to-head with 18 wins to Blackburn’s 8.

Just one of the previous ten league meetings were won by Blackburn: a 2-1 victory in May 2010.

The Gunners have triumphed in five of the last seven league meetings, including a 2-1 win at Ewood Park last season.

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has netted ten times against Blackburn, and has ten goals in his last 11 starts away from home in Premier League.

Blackburn’s David Dunn has netted five goals versus Arsenal in Premier League.

Ewood Park saw the least amount of goals last season, 38, where Rovers conceded just 16 times.

Betting Verdict

I saw some encouraging signs at Craven Cottage on Sunday as Blackburn held their own, and troubled a Fulham, who had won seven of their previous ten home league games, for the best part of an hour. The final half-hour was a different story, though. Blackburn were clinging on for dear life for most of the second half, and Steve Kean can count his chickens that it was Fulham, spearheaded by Bobby Zamora, that they were up against and not Arsenal and the usually prolific Robin Van Persie.

The Gunners still lack that fluency to their play, with not everyone quiet on the same wavelength, which was to be expected after the raft of changes in such a short space of time. My biggest concern lies with their defence, though, which has been breached countless times in their last two competitive games (against Swansea and Borussia Dortmund).

I’ll be damned if Arsenal keep a clean sheet on Saturday, but with Mikel Arteta, Arshavin, Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie – who illuminate any team sheet – the Gunners should have too much going forward for this frail Rovers defence, especially out on the wings, where Michel Salgado and Gael Givet/Martin Olsson are there for the taking.

Match Prediction: Arsenal to WIN – 10/11 Boylesports

Value Bet: 3-1 Arsenal (Correct Score) – 16/1 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Blackburn – 18/5 VictorChandler

Draw – 13/5 WilliamHill

Arsenal – 10/11 Boylesports

BLACKBURN ROVERS V WOLVES

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 13th August 2011; 15:00 BST
Venue: Ewood Park

PREVIEW

These two teams played out a thrilling match that will live long in the memory on a climatic final day of the 2010-2011 Premier League, a match which both sides could ill-afford to lose as the prospect of relegation lurked over them. So I suppose we better brace ourselves for more drama, as the two clubs will renew their rivalry on the opening day of a brand new season this weekend – only this time there isn’t as much riding on the final result as there was just 84 days ago.

Of the two, Wolves are the team gunning for revenge on Saturday. Mick McCarthy’s men never take defeat on their own patch lightly and the sheer fact the 3-2 reverse back in May so nearly cost them their status as a Premiership football club will only heighten the team’s desire and motivation to win their opening fixture. However, their record on the road was extremely disappointing last season – only Bolton amassed fewer points on their travels in 2010-2011 – while the last time they were victorious away to Blackburn was way back in 1992.

Blackburn, on the other hand, will be feeling extremely confident ahead of Saturday’s fixture. Their league form at Ewood Park during 2010-2011 was relatively healthy (W7 D7 L5), while they’ve tasted defeat on just two occasions in their last nine league matches on home soil, and those were a pair of narrow 1-0 defeats to quality opposition in the form of Man City and Tottenham.

However, it is Blackburn’s record at home to Wolves which is particularly eye-catching, and is perhaps why some believe Steve Kean’s team to be an attractive betting proposition this weekend. Not since the early 90′s have Blackburn lost a league fixture at home to their Midlands rivals, and that includes comfortable 3-0 and 3-1 wins in the last two seasons. In fact, Rovers have won the last four matches at home to Wolves by an overwhelming aggregate of 12-2.

TEAM PREVIEWS

Blackburn Rovers

If Blackburn are to make the step up from relegation candidates to European contenders then Steve Kean’s men simply must score more goals, and with far more regularity, certainly at home. Just four teams conjured fewer goals than Rovers last season, two of which ended up being relegated, while only Birmingham scored fewer at home, also a team who were relegated from the division. So those are some pretty damning statistics

But despite the alarm bells ringing out for all to hear, the club have taken a blaise attitude to the whole issue. Scotland’s David Goodwillie was brought in to bolster Kean’s uninspiring forward armoury, which includes several young, inexperienced foreign imports, as well as Jason Roberts, an outcast at the club under former manager Sam Allardyce. Roque Santa Cruz and Benjani both left the club in the summer – the former back to his parent club while the latter released – while El-Hadji Diouf seemingly has no intention of involving himself in the club’s future plans.

In the seven games that preceded their final day triumph at Molineux over Wolves, in which they stunned everyone with three first-half goals, Blackburn amassed just four goals, three of which were scored in their final four matches at Ewood Park.

So the problem is unlikely to have disappeared over the summer, although their record at home to Wolves in recent Premier League contests is incredibly strong and would suggest Blackburn are primed to score yet more goals against Mick McCarthy’s men, after notching up ten goals in their last four clashes alone, six of which were netted whilst playing at home.

As well as a distinct lack of proven forwards at this level, Steve Kean could also be without key defensive duo Ryan Nelsen and Christopher Samba for Saturday’s game.

Wolves

What would appear to most as a gentle, pleasant opening fixture is in fact formidable to Wolves. The Midlands club have a truly retched record against their Lancashire rivals, having won none of their last eight league encounters with Blackburn, a dismal run which does include five defeats, four of those occurring on their previous four visits to Ewood Park. The last time Wolves celebrated victory away from home against Blackburn? Almost two decades ago, back in 1992.

To compound all the hopes and expectations of those travelling to Lancashire this weekend, Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is once again facing an injury list as long as his arm. Adlene Guediora is a definite absentee while the likes of Kevin Foley, David Edwards, Michael Kightly, Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and Kevin Doyle are all doubts. Fortunately for Wolves, there is strength in depth at the club.

Looking back on their performances from last season, there were two aspects which urgently required attention; their inability to raise their game against the lesser sides in the league, and their poor displays on the road. As mentioned in my initial preview, only Bolton registered fewer points on their travels last season than Mick McCarthy’s homesick Wolves, while only Stoke netted fewer than Wolves’ paltry sum of 16 away goals.

Has Mick McCarthy addressed these issues during the summer? I would have thought upping their game against the lesser sides would be far easier than amending their drastically poor away form, which could be their undoing right from the word ‘Go’, as this is by no means a fixture Wolves would have wished for on the opening weekend.

TEAM NEWS

Although both are included in Steve Kean’s squad to face Wolves on Saturday, defenders Ryan Nelsen and Christopher Samba are both doubts for the Ewood Park clash. Samba is nursing a groin injury while Nelsen hasn’t fully recovered from a knee operation he had in the close-season. However, new signing David Goodwillie is set to make his Premier League debut for the club.

As expected, David Edwards, Kevin Foley and Adlene Guediora all miss Wolves’ opening fixture through injury. Striker Kevin Doyle is also doubtful after withdrawing from Republic of Ireland’s international with Croatia in midweek. On the up side, Michael Kightly and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake were both named in Mick McCarthy’s matchday squad, as was summer signing Roger Johnson, whom will captain Wolves on his Premier League debut for the club this weekend.

BETTING – NEWS, ODDS & TIPS

Blackburn are utterly dominant in the head-to-head, their form at Ewood Park over the last twelve months has also been decent, while their opponents just don’t do travelling… So I’m sure many of you will snap up the 23/20 on offer with VictorChandler on yet another Rovers victory over Wolves.

Considering how poor their record against Blackburn is, Wolves would probably settle for a draw. It’s 12/5 with a whole host of firms including BetFred and Totesport.

Now what about a Wolves win? The Premier League has a reputation for springing surprises, the 2010-2011 season was full of them, so what are the chances of Mick McCarthy’s taking maximum points from a trip to Ewood Park for the first time since 1992? Not all bad actually, according to various bookmakers. You can get 11/4 with Coral and SkyBet on Wolves securing a rare away win on the opening weekend.

Match Odds:

Blackburn Rovers – 23/20 (2.15) VictorChandler
Draw – 12/5 (3.40) BetFred
Wolves – 11/4 (3.75) SkyBet

My Prediction: Wolves to win @ 11/4 (3.75) SkyBet
Value Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ EVENS (2.00) Bet365

I found this fixture particularly tough to call, mainly because Blackburn’s lack of goals is disturbing but not quite as sickening as the sight of Wolves’ record at Ewood Park down the years. But this is always a competitive fixture, normally one where both team give no half-measures, so the draw is out of the question in my book. A tentative vote, then, goes the way of the visitors. The statistics surrounding Wolves aren’t pretty but at the odds I’ll be getting more value for money by backing a team who have more options going forward.

Arsenal

Manager: Arsene Wenger
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Star Man: Robin Van Persie
2010-2011 Position: 4th

Summer Transfer Activity (Notable Transfers)

Arrivals – Carl Jenkinson, Gervinho

Departures – Denilson (Loan), Gael Clichy (Man City), Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Jens Lehmann (retired)

Overview: There is discontent within the Arsenal supporter ranks following yet another pre-season of high-drama and very few arrivals, as preparations ahead of the new campaign have once again been curtailed by this on-going – and frankly now boring – transfer saga involving Cesc Fabregas and long-time admirers Barcelona. Unfortunately for Arsenal, there is more chance of that dealing being finalised before the end of the transfer window than not.

But even more detrimental to the club’s chances of ending their six-year wait for silverware was hearing of Samir Nasri’s attempts to try and engineer a move away from the Emirates over the summer, with both Manchester clubs monitoring the French midfielder’s situation. Wenger, though, is determined to keep Nasri at the club, whatever the cost it would seem, even if it means losing the talented midfielder on a free transfer next summer – but even if he does stay put, surely Nasri’s commitment to the cause will now have to be questioned?

In terms of incoming transfers, Gervinho has joined from French champions Lille and does look an exciting prospect. Carl Jenkinson has also joined the Gunners from Charlton Athletic. But you feel more signings are needed if Arsenal are to better their last season’s efforts, when they could only finish fourth behind Chelsea, Man City and champions Man Utd, whom they were twelve-points adrift of.

Heck, could their top-four status be under threat? Both Liverpool and Man City have strengthened considerably over the summer, while I’m sure their North London rivals will also be gunning for Wenger’s men.

ARSENAL TO BE CROWNED PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: 11/1 BETFRED

Aston Villa

Manager: Alex McLeish
Stadium: Villa Park
Star Man: Darren Bent
2010-2011 Position: 9th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Shay Given (Man City), Charles N’Zogbia (Wigan)

Departures – John Carew, Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Brad Friedel (Tottenham), Robert Pires, Nigel Reo-Coker (Bolton), Ashley Young (Man Utd)

Overview: Aston Villa was a club seemingly on the up back in January, that despite their involvement in a relegation dogfight, as Darren Bent’s arrival from Sunderland appeared to have signalled the club’s second coming. However, just a few months on and two of their stand-out performers from last season, wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, both secured upward moves to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

Villa did of course profit handsomely from the sales of both Englishmen (Around £40M in total), and they appear to have bought shrewdly in the form of former Wigan wide-man Charles N’Zogbia for just £9.5M, who could be a useful servant to the usually prolific Darren Bent, as well as acquiring Shay Given from Man City, with the Republic of Ireland shot-stopper replacing Brad Friedel who departed for Tottenham in the summer.

Among those to have also left the Midlands since the end of last season are midfielders Nigel Reo-Coker and Robert Pires, as well as ftriker John Carew – a few of their hefty earners, with all three having been released by the club.

Finally, fans were not impressed – incensed being the appropriate word – when club owner, Randy Lerner, announced that former Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish – who resigned from the St Andrews post at the end of last season after failing to keep the Blues in the top-flight – would be Gerard Houllier’s long-term successor. To say the pressure is on ‘Big Eck’ right from the off would be a massive understatement, with the supporters now demanding a return to European contention.

DARREN BENT TOP GOALSCORER: 14/1 PADDYPOWER

Blackburn Rovers

Manager: Steve Kean
Stadium: Ewood Park
Star Man: Paul Robinson (GK)
2010-2011 Position: 15th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Myles Anderson, David Goodwillie

Departures – Benjani, Frank Fielding, Phil Jones (Man Utd)

Overview: When Blackburn’s relatively new owners completed their purchase of Blackburn Rovers FC some six months ago, they announced that Champions League football was their primary aim shortly before handing Sam Allardyce his marching orders in a move which enraged the LMA and most neutrals but was surprisingly welcomed with open arms by a large portion of Rovers’ supporters.

A new brand of attractive football was supposedly on the horizon, and Venky’s quick-fire solution was to promote Steve Kean to manager. A bizarre move considering funds aren’t in short supply, according to the owners anyway, yet they opt for a man with absolutely no managerial experience at this level and whom will cost them pittance to keep on.

Furthermore, the club are still a million miles off even competing for a top-four finish, while they haven’t even come good on their promise to bring a so-called ‘marquee signing’ to the club despite several humbling attempts to bring the likes of David Beckham and Luis Fabiano to Lancashire.

Throw in a quiet summer, that floundered when Phil Jones was sold to Manchester United but turned a little brighter when Rovers swooped for Dundee’s David Goodwillie, and you’re struggling to envisage anything other than a typically ordinary season at Ewood Park, which at best will involve a mid-table finish and at worst, relegation. The latter certainly isn’t out of the question.

BLACKBURN TOP-TEN FINISH: 4/1 BET365

Bolton Wanderers

Manager: Owen Coyle
Stadium: Reebok Stadium
Star Man: Kevin Davies
2010-2011 Position: 14th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Chris Eagles, Tyrone Mears, Darren Pratley (Swansea), Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa),

Departures – Ali Al Habsi (Wigan), Joey O’Brien, Matthew Taylor,

Overview: The standard has been raised at Bolton Wanderers thanks in no small part to manager Owen Coyle, with the 45-year-old performing minor miracles during his first full season in charge.

Upon accepting the position as manager back in January 2010, Coyle inherited a team that was battling to stay in the division, who were positioned down near the basement of the league. However, not only did he successfully lead the Trotters to safety (2009-2010), he would later write his own chapter in Bolton folklore, leading an average-looking side to the semi-finals of the 2010-2011 FA Cup. The team were also European contenders for much of the league season, but unfortunately their form declined dramatically in the final few months – a ominous sign perhaps that the squad urgently needed reinforcements?

So what next for Coyle and Bolton? Well, I’m sure the manager will say survival is of the utmost importance, which does kind of go without saying, but after flirting with the Europa League spots for so long last season, could the team possibly push on and take the club to that next level?

Summer signings have been few and far between though, certainly exciting ones. Tyrone Mears and Chris Eagles have joined from Burnley, Coyle’s former club, while Nigel Reo-Coker could prove a decent capture should the former Villa midfielder recapture his form of old that earned him an England call-up. And in the other direction went midfielder Matty Taylor and striker Johan Elmander.

BOLTON TOP-TEN FINISH: 9/4 BET365

Wolves V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 May 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)
Venue: Molineux

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Preview

Had this fixture been scheduled for earlier in the season, this would have almost certainly been dubbed a relegation six-pointer. Because it’s the final game of the season, and with both teams embroiled in a desperate fight for survival, you could quite easily call this match a Premiership eliminator.

Wolves and Blackburn will go into ‘Survival Sunday’ sat side-by-side in the table, a solitary point above the relegation places meaning victory for either side, regardless of whatever drama unfolds elsewhere around the country, would be enough to guarantee the victor a berth into the 2011/2012 Barclay’s Premier League.

The permutations are endless, though, and should their be a loser at Molineux on Sunday, they may not necessarily go down – especially in Blackburn’s case.

While the pair are level on points and will head into the final day knowing the odds are stacked in their favour, seeing as defeat for either wouldn’t necessarily relegate them should those directly below them come a cropper as well, it is Blackburn with the larger margin for error simply because of their vastly superior goal difference. A draw would suit them down to the ground as it would then require wins from Blackpool, Birmingham and Wigan for Rovers to go down. So the onus is certainly on the home side.

Wolves, though, will fancy their chances of securing the win which would assure them of Premiership football next season. Not only has their record at Molineux in the league during 2010/2011 been eye-catching, having won more fixtures at home than any of their survival rivals but also losing just two of eight in 2011, Mick McCarthy’s men have hit a rich vein of form at just the right time. Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Wearside was their second in quick succession, stretching their unbeaten run now to three games, so they’ll return to their spiritual home full of confidence and with all the momentum.

Interestingly, Blackburn are also without defeat in their last three league games, albeit two draws and a win compared to Wolves’ two wins and one draw, but Steve Kean’s men have also built up ahead of steam ahead of Sunday’s crucial match whilst also establishing some self-belief that they can acquire the result they need at Molienux to stay up, which, in all probability, will be just a point.

Then again, Blackburn have been woeful on their travels in 2011. Apart from a couple of decent draws at Arsenal (0-0) and West Ham (1-0), the latter they really ought to have won, it has been a miserable state of affairs for Rovers boss Steve Kean away from home. Six defeats in their last eight away contests is more than just a little disconcerting, it’s critical ahead of Sunday’s ‘make or break’ trip to Molineux. Rovers have also won just three of their eighteen away fixtures, losing twelve.

Confidence levels should nevertheless be sky-high following last week’s exploits at home to the newly crowned Barclay’s Premier League champions, Manchester United – a match Blackburn should have won, they certainly created the openings to do so.

A combination of the woodwork and Paul Robinson gifting United the opportunity to draw level from the spot, which they did with aplomb, meant Blackburn spurned a glorious opportunity to not only record a win over the most consistent team in England this season, but also to add three vital points to their tally, which would have kept them up without any final day drama.

As it is, Rovers now need some form of a result away at Wolves to enhance their chances of staying up. Wolves, meanwhile, ideally need a win although, if truth be told, I reckon both teams will be doing their utmost to secure maximum spoils.

One player who could make the telling difference is Wolves forward Steven Fletcher. The Scotland international has five goals in as many games, including a couple in his team’s impressive 3-1 win at home to West Brom just two weeks ago. On current form, Fletcher could be the man to fire Wolves towards a third consecutive season in the Premier League.

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Form

Wolves – DLDWW (Wolves 1-1 Fulham, Stoke 3-0 Wolves, Birmingham 1-1 Wolves, Wolves 3-1 West Brom, Sunderland 1-3 Wolves)

Blackburn – LLWDD (Everton 2-0 Blackburn, Blackburn 0-1 Man City, Blackburn 1-0 Bolton, West Ham 1-1 Blackburn, Blackburn 1-1 Man Utd)

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Head-to-Head

Wolves wins: 0
Draws: 2
Blackburn wins: 3

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Blackburn 3-0 Wolves
2009/2010: Wolves 1-1 Blackburn
2009/2010: Blackburn 3-1 Wolves

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Streaks & Trends

Wolves have never recorded a Premiership win over Blackburn Rovers in five previous attempts (W0 D2 L3).

Eight of Wolves‘ league wins this season came at Molineux (W8 D4 L6), where they’ve lost just one of their last six.

Forward Steven Fletcher has five goals in as many games for Wolves, with seven of his ten goals in the Premiership this season having been scored at home.

Blackburn have won just one of their last thirteen Premiership fixtures, and none of their last away away from home, losing six.

Away from home in total, Blackburn have mustered only three victories (W3 D3 L12), with only Bolton (11) having picked up fewer points on their travels this season than Rovers (12).

Ryan Nelsen has two goals in his last two appearances against Wolves.

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Match Prediction: Wolves to WIN – 2.20 VictorChandler

Two teams who appear to have found form at the perfect time, right at the business end of the season. But there can only be one winner and while many fancy the odds on a stalemate contest; after all, a point-a-piece would more than likely suffice for both parties, I’m taken by the home side.

Blackburn were mighty impressive last Saturday, when holding a full-strength Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. Steve Kean’s side also put in a shift away at West Ham the time before. However, Rovers are seriously exposed away from home – losing six of eight in 2011 and having won just three of their eighteen away matches all season – whereas Wolves have taken the vast majority of their points at Molineux, where they’ve beaten the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United this season and have lost only two of eight in 2011, and they really have hit a purple patch.

Three goals in each of their last two games has propelled Wolves up the table, out of the relegation places before Sunday’s fixtures burst into life, and with the team scoring goals a plenty – Steven Fletcher especially – I’m willing to take my chances on the hosts, who know a point may not be enough whereas for Blackburn a draw should suffice.

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Match Odds

Wolves – 2.20 VictorChandler
Draw – 3.20 Boylesports
Blackburn Rovers – 4.00 Bet365

Blackburn Rovers V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 14 May 2011 – 12:45 (GMT)
Venue: Ewood Park
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD2

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Preview

There were scenes of sheer jubilation when the final whistle rung out at Old Trafford on Sunday, immediately after they had beaten second in the table Chelsea 2-1 to move within touching distance of an unprecedented 19th English league title.

Judging by the reaction of the press, the fans even, you almost forget that United STILL require one more point in order etch their way into the record books – but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has guaranteed supporters that his side will secure the point they need from their final two games, starting with an awkward trip to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers before welcoming struggling Blackpool to Old Trafford on the very last day of the season.

It would appear straightforward hereafter, a formality even. All of a sudden, BetFred’s bold decision to pay out on Manchester United being crowned 2010/2011 Barclay’s Premier League champions two weeks ago – before United were beaten 1-0 at Arsenal and Chelsea recorded a 2-1 victory over Spurs to move within three-points of the Red Devils heading into last Sunday’s showdown in Manchester – looks a sweet PR move.

So then, avoid defeat at Ewood Park, a feat Manchester United have managed on thirteen occasions during their sixteen visits to Lancashire in the Premier League, would wrap up proceedings, thus making them instantly the most decorated club in English league history. You get the impression that only complacency and arrogance will get in the way, but then again Blackburn are still battling for their life’s down near the foot of the table and victory for them would guarantee another season in the top-flight – while United’s record away from home hasn’t been all that great either, so perhaps there is still some life yet in this title race.

Just five wins from their eighteen away assignments in the league is uncharacteristically poor for Man Utd, whose four defeats this season – Arsenal (1-0), Chelsea (2-1), Liverpool (3-1) & Wolves (2-1) – were all inflicted upon them whilst on their travels. Furthermore, there is also the prospect of Sir Alex ringing the changes with the UEFA Champions League final with Barcelona in mind, whom they tackle on 28 May at Wembley in one of the most eagerly-awaited finals for some time.

The Red Devils are also in dismal form away from home in general, having won just one of their last five away league encounters; a 4-2 comeback victory over now rock-bottom West Ham,. They’ve also struggled in front of goal away from fortress Old Trafford, scoring one goal or fewer in half of their away matches.

So there are definitely chinks in the United armour. The only problem being that few have any faith in Blackburn, who have won only one of their previous twelve Premiership fixtures and realistically only require one more point to prolong their stay in the top-flight, exploiting them on Saturday.

Despite our bold efforts to highlights reasons why punters and rival supporters should keep the faith, it would appear the writing is well and truly on the wall. But even if Sir Alex’s men do secure the point they need on Saturday, the 69-year-old won’t get his hands on the trophy until the final day of the season, which is next Sunday when they host Blackpool at Old Trafford.

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Form

Blackburn Rovers – DLLWD (Blackburn 1-1 Birmingham, Everton 2-0 Blackburn, Blackburn 0-1 Man City, Blackburn 1-0 Bolton, West Ham 1-1 Blackburn)

Manchester United – WWLWW (Man Utd 1-0 Everton, Schalke 0-2 Man Utd, Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd, Man Utd 4-1 Schalke, Man Utd 2-1 Chelsea)

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Head-to-Head

Blackburn wins: 5
Draws: 9
Man Utd wins: 19

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Man Utd 7-1 Blackburn
2009/2010: Blackburn 0-0 Man Utd
2009/2010: Man Utd 2-0 Blackburn
2008/2009: Man Utd 2-1 Blackburn
2008/2009: Blackburn 0-2 Man Utd
2007/2008: Blackburn 1-1 Man Utd
2007/2008: Man Utd 2-0 Blackburn
2006/2007: Man Utd 4-1 Blackburn
2006/2007: Blackburn 0-1 Man Utd

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Streaks & Trends

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last nine league meetings with Blackburn, winning seven, including their 7-1 romp at Old Trafford back in November.

Dimitar Berbatov scored five goals the last time these two clashed, during that unforgettable 7-1 victory in November 2010.

United, though, have only mustered one away win from their last five in the Premier League, and just five all season (W5 D9 L4).

Blackburn have won only one of their last twelve league games (W1 D5 L6).

Apart from Liverpool (W3-1), Blackburn have lost all of their home league games this season against the top-six by a single goal – Arsenal (1-2), Chelsea (1-2), Man City (0-1) & Tottenham (0-1).

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Value Bets

Dimitar Berbatov First Goalscorer @ 6.50 VictorChandler

The Bulgarian should feature prominently in the final two games of the 2010/2011 Barclay’s Premier League, with his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, eager to preserve Mexican starlet Javier Hernandez for the UEFA Champions League final with Barcelona at the end of the month now that the league title is virtually assured.

Manchester United to WIN by 1 Goal (Winning Margin) @ 3.60 Bet365

Blackburn have had a habit of losing to the big teams by single goal margins this season, while three of United’s five away victories were close-run things. 

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Match Prediction: Draw – 3.60 Bet365

Blackburn isn’t the most well-supported club in the land but they’ll certainly have a large following this weekend, that’s for sure. But reports have emerged that even the Blackburn fans have no faith in their side turning United over on Saturday, with some season-ticket holders reportedly selling their seats to United supporters despite the fact the Reds won’t get their hands on the trophy until next week. So it may not even be a hostile outing for United if their supporters do manage to wriggle their way into Ewood Park, which is usually half-full anyway.

I fully expect this to be a tricky fixture for Manchester United, who have made hard work of most away assignments in 2010/2011. The home side will be fighting tooth and nail for the point which would, in all probability, guarantee them survival though three would definitely do the trick. I don’t see them achieving the latter, not even against what I suspect will be a weakened United outfit. It shouldn’t be a second string outfit but there will certainly be changes, with Hernandez one I don’t expect to see in the team sheet. But even those on the periphery have the ability and talent to ensure United wrap up the title with one-game to spare, but I reckon the gloss won’t be added until next Sunday, when they spank Blackpool at Old Trafford on the final day. Now it’s just a case of getting the job done and a point will suffice, for both sides.

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Match Odds

Blackburn Rovers – 5.50 BetFred
Draw – 3.60 Bet365
Manchester United – 1.80 Boylesports

West Ham United V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 7 May 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Upton Park

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Preview

After two excruciating outings, West Ham have three ‘make or break’ fixtures to save their season and spare them the heartbreak of relegation back to the Championship. It begins with Blackburn Rovers at home, who themselves aren’t out of the woods just yet and will be playing their part in this weekend’s one and only relegation six-pointer, before visiting fellow survival hopefuls Wigan at the DW in seven days time, just one week before they host a hapless and depleted Sunderland on the very last day of the season.

A win for either side would have a massive impact on this intense battle for survival. For West Ham, whom are rock-bottom of the Premier League on 32-points, it will give them genuine belief that they can avoid relegation, while it may even lift them out of the bottom three, with just a couple games left to play, should results elsewhere go their way. Blackburn, meanwhile, are within touching distance of survival on 38-points and need only one more victory to guarantee their inclusion in next season’s Barclay’s Premier League.

So it’s no understatement to say there’s everything to play for at Upton Park, though there’s no doubting as to which of the two parties are in greater need of the points.

West Ham have spent much of the season in the basement of the Premier League, so I suppose we shouldn’t be at all surprised to see them where they are now. But we are, I certainly am anyway, as it wasn’t so long ago they were stringing a few eye-catching results together and showing the sort of gritty determination in their performances to suggest they had the stomach for this relegation dogfight. Then came a daunting set of fixtures against several of the top-five and the Hammers suddenly capitulated, to such dramatic lengths that they are now aiming to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat this weekend.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are three of the five teams which have turned the screw on West Ham’s bid for survival, though it would be fair to say that few expected them to take much away from those formidable fixtures. But they should of, or at least their performances merited a reward of some kind, and at both Stamford Bridge and Eastlands, against Chelsea and Man City respectively, West Ham shown a tremendous amount of character to hold their own and to create chances, glorious ones at that. I personally thought they were outstanding on both occasions, and a performance of similar ilk would blow Blackburn right out of the water on Saturday.

Twenty-four hours before West Ham gave fourth-placed Man City a run for their money in Manchester, Blackburn were earning themselves a reprieve – a 1-0 win over Bolton at home was Blackburn’s first for ten games and in turn took them three-points closer to safety, where they are now within two-points of that magic 40-points which more times than not ensures survival. So victory in East London this Saturday, as unlikely as that seems on current form, should just about do it.

