Friday, November 4, 2011

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05.11. (Sat) 16:00 Blackburn Rovers - Chelsea


PROBABLE LINEUPS

BLACKBURN

Robinson
Lowe, Samba, Givet, OlssonPedersen, N'Zonzi, Rochina, Hoilett
Formica
Yakubu
CHELSEA

Cech
Bosingwa, Terry, David Luiz, Cole
Ramires, Lampard, