Blackburn Rovers

Arsenal V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 13:00 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Preview

Two teams in urgent need of a win will seek out comfort in each other this weekend, as Arsenal, without a win in four Premier League games, take on third from bottom Blackburn at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with the Lancashire club bidding to repeat their four-goal heroics in last September’s seven-goal thriller between the two sides.

It was one of the most remarkable, memorable games in Premier League history – Blackburn 4-3 Arsenal; 17 September, 2011. A seven-goal spectacle that the underdogs somehow edged. You’ll get mammoth odds on a repeat (500/1 for Blackburn 4-3), with the Gunners overwhelming favourites to reverse that scoreline (3/10 on an Arsenal victory) – emphatically so, too. Whether they do remains to be seen, as they haven’t shown an awful lot of late to suggest they’re even capable of dishing out a spanking.

Arsene Wenger would settle for just a win right now, let alone a convincing one. Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Bolton was, believe it or not, Arsenal’s first Premier League point of 2012; previously, they had suffered defeat on visits to Fulham (2-1) and Swansea (3-2) as well as at home to Manchester United (1-2). So that point did at least put the brakes on their three-match losing streak in the league, although they remain without a win in four, since edging out QPR at home 1-0 on 31 December, 2011.

Worrying times then for the Gunners, who have slipped to seventh, five-points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, after going over a month without a league win – they are, however, into the fifth-round of the FA Cup following January scalps of Leeds (1-0) and Aston Villa (3-2). So it’s imperative the North Londoners get back to winning ways as soon as possible, and who better to face than struggling Blackburn?

Only Bolton (15) and Wigan (14) have slumped to more defeats this season than Blackburn (13), who went down 2-0 on Wednesday at home to Newcastle to leave the Lancashire club two-points adrift of safety in 18TH. However, Rovers are unbeaten in three top-flight matches away from home, a run which even includes their shock 3-2 victory at Old Trafford over Manchester United on 31 December, 2011.

Worryingly though, manager Steve Kean did not strengthen sufficiently during the January transfer window, bringing in only Bradley Orr and Anthony Modeste (on loan from Bordeaux). And, if anything, the dressing room has lost its most influential player, with club captain Chris Samba yet to feature in the first-team since handing in a written transfer request last month.

Match Pointers

Last PL Meeting: Blackburn 4-3 Arsenal (17 September, 2011); a remarkable contest that left everyone speechless at full-time. The Gunners had taken the lead twice through goals from Gervinho and Mikel Arteta, before Blackburn stormed back with four goals of their own, two from Yakubu, to secure a memorable 4-3 triumph.

- Arsenal are unbeaten in eight home Premier League games versus Blackburn (W7 D1 L0), whose last victory in this fixture (at Arsenal) was a 2-1 win on 26 October, 2002.

- Blackburn have failed to score on six of their last eight visits to Arsenal in the league.

Arsenal

- The Gunners (League Position: 7TH; Form: WLLLD) ended a run of three straight league defeats with a 0-0 draw at Bolton in midweek, though they have now registered one solitary point from their last four matches.

- Arsenal have scored precisely one goal in each of their previous five Premier League home games – four of which were netted in the second-half.

- At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal have won seven and lost twice in the Premier League this season (W7 D2 L2).

Blackburn

- Wednesday’s 2-0 home loss to Newcastle meant Blackburn (League Position: 18TH, Form: WLWDL) remained in the relegation zone, two-points off safety.

- Just two teams (Norwich & Wigan) have conceded more away goals than Rovers (23 from 11 away PL matches).

- Away from home, Blackburn have won only one of eleven (W1 D6 L4).

- Blackburn are unbeaten in the English capital this season, drawing 1-1 at both Fulham and QPR.

Betting

Prediction: Arsenal to WIN @ 3/10 (Bet365)

I would love to oppose Arsenal in the form they are in, especially at the odds, but that would mean putting some form of faith in a Blackburn team destined for relegation. Yes they did beat Manchester United at Old Trafford a few weeks ago, but that was a significantly weakened United team shorn of Wayne Rooney and the like. You could even argue that playing away from home is also a positive for Steve Kean and his players, considering the fractious relationship between the team and it’s home supporters. Even so, I cannot bring myself to back anything other than a home win.