The reason I say a Blackburn win is unlikely is for the simple fact that their away record in 2011 is appalling.  Since the turn of the year, Steve Kean has taken his side travelling on seven separate occasions in the league, to which his side have responded by rolling over in six. That’s right, Blackburn’s away form reads six defeats in seven, registering a laughable one point from a possible 21 with their last away triumph in the Premier League way back in December.

Furthermore, Blackburn’s record against the Hammers is also pathetically bad, especially in London. The pair have gone head-to-head at Upton Park thirteen times during the Premiership era, with West Ham coming out on top on no less than ten occasions, Blackburn just the once, during the pair’s very first encounter in the Premier League, back in 1994. Bodes well for all you Blackburn fans then, eh?

On the plus side, Blackburn are set to welcome back David Dunn, although even more influential is Scott Parker to West Ham, who is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday’s pivotal game.

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Form & Last Result

West Ham – LLLLL (West Ham 2-4 Man Utd, Bolton 3-0 West Ham, West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa, Chelsea 3-0 West Ham, Man City 2-1 West Ham)

Although their spirited performance at Eastlands was worthy of at least a point, yet again West Ham came away from a fixture empty-handed. A 2-1 loss to Man City was their fifth consecutive in the league, having now gone as many away games without winning too. Demba Ba with the only goal for West Ham, though they could and perhaps should have found the net on more than just the one occasion.

Blackburn – DDLLW (Arsenal 0-0 Blackburn, Blackburn 1-1 Birmingham, Everton 2-0 Blackburn, Blackburn 0-1 Man City, Blackburn 1-0 Bolton)

Blackburn took a huge stride towards safety with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bolton seven days ago, Martin Olsson with the all important goal as the Swede shone at Ewood Park with a Man of the Match performance.  Previously, Rovers were without a win in ten – 4 draws and 6 defeats – so the dressing room will feel as though a huge weight has been lifted from their shoulders, though now they must end a seven-match away run without winning;1 draw and 6 defeats.

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Head-to-Head (Premiership)

West Ham wins: 13
Draws: 6
Blackburn wins: 8

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Blackburn 1-1 West Ham
2009/2010: West Ham 0-0 Blackburn
2009/2010: Blackburn 0-0 West Ham
2008/2009: Blackburn 1-1 West Ham
2008/2009: West Ham 4-1 Blackburn
2007/2008: West Ham 2-1 Blackburn
2007/2008: Blackburn 0-1 West Ham
2006/2007: Blackburn 1-2 West Ham
2006/2007: West Ham 2-1 Blackburn

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Match Prediction: West Ham United to WIN – 2.00 WilliamHill

Ever since Sam Allardyce was booted out of the managerial hot-seat and replaced by Steve Kean I’ve not been at all interested in backing Blackburn, and I’m not budging on Saturday despite West Ham taking a fifth match losing streak into the game as Rovers look to build on their recent success over Bolton.

Their football has improved slightly, however Blackburn have lost their ability to ground out results under Steve Kean, who has masterminded just four wins from his eighteen Premiership games in charge. Their 1-0 win over Bolton at home Last Saturday was their first for ten games, having previously gone over three months without winning.

The Hammers have lost their last five on the spin but will now nose-dive into considerably easier fixtures, starting with a poor travelling Blackburn side, who have lost six of their last seven away from home, and with those barmy bubble-blowing supporters behind them, West Ham look a good bet to boost their own survival hopes whilst in the process dragging Blackburn right back into this relegation mixer.

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Value Bets

Draw @ 3.60 Bet365

The last four Premiership meetings have ended all-square: 0-0 X2, 1-1 X2.

West Ham to Score First @ 1.75 VictorChandler

In each of their previous four matches at Upton Park, West Ham have opened the scoring. This would have been a winning bet in nine of West Ham’s seventeen home league games this season.

West Ham to Score 2 or More Goals @ 1.80 PaddyPower

No teams in the top-flight has conceded more goal away from home in 2010/2011 than Blackburn (40), who conceded on average 2.35 goals per-away-game. 

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Match Odds

West Ham – 2.00 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.60 Bet365
Blackburn Rovers – 4.00 PaddyPower

Blackburn Rovers V Manchester City

Date & Kick-Off: Monday, 25 April 2011 – 20:00 (GMT)
Venue: Ewood Park
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

As weekends go, this one wasn’t half-bad if your a supporter of either club. Just one of the sides in close proximity to Blackburn secured maximum points on Saturday, while City’s closest rival for a top-four finish, Tottenham, dropped two priceless points at home to West Brom. So which of the two, if any, will capitalise on Saturday’s favourable results? I know a lot of people’s money will be on neither.

The sheer fact that Blackburn are hosts should just about even up the playing field, as there’s little doubt as to which of the two managers boasts the greater riches. Saying that, Man City are missing a number of players for Monday’s live encounter, none more important than their captain and leading goalscorer Carlos Tevez, who is targeting next month’s FA Cup final on 14 May with Stoke for his return. Meanwhile, Blackburn haven’t taken maximum points from a home fixture since 23 January, drawing three and winning none of their last four at Ewood Park.

If you’re still not enticed by the odds on a draw, hang on in there, as there is evidence to suggest that neither are capable of winning Monday’s affair – Not only have Blackburn failed to win on their own patch for four games, Steve Kean’s men are without a win in their last nine overall and are currently in free-fall, having gone from mid-table respectability to relegation candidates within the space of just two months. Then there’s Manchester City, who haven’t won an away match in the Premier League since Boxing Day, with Roberto Mancini’s handsomely paid stars failing to take maximum points from any of their last six away encounters and are currently on a miserable away run of three consecutive defeats.

