Queens Park Rangers V Blackburn Rovers

Date/Kick-Off: Saturday 15 October, 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: Loftus Road

Preview

Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers will be aiming to bounce back from heavy defeats before international break came to their rescue two weeks ago when they meet at Loftus Road this weekend. Neil Warnock’s Rangers were thumped 6-0 away at Fulham – the joint-heaviest defeat of the season in the Premier League, a shared honour with Arsenal who were beaten 8-2 at Old Trafford – whereas Blackburn slumped to the heaviest home defeat of the campaign with a 4-0 loss at home to Manchester City.

For Neil Warnock, he will try and pass off the Craven Cottage annihilation as a ‘one-off’ but for Steve Kean, emphatic defeats are becoming a regular occurrence. Another on Saturday would heap further pressure on the under-fire boss, who quite clearly lacks the support of the fans even if he does reportedly have the beleaguered backing of the owners. But the omens are encouraging for the Glaswegian – Rovers dominate the Premier League head-to-head between the two, having won six of their eight meetings, and were also victorious when the pair clashed at Ewood Park in the FA Cup last January.

Queens Park Rangers

League Position: 11th

League Form: LDWDL

Just a bad day at the office? Problem is, it wasn’t the first. Rangers’ six-goal drubbing away to Fulham a fortnight ago was their second crushing defeat of the campaign, having previously lost their opening fixture 4-0 at home to Bolton, whom have since gone on to record six straight losses. The Craven Cottage debacle also came at a time when the club and its supporters are supposedly riding the crest of wave; under vibrant, new ownership, with many exciting players having arrived on transfer deadline day and with results previously satisfactory. So we await their response to this latest setback with baited breath.

Are we reading a little too much into the Fulham result? Can it merely go down as a ‘one-off’ bad performance from a side who were previously unbeaten in three and were playing some decent stuff? I’m not so sure it can. Fulham were prime for the taking. A team which hadn’t won any of their six league games before QPR paid them a visit, and whom were in Europa League action in Denmark just three days previous. The only positive to be had was the fact an international break left manager Neil Warnock with two priceless weeks to regroup and galvanise his troops.

Credit to the fans who did stick around at Craven Cottage, despite the embarrassing scoreline. But the Loftus Road faithful may not be as forgiving should their side fail to capitalise on this weekend’s generous offering of Blackburn at home – Rovers lie second from bottom in the table, have the second most porous defence in the league and are a club in dire straits, with disgruntled fans incensed with the sheer sight of Steve Kean still at the helm. However, Rangers’ home record isn’t much better – they’re still without a win at Loftus Road after three games, netting just once.

News that Kieron Dyer has suffered a setback another injury setback has hardly come as a surprise, though it’s a blow for Neil Warnock nonetheless. But… we could witness a strange twist of fate should forward Jamie Mackie make his first ever appearance in the Barclay’s Premier League this weekend, after spending the last nine months on the sidelines with a broken leg, against the team whom inflicted the damage. Mackie broke his leg in a third round FA Cup tie with Blackburn at Ewood Park back in January.

Blackburn Rovers

League Position: 19th

League Form: LDWLL

Blackburn manager Steve Kean completed his routine trip to India to meet with club owners Venky’s during the international break. I’m not sure what’s worse though; the fact he took his team with him to contest a bizarrely-timed friendly with Pune FC, during what should have been a vital period of reflection following what has been one of the worst starts to a season in the club’s history, or that a man so loathed by the supporters remains at the helm of a team which under his stewardship has won only six of twenty-eight Premiership matches, and taken just 26 points from a possible 84.

It’s impossible not to be concerned about Steve Kean’s position as Blackburn Rovers manager. His credentials are non-existent, the results have been terrible on the whole, performances haven’t been that great either, while there’s mass mutiny within the supporter ranks. Quite frankly, the move to sack Sam Allardyce last December and replace him with a cheaper but unproven alternative has been an epic failure, and once Kean is booted out – which does seem a case of when and not if – it won’t be long until fans turn on the owners, who haven’t delivered on any of their audacious promises thus far.

