Both Blues and Blackburn find themselves in a very similar position – fighting at the foot of the table…both having indifferent starts to the campaign.
Form plays a big part in the way a team performs; we only need to look at Arsenal and even Everton for this to become clear. If a team can pick up two or three successful wins then picking up points becomes a little easier to accomplish.
Former Blues right back Jeff Kenna has made a rather good point this week in saying “Whoever loses this game will find themselves in a scrap, a point isn’t enough” I totally agree the man, both teams need the win, therefore I predict this could be a hot game, with lots of heated players flying along the turf left, right and centre.
Blackburn have their threats – as does every team, two of the mains threats being Paul Dickov and Jonathan Stead, although Jonathan Stead looks a doubt.
Blues’ last game of last season saw us go to Ewood Park and pick up a point; this seems to be the sort of result that Sunday will give.
Again I can report more good news on the injury side for Blues, both Mr Inspirational (Dunn) and Clint are back, available and up for selection, although both are likely to take a seat on the subs bench after only just returning and being somewhat rusty. But we are without goalkeeper Muzzy…I mean Midfielder Muzzy and Stanley has yet another injury after hobbling off the pitch while on international duty with Australia.
As for Blackburn Jonathan Stead anxiously awaits a late fitness test after picking up an ankle injury last weekend, Jay Bothroyd is halfway through serving a three-match suspension so he is ruled out, Craig Short (hamstring) and Garry Flitcroft (back) have returned to training but remain minor doubts. Vratislav Gresko is expected to be out for a fortnight after picking up a knock in midweek international duty with Slovakia. Both Barry Ferguson and Paul Dickov face fitness tests but look likely to come through with flying colours after being rested midweek on international duty with Scotland. Finally Matt Jansen has delayed a cartilage operation and is hoping to be in contention for a starting role.
It must be said Blackburn aren’t looking very strong this season, and Blues really do need to pick up at least a point against a struggling outfit. Yes it’s hard, and yes Blackburn are a good side, but as soon as we all realise that we’re three points from the dark, cold, and dull foot of the table then the better…we seriously need this win, so let’s just hope our representatives can get stuck in, play for each other and give us something to cheer about. Less of the showboating, not mentioning any names, get back to basics then when we are safe, showboat.
Blues can win Sunday, we have top, top professionals returning - players we can bring off the bench that can actually change the game as opposed to filling a gap.
This week will be a hard game – as ever.
I feel this week a rather successful away win will be the outcome, yes Blackburn are at home but the away victory at Anfield (jammy or not) will give a bit of away confidence. Away win.
Contact Leigh direct:: bcfcleigh@aol.com