Arsenal have been very disappointing in 2012, even in the FA Cup. So many are failing to produce, particularly in the attacking third of the pitch. I never thought they’d miss Gervinho as much as they have, simple because Theo Walcott has been extremely poor. However, Walcott and the rest of his attacking chums have a shot at redemption here, attacking a Blackburn defence that concedes on average two goals a game. I’m expecting them to score a few here, something they haven’t done for a while at home in the league.

Value Bet: Aaron Ramsey to Score @ 3/1 (Ladbrokes)

Following my own logic that Arsenal will score a few, it could pay to back someone other than Robin Van Persie netting at the Emirates, whom accounts for four of Arsenal’s last six league goals. Theo Walcott recently scored at Swansea so he’s no longer due; Wenger may opt to rest Oxlade-Chamberlain and go with Henry, who is far too shore to be backing; so it leaves me with the midfielders. Both Mikel Arteta (7/2) and Aaron Ramsey are handsomely priced, yet it is Ramsey who finds himself on the end of more scoring opportunities who appeals more at 3/1.

Match Odds

Arsenal – 3/10 (Bet365)

Draw – 9/2 (PaddyPower)

Blackburn – 12/1 (BetVictor)

Manchester United V Blackburn

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 31 December 2011 – 12:45 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford

Preview

It’s top versus bottom at Old Trafford this Saturday – well, kind of – with Manchester United hosting Blackburn Rovers in a contest which pits two former Premier League champions against one another in the day’s early kick-off, shown live on ESPN from Midday.

With the club currently propping up the league down in 20th, it is easy to forget that Blackburn were once crowned Premier League champions. That was way back in 1995, when current Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish guided the Lancashire club to their third English league title. Almost two decades on and the same club find themselves rooted to the foot of the same league, where they are seemingly destined to remain heading into the New Year.

Only something extraordinary will spare Rovers the ignominy of entering the new year rock-bottom of the league, with Steve Kean’s struggling team requiring at least a point from their visit to the 19-time English champions. So then, they basically need a repeat of their Boxing Day antics which saw them somehow – and I cannot stress the ‘somehow’ part enough – hold on at Anfield to earn a share of the spoils, after playing their part in a riveting 1-1 draw.

You can get long odds on a second consecutive 1-1 draw for Blackburn. In fact, bookmaker VictorChandler make that score an 18/1 shot, which is bigger than Manchester United to win 5-0 for the third Premier League match in a row (16/1 with Ladbrokes). It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why, either.

United are in imperious form right now, as they normally are at this time of year, and this is in spite of a packed treatment room. Monday’s 5-0 thrashing of Wigan at home was made even more impressive by the fact Sir Alex Ferguson rested a whole host of key men – and was missing a fair few as well – with David de Gea, Chris Smalling, Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones among those not to feature who could return at the weekend, while star man Wayne Rooney was a second-half sub.

So it is incredibly difficult to see where on earth Blackburn can trouble their hosts, the overwhelming favourites, in a fixture which United romped to a 7-1 victory in last season, especially seeing as they are likely to be without a number of crucial defensive personnel yet again. Goalkeeper Paul Robinson is again doubtful, along with defenders Gael Givet, Ryan Nelsen and Martin Olsson, while centre-half Scott Dann is out until February.

However, confidence is high following last week’s draw with Liverpool. Stand-in keeper Mark Bunn was the star of the show, producing several stunning saves to preserve what could be a priceless away point in a notoriously tough fixture. That said, Rovers may well struggle for motivation, seeing as they start the weekend five points adrift of safety, although a point – which would appear the only feasible result at Old Trafford – could be enough to move them off the foot of the table provided Bolton don’t get a result at home to Wolves.

Ominously, though, United must beat the worst team in the top flight, Blackburn, the side with the second-most porous defence, by a minimum of five goals if they’re to enhance their claims of ending the first day of 2012 atop of the Premier League – as Man City are expected to take home maximum points from their trip to Sunderland on New Year’s Day. A third consecutive 5-0 win however just might be enough should the Citizens come a cropper.

Match Pointers

In 17 Premier League visits to Old Trafford, Blackburn have beaten Manchester United just once – a 2-1 win in September 2005, with current Rovers midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen with both goals for the visitors.