To put it bluntly, Blackburn are a club in dire straits. Their crushing defeat at home to Manchester City last time out was their fifth of the campaign in the league. It also left them with the second leakiest defence in the top-flight, having shipped seventeen goals in total. Moreover, it was the fourth occasion this season where Rovers had conceded three or more times in a match. Throw fans are piling further pressure on the team with their public condemnation of the manager and you’re struggling to see a way out of this mess that doesn’t involve Kean being put out of his misery, or should that be the fans?

Funnily enough, I’d expect Blackburn’s better results to come on their travels what with the support at Ewood Park right now volatile to say the least. But that hasn’t been the case. Just a solitary point registered from their third road trips to Aston Villa (3-1), Fulham (1-1) and Newcastle makes for further gloomy reading, as does hearing of Kean’s away record as Blackburn chief: W2 D3 L8, GF16 GA 28. Although they have scored in each of their previous five.

Match Pointers

- Met eight times in the Premier League, the last back in 1995/96, with Blackburn dominating the head-to-head with six victories to Rangers’ one.

- Clashed in January during a third round FA Cup tie, with Blackburn Rovers narrow 1-0 victors at Ewood Park thanks to David Hoilett’s late strike.

- QPR went down 6-0 at Fulham in their last league game, but Blackburn were also beaten heavily the same weekend when succumbing to a 4-0 home reverse at the hands of Man City.

- Rangers have yet to win at home in the league this season (W0 D2 L1) managing just one goal, though Blackburn are also without a win on their travels having lost two out of three (W0 D1 L2).

Betting

Had it not been for QPR’s pitiful display at Fulham, our hosts here would have been slimmer odds, of that I have no doubt. Still, Rangers at odds-on is pretty damning, and not all that appealing either. Warnock’s team are, after all, still to record a league victory at Loftus Road this season. But can anyone find a case for Blackburn at the minute? I think I can.

As I mentioned above, playing away from home may have its benefits for Rovers, away from the growing anxiety and frustration plaguing Ewood Park at the minute. I also thought they were half-decent on their one and only visit to London so far, when holding out for a draw at Fulham – the exact same fixture QPR were hammered 6-0 in just two weeks ago. Blackburn were, however, hugely disappointing away to Newcastle in their last away assignment but it’s almost a case of now or never for Steve Kean, whose side welcome Tottenham and Chelsea to Ewood Park in the coming weeks.

This is kind of a tentative pick considering the current state of affairs at Blackburn, but if the players have any sort of affection or affinity with the manager, then they’ll recognise the significance of ending their current two-game losing streak. Another toothless display from Rangers in front of goal would also aid their cause. Draw it is.

Match Outcome: Draw @ 5/2 Bet365

Value Bet: Adel Taarabt First Goalscorer @ 7/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Queens Park Rangers – 10/11 Ladbrokes

Draw – 5/2 Bet365

Blackburn Rovers – 18/5 VictorChandler

Blackburn Rovers V Manchester City

Date/Kick-Off: Saturday, 1st October 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers

League Position: 18th

League Form: LLDWL

An exciting period for Blackburn fans starts with Saturday’s home clash with Manchester City, whom they’ve not beaten for over four-years, before tantalising contests, at home, with Chelsea and Tottenham after the international break.

A mouthwatering prospect then for the Ewood Park faithful, but not for Blackburn themselves, who after going down handsomely at Newcastle last week, find themselves reacquainted with the relegation places.

Their record at St James Park was actually very good – they had won on each of their previous five league visits – but you would never have known. A 3-1 loss was as comprehensive as it gets as Blackburn failed to capitalise on the momentum and confidence that was supposedly gained from their sensational comeback victory over Arsenal the time before, when scoring four at Ewood Park in 4-3 triumph, slumping to their fourth defeat of the campaign.

The result leaves Steve Kean’s men languishing inside the relegation zone and in urgent need of a result this weekend if they’re to avoid spending the next fortnight in the bottom-three. Yet their chances would appear slim, despite home advantage. Rovers have failed to win any of their previous three league meetings with Man City at Ewood Park, including defeats in the last two, while they’ve not won back-to-back matches at home since January.

However, City’s turmoil could be Blackburn’s gain. Furthermore, manager Steve Kean will have two key players available for Saturday’s game with Morten Gamst Pedersen and David Goodwillie back from injury, although Martin Olsson will serve a one-game suspension for seeing red in last week’s Newcastle for two bookable offences. David Dunn is doubtful while Ryan Nelsen is a definite absentee.