Away from all the damning statistics, in theory this should be a hotly contested fixture between two teams under immense pressure from all corners to win. Blackburn, because of their alarming form, are fighting for their lives down near the relegation zone but would go four-points clear of the bottom-three with victory. Champions League qualification is the carrot for Man City, and the Citizens will have taken note of Saturday’s results – Liverpool hammering Birmingham 5-0 but Tottenham drawing 2-2 with West Brom – and will sniff out an opportunity to put some valuable breathing space between them and their top-four rivals.

So what will it boil down to? A simple case of who wants it more? What about home advantage? Or will City’s class ultimately tell? So many questions which need answering, yet I’m none-the-wiser.

Blackburn chief Steve Kean is handicapped by so many absentees; Ryan Nelsen and Vince Grella have both been ruled out for the remainder of the season, meanwhile Steven N’Zonzi is suspended. Moreover, the annoyance of Roque Santa Cruz being unable to feature against his parent club will no doubt grind on the Glaswegian. But the under-fire manager is fortunate that this fixture will be contested at Ewood Park, which is of course where his team are without a win in four, but also where only four sides have won this season, with only Tottenham having done so in 2011 thus far.

Roberto Mancini has hardly escaped the wrath of the treatment room however, with the Italian shorn of defenders Jerome Boateng and Micah Richards through injury while Kolo Toure is still suspended. And, of course, how can we forget Carlos Tevez’s hamstring injury? Furthermore, Mancini’s cause isn’t helped one little bit by the fact his team have taken a miserly two points from a possible eighteen on their travels since the turn of the year, however a great deal of confidence can be had from their exploits at Wembley a week previous, when eliminating arch rivals Manchester United in the semi-final of the FA Cup courtesy of a hard-fought but thoroughly deserved 1-0 victory.

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Head-to-Head (Premier League)

Blackburn wins: 10
Draws: 9
Man City wins: 6

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Man City 1-1 Blackburn
2009/2010: Man City 4-1 Blackburn
2009/2010: Blackburn 0-2 Man City
2008/2009: Man City 3-1 Blackburn
2008/2009: Blackburn 2-2 Man City
2007/2008: Man City 2-2 Blackburn
2007/2008: Blackburn 1-0 Man City
2006/2007: Man City 0-3 Blackburn
2006/2007: Blackburn 4-2 Man City

Streaks & Trends

Man City have won on only one of their last six visits to Ewood Park in the Premier League, though are unbeaten in their last six with Blackburn.

Both teams have scored in five of the last six league meetings.

Blackburn are without a win for nine league games (4 draws and 5 losses).

Rovers have now drawn their previous three league games at Ewood Park, all by different scorelines: 0-0, 1-1 & 2-2.

After a 3-0 reverse at Liverpool in their most recent league encounter, Man City have now lost three consecutive away matches in the Premier League and haven’t won away from home since Boxing Day, failing to win any of their six road encounters since.

City have failed to score in four of their previous six away league games.

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.40 VictorChandler

There’s only one result still etched in the minds of Man City supporters, and that’s there 1-0 win over United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley nine-days previous. However, I’m more intrigued by the 3-0 defeat away at Liverpool a further week back, as City were shambolic at Anfield and it remains to be seen which team actually turns up: the one which out-fought United in London or the side which was annihilated on Merseyside.

I’m not a big fan of Blackburn for one reason only, and that’s Steve Kean. I simply do not rate the guy as a manager, and the statistics do all the talking for us. The Scot has won just two of his sixteen league games in charge, two of which coming against a then utterly demoralised and in free-fall West Brom either side of the New Year, and he is currently struggling to rouse the troops during a nine-match barren run which has seen Rovers go nearly three whole months without winning. So it really is a case of whether City turn up, or even put in a half-decent performance, but they too are an unreliable sort and after their horror showing away to Liverpool last time out in the league, I wouldn’t feel comfortable backing them either.

In the grand scheme of things, a point would probably be a decent result for both teams, certainly Blackburn. Results went their way at the weekend so while the pair are under pressure to churn out a win which would boost their respective causes, the heat hasn’t exactly intensified over the course of the weekend, not enough to really get either side hot under the collar. A draw it is.

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) – 11.00 StanJames

The beauty of being a football journalist is that you can turn use any statistic to your advantage. Blackburn have plundered a miserly one goal in their last three league games while Man City have failed to score in their previous two league games away from home, albeit against Chelsea and Liverpool. There’s no Carlos Tevez for City either, just a stroppy, hit and miss Mario Balotelli. Roque Santa Cruz is also missing for Blackburn. It almost looks too good to be true.

Match Odds:

Blackburn Rovers – 3.80 bWin
Draw – 3.40 VictorChandler
Manchester City – 2.15 StanJames

Everton V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 16 April 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Goodison Park

We probably shouldn’t be the slightest bit surprised to see Everton producing another barn-storming finish to the campaign, with the Toffees, as they normally do at this time of the year, in resurgent form heading into the final few games of the season. The same, however, cannot be said for their opponents this weekend.

Everton were genuine candidates for relegation not so long ago, but a six-match unbeaten run in which they’ve registered 14 points from a possible 18 has seen them surge up the table. David Moyes’ rapid finishers are now well assured of their top-flight status and are even ambitiously setting their sights on finishing the term above their arch locals rivals, Liverpool.

Conversely, Blackburn are still slap-bang in the middle of a fight for survival, with the Lancashire club only three positions and as many points off the drop-zone. Their decline has centred around an alarming sequence of results which has seen Steven Kean’s men fail to win a single one of their previous eight games, though a succession of draws has at least maintained some flow of points in their direction. But will the odd point here and there be enough to save their skin?