Each of the previous five top flight encounters in Manchester have gone the way of the home side, with United running out 7-1 winners last season in a game which saw Dimitar Berbatov – scorer of a hat-trick on Boxing Day at home to Wigan – net on five separate occasions.

Manchester United have now gone nine games unbeaten (W8 D1 L0) in the league following their 5-0 demolition of Wigan on Boxing Day – the second consecutive game in which they had won 5-0, after beating Fulham by that same scoreline on 21 December.

It’s now five wins on the bounce for the Red Devils, who achieved this feat by a scoring aggregate of 17-1, as well as keeping four clean sheets in the process.

During their current run of nine games without defeat, United have conceded just two goals and kept seven clean sheets.

United have won seven of nine at Old Trafford in the Premier League this campaign (W7 D1 L1), scoring 28 goals in doing so (average: 3 per home game).

Only Swansea (3) have accrued fewer points away from home this season than Blackburn (5), who have yet to record an away win after nine bites at the cherry (W0 D5 L4).

Rovers have only won two matches all season (W2 D5 L11) and are currently without a win in their last four (W0 D1 L3), though they did hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield last time out.

Blackburn haven’t kept an away clean sheet all season, conceding precisely three goals on five occasions (out of 9).

Betting

Match Winner – Has to be Manchester United. Searching for their sixth straight win in the league, United should make mincemeat of an understrength Blackburn side who invariably conceded goals for fun, particularly on their travels. Even more formidable for the visitors is the prospect of fresh legs on the opposing team-sheet, with David de Gea, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones and Wayne Rooney among those who didn’t start the Boxing Day annihilation of Wigan at Old Trafford who are set to return.

First Goalscorer – It is mighty difficult to see past a United player. Wayne Rooney is an obvious favourite at 11/4 (bWin), though Dimitar Berbatov, the Bulgarian who has three in his last two starts and scored five in last season’s Old Trafford meeting with Blackburn, oozes appeal at 4/1 (bWin) – provided he starts that is, which is unlikely what with Javier Hernandez back in the first-team.

Considering the heroics of Blackburn goalkeeper Mark Bunn at Anfield, it may require something a little special to break open the Rovers floodgates, so Nani illuminates the betting at 6/1 (Ladbrokes). Chris Samba is the pick of the Blackburn bunch, with set-pieces their best avenue for a goal. The powerful defender is 12/1 (Bet365) to score any time in the game.

Correct Score – United won this fixture 7-1 last season, and WilliamHill go 100/1 on a repeat scoreline. A five-goal margin of victory will suffice for the Red Devils in their quest to finish 2011 top of the pile, so 5-0 – a scoreline they’ve won their previous two league games by, with Fulham and Wigan – has obvious appeal at 16/1 (Ladbrokes). I think it could be any number if United really apply themselves.

Match Odds

Manchester United – 1/7 SkyBet

Draw – 7/1 WilliamHill

Blackburn – 28/1 VictorChandler

Blackburn V West Brom

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 17 December 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Ewood Park

Preview

Just two league wins all season and with safety now four-points out of reach following their ninth defeat of the campaign, the last thing disgruntled Blackburn fans wanted to see were reports of a financial crisis at the club in the national newspapers. The Lancashire club reportedly owe £10million to Barclay’s Bank, although the owner’s have moved quickly disperse any murmurings of a crisis – though crisis is the only way to describe their team’s predicament.

Even I am growing tired of defending Blackburn and Steve Kean, who surely doesn’t have much longer to turn things around. I have never been Kean’s biggest fan, in all honesty, with his lack of credentials there for all to see, but his team have looked half-decent at times this season. However, 10 points from 15 games should speak for itself, with Rovers now four-points off safety and just one above rock-bottom Bolton.

Last week’s 2-1 reverse at Sunderland condemned them to their ninth defeat of the season, this despite leading for the best part of an hour only to concede twice in the closing stages. Should their losses reach double figures this weekend, when West Brom pay them a visit at Ewood Park, then it may well be Steve Kean’s last. Though we have uttered something very similar on several occasions this season.