Manchester City

League Position: 2nd

League Form: WWWDW

Just where do we start with Manchester City? Their dismal showing in Munich on Tuesday, where they were comprehensively beaten by a classy and superior Bayern Munich team at the Allianz Arena? Or how about the highly controversial Carlos Tevez, the Argentine striker who in the summer desperately wanted out of Eastlands and on Tuesday, in Munich, refused to partake in the game after manager Roberto Mancini asked him to come on midway through the second period. There is no shortage of talking points.

There really were some incredible scenes on Tuesday. And it is no exaggeration when I say Manchester City are a club in utter disarray at this moment in time. The dressing room has rarely been an harmonious one but Tevez’s action, which sparked Mancini into saying the Argentine was ‘finished’ as far as his City career as concerned, are a new low and only overshadowed what was a dreadful team performance on the pitch in a pivotal Champions League encounter.

Now there are huge question marks hanging over City, especially as Tevez wasn’t the only one to voice his opinion on the night. Edin Dzeko was furious when he was substituted early in the second half and it would appear the Bosnian, who exchanged words with Mancini on the touchline, will find himself overlooked for City’s new few games, including this weekend’s trip to Lancashire, which is a shame really as not only has he looked sharp this season but it was his goal which settled last season’s contest between the two sides at Ewood Park

The Tevez saga will run and run, which can only be a bad thing as City prepare for their first league game away from Manchester since their capitulation at Craven Cottage, when squandering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Fulham last month. I suspect there will be a few notable omissions from the squad while I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Kolo Toure back on the bench. The Ivorian started in Munich in place of Joleon Lescott, who had formed a decent centre-back partnership with Vincent Kompany I thought, in a bizarre move from Mancini which many feel clearly backfired.

Match Pointers

- Manchester City have won four and lost none of last seven league meetings with Blackburn, whose last Premiership win over the Citizens came in 2007.

- Blackburn have won four of their fourteen Premiership home matches under manager Steve Kean (W4 D5 L5).

- Rovers begin the weekend inside the relegation zone after winning just one of their first six in the league, losing four.

- City remain unbeaten in league competition this season, winning five of six, but drew their last away matche 2-2 with Fulham.

Betting Verdict

Unsurprisingly, the midweek turn of events have influenced the odds for this game. Because of the way Blackburn were brushed aside by Newcastle last week, on the same weekend Manchester City grounded out an impressive win at home to a spirited and dogged Everton, I would expect to see the Citizens, with their vastly superior squad, around the 1/2 mark. So, at odds of 8/13, I’m delighted with the odds I’m getting on the visitors, who should be far too strong in every department at Ewood Park, where they’ve triumphed on their last two visits.

There is definitely disharmony in camp, there’s no hiding from that quite apparent factor, but after their pathetic showing in Germany I reckon City will feel they have a point to prove this weekend, and sorry Blackburn could be on the receiving end of some pent-up Citizen frustration.

Match Prediction: Manchester City to WIN – 8/13 WilliamHill

Value Bet: Man City HT/FT – 6/4 Boylesports

Match Odds

Blackburn Rovers – 11/2 Ladbrokes

Draw – 16/5 StanJames

Manchester City – 8/13 WilliamHill

Fulham V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 11 September 2011 (16:00 GMT)

Venue: Craven Cottage

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 1

Preview

So far it has been a season to forget for Fulham and Blackburn, two of eight sides who are still to register their first win of 2011/12, and no doubt both will have appreciated the recent time-out from domestic affairs due to recent internationals, a period of reflection perhaps, but who, if any, will come back revitalised?

The smart money will be on the hosts, a Fulham team who have an incredible record on their own patch in 2011 – Liverpool are the only Premier League side to have overhauled the Cottagers at Craven Cottage since the turn of the year in a highly impressive ten-game sequence comprising of six wins, nineteen goals and a staggering seven clean sheets.