Every point counts when you’re down near the bottom, but don’t think Everton will be taking this match and their opponents lightly just because they’ve comfortably avoided the drop. As last weekend’s performance away at Wolves shown – Everton running out impressive 3-0 winners at Molienux over another struggling side – the Merseysiders are determined to finish a disappointing season strongly, not least so they can hopefully achieve a feat they rarely manage in the Premier League, and that’s to finish above their famous  neighbours.

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Everton

League Position: 7th
League Form: WDWDW

I, along with many others, was handed a rude awakening last Saturday when Everton, who seemingly have very little to play for between now and the end of the season, thrashed a Wolves side who were in desperate need of points at Molineux last Saturday. To be honest, Everton were outstanding in the Midlands and made my initial predication of a home win look ridiculous – hence why I’m not willing to make the same mistake twice as the Merseysiders continue their relentless pursuit of neighbours Liverpool.

Finishing above the locals is what’s driving Everton towards that finishing line. The Toffees are eager to end a miserable campaign, which has once again brought no prospect of silverware, or even a final for that matter, on a high note; by finishing above Liverpool in the Barclay’s Premier League. Based on their current form, that’s a realistic target for a team which has now gone its last six league games without defeat, recording four wins – Sunderland 2-0 (H); Newcastle 1-2 (A); Fulham 2-1 (H) and Wolves 0-3 (A) – and two draws – Birmingham 1-1 (H) & Aston Villa 2-2 (H).

Everton have been thee class act in recent weeks, with David Moyes’ men not only producing the sort of form which is likely to bring welcomed attention to the club for a change – the Toffees are now top of the form table for the past six games – but also many an eye-catching performance which should provide concerned supporters, who are all too aware of the financial state of the club and that big-named targets are unlikely to be arriving at Goodison in the summer without fresh investment, with encouragement ahead of next season’s exploits.

Last time out Everton were sublime, playing a usually spirited Wolves off the park at Molineux as David Moyes and his team celebrated only their fourth away win of the term. The 47-year-old was delighted to see Phil Neville end his three-year wait for a goal, as well as Russian midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov score his second league goal of the season – both in some style, but also Jermaine Beckford pop up with his seventh goal of the campaign at a time when Moyes is once again light on attacking options.

Yakubu is out on loan with Leicester City, Louis Saha is rumoured to be out for the rest of the season while Tim Cahill, Everton’s leading scorer in the league this season with nine goals, has been plagued by injury in recent weeks along with Mikel Arteta and fellow midfielders Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellani.

Blackburn Rovers

League Position: 15th
League Form: LLDDD

Winners on just one of their previous five visits to Goodison Park for a Premier League encounter, Blackburn are in need of a change of fortune when they pay David Moyes’ in-form Everton a visit on Saturday looking to enlarge the gap between themselves and the bottom-three.

With six-games still to go, Rovers are just three-points off third-from-bottom West Ham, whom they do battle with at Upton Park at the beginning of next month in what Blackburn boss Steve Kean hopes won’t be a relegation six-pointer. In order to quell any fears of relegation and avoid a must-win scenario in the East of London, Kean must mastermind two wins from his team’s next three clashes with Everton (A), Manchester City (H) and Bolton (H), as that would take the club over the 40-point finish line that every club threatened with relegation is targeting as salvation.

The likelihood of Kean grabbing the first of two required victories between now and the end of the season at the weekend is slim however. Blackburn are in dire straights at the minute having gone their last eight games without registering a win (W0 D4 L4). Not since 23 January have Blackburn celebrated three hard-earned points, when beating a then seriously out-of-form West Brom 2-0 at Ewood Park. Furthermore, you need to cast your minds right back to Boxing Day for their last away triumph, which was worryingly a 3-1 victory over that same out-of-sorts side, West Brom.

A succession of three draws has at least stopped the rot, with Blackburn drawing 2-2 with Blackpool (Home), 0-0 with Arsenal (Away) and 1-1 with Birmingham (Home) in consecutive weekends as that elusive victory continues to elude them. To complicate matters for Rovers boss Steve Kean, who is a man under intense pressure to start delivering immediate results, the likes of Gael Givet, Ryan Nelsen, Christopher Samba and Roque Santa Cruz are all doubts for Saturday’s trip to Merseyside. Midfielder Stephen N’Zonzi will continue serving his three-match suspension.

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Head-to-Head (Premier League ONLY)

Everton wins: 14
Draws: 7
Blackburn wins: 12

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Blackburn 1-0 Everton
2009/2010: Blackburn 2-3 Everton
2009/2010: Everton 3-0 Blackburn
2008/2009: Blackburn 0-0 Everton
2008/2009: Everton 2-3 Blackburn
2007/2008: Blackburn 0-0 Everton
2007/2008: Everton 1-1 Blackburn
2006/2007: Everton 1-0 Blackburn
2006/2007: Blackburn 1-1 Everton

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.75 VictorChandler

I tend to steer well clear of David Moyes’ men when they are priced up as odds-on favourites on their own patch, as so often they leave unsuspecting punters with burnt fingers in similar scenarios. Unfortunately, even though they arrive in tip-top form, I cannot force myself to back those unreliable Toffees at such slim odds.

Blackburn have been extremely poor on the road in 2011 but have at least shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks by grounding out three consecutive draws, one of which was a creditable 0-0 stalemate away at title-chasing Arsenal. Their aerial threat means they’ll be prominent from set-plays and with Everton manager David Moyes facing uncertainty over the availability of several key players, Blackburn to squeeze a point out of a difficult outing is the only thing I’m willing to take a chance on.

Value Bet: 3-3 Draw (Correct Score) – 81.00 (80/1) Sportingbet

Blackburn have drawn their previous three league games, all by different scorelines (0-0, 1-1 and 2-2). Meanwhile Everton have had six score-draws at home this season. Anyone partial to a six-goal thriller?

Match Odds:

Everton – 1.73 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.75 VictorChandler
Blackburn Rovers – 5.50 Bet365

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