Rovers’ two wins this season did come at home, though, where they were 4-2 victors over Swansea last time out there. And they have every right to fancy their chances against the team who succumbed at home to lowly Wigan last weekend.

West Brom were odds-on to overcome Wigan at home last Saturday – and that was before they took the lead midway through the first half courtesy of a stunning free-kick from full-back Steven Reid. So it remains a mystery as to how they lost that fixture, with goals either side of the half-time interval enough to sink the Baggies – on their own soil, too.

The loss to Wigan was West Brom’s eighth of the campaign, just one shy of Blackburn’s tally, and left them three points above the relegation zone. A second quick-fire defeat – what would be their third in four games – is unlikely to consign them to a spell in the bottom three, but they won’t want to be any closer to it than they already are. So victory is almost a must for the visitors, who have won six of their 26 Premier League away games since the start of the 2010/11 season.

Injuries are part and parcel with this time of the year, but Blackburn’s injury woes are beginning to stack. Gael Givet, Jason Lowe and Michael Salgado are all doubtful in defence, a defence which has yet to keep a clean sheet, while midfield duo David Hoilett and Ruben Rochina both failed fitness tests ahead of last week’s Sunderland game but should come into contention for West Brom. Vince Grella and Ryan Nelsen remain out injured.

In contrast, Baggies manager Roy Hodgson has a fully strength to choose from bar Zolton Gera, the Hungarian who has been ruled out for the remainder of the term. Last season’s top goalscorer Peter Odemwingie will partner the current leading marksmen at the club, Shane Lone, in attack as the Midlands side try to add to their meagre tally of 7 away goals this season.

Statistics

Blackburn

Position: 19th

Form: LDLWL

Win-Draw-Lose: 2-4-9 (Home: 2-0-5)

Goals For & Against: 22-34 (Home: 10-15)

Top Scorer: Yakubu (9)

- Blackburn did the double over West Brom in the league last season, winning 3-1 on the road and 2-0 at Ewood Park.

- Rovers have never lost a Premier League home game versus West Brom, winning two of five (W2 D3 L0).

- After 15 league games, Blackburn are still to keep a clean sheet; only Bolton (36) in 20th have shipped more goals than Steve Kean’s side (34).

- There has yet to be a drawn fixture at Ewood Park so far this season, with Blackburn winning two and losing five of their seven home games thus far.

- Striker Yakubu is Blackburn’s leading goalscorer this season, netting 6 of his 9 league goals at Ewood Park.

West Brom

Position: 15th

Form: LWLDL

Win-Draw-Lose: 4-3-8 (Away: 2-2-3)

Goals For & Against: 14-23 (Away: 7-12)

Top Scorer: Shane Lone (5)

- West Brom have failed to win any of the previous five Premier League meetings at Ewood Park versus Blackburn, with their last away win over the Lancashire club dating back to 1991.

- The Baggies have conceded a first half goal in each of their last five away matches.

- Shane Long has scored five times for West Brom in the league since joining in the summer, three coming away from The Hawthorns.

Betting

Yet another colossal encounter for Blackburn, their third in a row following tussles with Swansea and Sunderland. Having failed to win any of their last three, you could argue West Brom are there for the taking – but this is Blackburn, a side who don’t take anyone to the cleaner’s. Plus the Baggies can be extremely resolute and resilient when they want to, hence why I see a lot of value in the visitors springing a mini surprise at Ewood Park.

When Blackburn aren’t scoring four at home – doing so on two occasions against Arsenal and Swansea, both in victories – then they are struggling to score any at all. In five of their seven league games at Ewood Park, Rovers have scored one goal or fewer – and more times than not it was fewer. Combine this with the fact they have the second most porous defence in the Premier League and you can see why they sit second bottom.

So, basically any team who can defend are instantly value, but especially a potent Baggies outfit who do pose a serious threat in the final third themselves through Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long. Plus Blackburn could be missing any number of key players, particularly defensively. Looks a no-brainer to me.

Prediction: West Brom to WIN – 9/4 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Shane Long & Peter Odemwingie Both To Score – 11/1 SkyBet

Match Odds

Blackburn – 11/8 888Sport

Draw – 5/2 WilliamHill

West Brom – 9/4 Ladbrokes

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