Blackburn last triumphed away to Fulham three seasons ago, having lost on each of their last two visits shipping three goals in both. The omens are not promising a successful return to West London either, with Steve Kean’s side having made a truly retched start to the campaign with three successive defeats, all against sides the Rovers boss would have tipped his team to get something from: Wolves (h) L 1-2, Aston Villa (a) L 3-1 and Everton (h) L 0-1, the latter Rovers spurning two glorious opportunities to go ahead from the spot, emphasising that luck is most definitely not on their side, nor confidence for that matter.

Rovers have now won only five times in the league under Steve Kean, and just twice away from home, so it’s fair to say that the Scot isn’t the fans favourite person right now. The under-fire Blackburn boss will be pinning his hopes on his deadline captures bedding in as quickly as possible then, with Scott Dann and Yakubu set to be handed their débuts on Saturday at Craven Cottage in a match the club can ill afford to lose else run the risk of ending the weekend rock-bottom; they’re already languishing down in 19th without a single point to their name.

Meanwhile Fulham, who do at least have a point to their name, although it is just the solitary point, will also field a few new faces. One who has the potential to light up Craven Cottage for years to come is Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz, last season’s top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie with 24 goals as well as someone with valuable Champions League experience under his belt. The 26-year-old set the club back just over £10Mil but looks an exciting proposition, a player equally adept in the air as he is on the ground despite not being the tallest, but also someone with genuine ingenuity and imagination in the final third that will help the Cottagers prize open opposing defences.

Former Juventus and Czech Republic international Zdenek Grygera also arrived on the final day of the transfer window, the experienced 31-year-old seemingly a ready-made replacement for injured full-back John Arne Riise.

Match Pointers

Met 20 times in Premier League – Fulham winning 5 to Blackburn’s 10.

It’s honours-even at Craven Cottage after ten PL meetings, with 4 wins each.

Blackburn lost just two of previous ten league clashes with Fulham, however that does include a 3-2 loss in West London last term.

Fulham lost last three matches in all competitions, conjuring up just one goal in that disappointing spell.

The Cottagers, though, have lost just one of last ten at home in league (W6 D3 L1), keeping seven clean sheets.

Rovers won only 5 of 24 PL games under Steve Kean, and just 2 of 11 on the road.

Betting Verdict

Hardly a fixture to get excited about is this between two of the league’s slow starters, Fulham and Blackburn. The Cottagers are favourites for one reason and one reason only, their incredible recent record in West London of just one defeat in their last ten Premiership matches, and that does include a staggering seven clean sheets. However, Martin Jol has overseen just one game at Craven Cottage, a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, so it isn’t as though he can claim any credit for Fulham’s home form.

Negating their form at home is Fulham’s current run of two successive defeats, although Blackburn can better that with a 100% record in the losses column. Rovers are still to collect their first points but manager Steve Kean, who bolstered his ranks with the astute signings of Scott Dann from Birmingham and Yakubu from Everton, is happy with the way his team are playing and strongly believe the rewards for their positive displays on the pitch are just around the corner. They’ll do well to leave West London with maximum points but a hard-earned draw certainly isn’t beyond them.

Match Prediction: Draw – 13/5 Bet365

Value Bet: 0-0 Correct Score – 9/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Fulham – 8/11 Coral

Draw – 13/5 Bet365

Blackburn – 9/2 VictorChandler

Aston Villa V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 20th August 2011; 15:00 GMT
Venue: Villa Park

Preview

Having met on no fewer than nine occasions in the last two seasons alone, Aston Villa and Blackburn should know all there is to know about each other ahead of Saturday’s Villa Park clash. They’re probably sick of the sight of each other as well. Villa, though, are the team in the ascendancy, searching for their fourth consecutive home win over the Lancashire side, whom they netted ten goals against at Villa Park during the 2010/2011 season following 3-1 wins in the Carling Cup and FA Cup, as well as a comfortable 4-1 triumph in the league.

If their recent duels are anything to go by, we should be treated to a fair few goals. That would certainly make for a pleasant change, as neither set the world alight on the opening day of the season last weekend: Aston Villa earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Fulham while Blackburn failed to capitalise on home advantage, going down 2-1 to Wolves.

In Aston Villa’s defence, a 0-0 draw away at Fulham was a creditable result, although it could have so easily been different had it not been for the keeping heroics of Shay Given. The Cottagers, though, are always a tough nut to crack on home, so the point was one not to be sniffed at. However, what will have concerned Alex McLeish was the lack of goalscoring opportunities his team created in West London – just six in total, and only one of which was on target.

It is pretty clear that Villa are still adapting to life without influential wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, who between them had a hand in over half of the 48 goals the team scored last season. A lot is expected from the club’s big summer signing though, Frenchman Charles N’Zogbia. The former Wigan winger set the club back £9.5M during the summer and is tipped to form a deadly partnership with the club’s biggest asset, England striker Darren Bent.

We shouldn’t dismiss what Marc Albrighton could potentially bring to the table this season, after he starred on numerous occasions in the Villa first-team last season out on the right-hand side of midfield, using his quick turn-of-foot to beat his defensive marker to the byline. If he improves his final delivery than the 21-year-old could be one to watch out for in 2011/2012.

Blackburn, meanwhile, well they could certainly do with an exciting prospect or two. Steve Kean’s side endured a retched start to the new season – a 2-1 home reverse at the hands of Wolves, who avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth just a few months ago. But it was Wolves who created by far and away the clearer openings, in particular down the left, as Mick McCarthy pinpointed Michel Salgado’s lack of pace at right-back as a possible weakness (or should I say very apparent weakness) – something which Villa, who do boast two lightening quick wingers, will also look to exploit on Saturday.

Betting

As mentioned above, these two teams have clashed on numerous occasions in recent years, the majority of those being won by Aston Villa, including the previous three contests at Villa Park by an overwhelming aggregate of 10-3.

Last season’s league encounter at Villa Park was comfortably won by the home side, 4-1. If Blackburn fail to keep Villa’s nippy wing duo of N’Zogbia and Albrighton quiet then another emphatic defeat could be on the cards for Steve Kean’s men, as I’m hardly inspired by their attack.

Rovers’ forward options include Benjani, Mauro Formica, David Goodwillie and Jason Roberts. I’m not sure what positive qualities any of those bring to the table; Formica – some sprightly movement? Roberts – brute strength, surely? Benjani – comedy value?!!

The home side are justifiably favourites in my opinion, and at 4/5 look decent value. I’m not discounting a Blackburn victory, just because this is the Premier League and Rovers aren’t all bad… I suppose. However, a draw would be a fantastic result for the visitors, who are handsome odds of 5/1 to defy footballing logic. 

Match Odds:

Aston Villa – 4/5 Coral
Draw – 5/2 SkyBet
Blackburn Rovers – 5/1 Boylesports

Verdict

He won countless honours during his heyday with Real Madrid and probably could have walked into most sides. However, surely any team who starts with 35-year-old Michel Salgado has to be opposed, especially when the team in question is up against genuine pace on the flanks.

As if Charles N’Zogbia needs an excuse to surge past full-backs, the Frenchman will be doubly determined to impress the locals this weekend upon his home début. Salgado should make him look an absolute world beater, as he does for most wingers. Shay Given will also want another clean sheet on his home début for the club, while Marc Albrighton will be keen to impress as well. Darren Bent is never happy unless he’s on the scoresheet. Just far too much to like about Villa to ignore them, even at a shade of odds-on.

Match Prediction: Aston Villa WIN – 4/5 Coral
Value Bet: Charles N’Zogbia First Goalscorer – 17/2 Bet365

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

The battle to avoid the drop will go down to the very last day of the season and any one of five clubs could follow West Ham United through the trapdoor and down to the nPower Championship.

The Hammers’ six-year spell in the Barclay’s Premier League came to an abrupt end last Sunday as Wigan Athletic came back from the death to seal a quite stunning 3-2 victory to spark scenes of sheer jubilation in Greater Manchester, as the Wigan supporters rushed onto the pitch to congratulate the players who had pulled off a miraculous recovery – coming from 2-0 down at half-time to snatch all three points right at the death courtesy of Charles N’Zogbia’s stoppage time winner.

Now the Latics go into ‘Survival Sunday’ knowing they need maximum points from their visit to Stoke in order to enhance their chances of staying up, but even victory at the Brittania Stadium may not be enough to save their bacon. And the same applies to several of the clubs embroiled in this tantalising yet desperate fight for survival.

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The permutations are seemingly endless.

Wigan are second from bottom but level on 39-points with Blackpool and Birmingham, who are 18th and 17th respectively, while just above them are Wolves and Blackburn who are only one solitary point better off.

It couldn’t be any tighter, nor tense, as supporters of all five clubs – especially neutrals – gear up for what will surely be one of the more memorable final days in Premiership history.

Blackburn and Wolves will definitely stay up if they reign supreme on the final day. The one snag is that they face each other in a winner takes all contest at Molineux, home of Mick McCarthy’s resurgent Wolves side who are unbeaten in their last three – two wins and a draw – and have lost just two of eight at home in 2011.

You would think a draw would suit both clubs down to the ground, seeing as they have a one-point margin of error to play with. To be honest, a point would probably suffice considering their rivals all face tricky assignments away from home, though stalemate in this fixture could have serious consequences for both teams should Blackpool, Birmingham and Wigan all collect maximum points.

The likelihood of Blackpool, Birmingham and Wigan all beating Manchester United, Tottenham and Stoke respectively is slim, however. So much so that you can get odds of 100/1 with VictorChandler on such a scenario.

However, if two of three were to come out on top in their fixtures, Wolves would be relegated, as they sit one place below Blackburn in the table, because of their inferior goal difference.

Any one of Blackpool, Birmingham or Wigan could win and be relegated, or lose and stay up, based on goal difference, which just about sums up how crazy a predicament all three find themselves in.

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Various Permutations:

Wolves V Blackburn

- Victory for either team in this fixture would keep them up regardless of what happens elsewhere.

- A draw would more than likely suffice for Blackburn, who would then only be relegated if Blackpool, Birmingham and Wigan all pick up maximum points elsewhere.

- If two of either Blackpool, Birmingham or Wigan win then Wolves would be relegated with either a draw or a defeat.

- Blackburn will only be relegated if they lose to Wolves and at least two of the teams directly below them pick up three-points.

Blackpool, Birmingham & Wigan

- If one team can better the result of the other two, say Blackpool beat Manchester United at Old Trafford but Birmingham and Wigan could only manage draws at Tottenham and Stoke, then Blackpool would stay up, and vice versa.

- The same applies should one team draw and the other two lose.

- If any of their results match (not in scoreline), whether it be two or three of the teams in question, then it will boil down to goal difference. In Blackpool’s case, should they be level on points and goal difference with either Birmingham or Wigan at full-time, they would stay in the division because they’ve plundered more goals this season.

- Should neither pick up a point on the final, goal difference and the margin of their defeat would come into affect to determine who goes down.

Blackpool GD: -21
Birmingham GD: -20
Wigan GD: -22

Disclaimer: I cannot guarantee that the information published above regarding the various permutations to be 100% correct. I apologise sincerely for any mistakes made or for any oversights.

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Betting

To Be Relegated:

Blackburn – 13.00 (12/1) WilliamHill
Blackpool – 1.40 (2/5) Unibet
Birmingham – 1.70 (7/10) bWin
Wigan – 1.80 (4/5) Boylesports
Wolves –  9.00 (8/1) WilliamHill

To Win (Their respective fixtures this weekend):

Blackpool – 6.00 (5/1) VictorChandler
Birmingham – 6.50 (11/2) Boylesports
Blackburn – 4.00 (3/1) Bet365
Wigan – 2.60 (6/4) VictorChandler
Wolves – 2.20 (6/5) BetFred

Enhanced Doubles & Trebles (with VictorChandler)

Wigan & Wolves both to WIN – 4/1
Blackpool, Birmingham & Blackburn all to WIN – 155/1
Blackpool, Birmingham & Wigan all to WIN – 100/1
All Four to end in Draws (Man Utd V Blackpool, Tottenham V Birmingham, Stoke V Wigan & Wolves V Blackburn) – 207/1

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

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 Bolton Wanderers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 30 April 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Ewood Park

Bolton rubber-stamped their inclusion in next season’s Barclay’s Premier League with a hard-fought victory over Arsenal at The Reebok last weekend, however they were once again exposed on their travels during the week and those same away frailties are what free-falling Blackburn are aiming to exploit this weekend when the two clash in Lancashire at Ewood Park.

It almost seems inconceivable that a team good enough to ground out a 2-1 victory over Arsenal, who at the time were chasing the title dream, can be swept aside just days later by mid-table Fulham. But that is the manner of this Bolton beast; they can be elegant and display a tremendous amount of continuity with their results at home, but away from their beloved Reebok they are consistently found wanting.

Wednesday’s 3-0 reverse at Craven Cottage to Fulham, a match Bolton barely even contested such was the dominance Fulham enjoyed, was Bolton’s third consecutive away defeat and stretched their barren run without an away win in the Premier League to an alarming ten games, nine of which were losses. Fortunately for Bolton, Owen Coyle’s men have an ample opportunity to write some wrongs on Saturday, when they pay out-of-sorts Blackburn a visit.

If Bolton’s away form is shockingly bad then you haven’t seen anything yet, as Blackburn’s form in general is inexplicably woeful. To be honest, it’s Steve Kean’s performance as manager which is under more scrutiny than the team itself, as the Glaswegian has won just three of his seventeen league games in charge and has overseen one of the club’s poorest runs in their Premiership history.

Currently, Blackburn are without a win in ten – 4 draws and 6 losses – with their last win in general, as well as at home, coming over three months ago on 23 January against a then ailing West Brom. It’s critical form, with the club only two places and a solitary point off the relegation places with just four games left to play. However, it was to be expected, as the club’s owners’ search for a more attractive brand of football with a squad with limited technical ability was always likely to spell disaster – the proof is in the pudding, which in this case is their dismal sequence of results.

Injuries haven’t helped Steve Kean’s and Blackburn’s cause however, with both Vince Grella and Ryan Nelsen ruled out for the remainder of the campaign as a whole host of others continue to be sidelined with various niggles. But there really is no excuse for failure this Saturday as they prepare to host unarguably the league’s poorest travellers on current form in Bolton Wanderers, who are still without long-term absentee Stuart Holden but could also be shorn of Gretar Steinsson and the prolific Daniel Strurridge, who is now the club’s joint-second leading goalscorer with seven goals, level with forward Kevin Davies, despite only joining the Trotters on loan in January.
 

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Match Pointers

Blackburn are 16th and just a solitary point off the relegation places; Bolton have rose to 8th courtesy of back-to-back league wins.

A 1-0 home reverse to Man City on Monday stretched Blackburn‘s barren run in the league without winning to ten games – their last victory coming back on 23 January.

Rovers have now failed to find the back of the net in three of their last four.

Bolton haven’t won away from home in the Premier League since 13 November, losing eight and drawing one of their last nine away league games.

Blackburn have notched up nine goals in their last three home meetings with Bolton, winning two.

Bolton have won only one of the last eight league meetings, Blackburn winning five.

Head-to-Head (Premiership)

Blackburn wins: 8
Draws: 9
Bolton wins: 5

Last 5 Seasons

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

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.50 Bet365 (bet365 offer codes)

Both teams will need to show vast improvements if they’re to come out on top in this beleagured contest between two teams who seemingly have no idea how to win games of football. In fairness, that isn’t entirely true with Bolton, as the Trotters do at least have a tedency to come good at home. On their travels, however, Owen Coyle’s men have been a constant source of frustration for supporters, with Bolton putting in their poorest showing yet away at Fulham in midweek. A repeat performance would see them punished at Ewood Park, which is some statement to make considering Blackburn are just about the league’s most woeful team at present, having failed to win a single one of their previous ten Premiership fixtures.

I genuinely wouldn’t want to be on either side, especially Bolton, who are likely to be without Daniel Sturridge. The on-loan Chelsea striker has been a revelation at The Reebok, scoring goals for fun and adding a new dimension to the Bolton attack with his pace. What’s left is the old familar partnership of Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander, who have gone missing in 2011 having mustered just two goals between them since the turn of the year, which was a good four months ago. Couple that with the fact Blackburn have failed to score in three of their last four and we should have a rather predictable dull, low-scoring draw on our hands.

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) – 12.00 StanJames

Match Odds:

Blackburn Rovers – 2.05 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.50 Bet365
Bolton Wanderers – 4.20 BetFred

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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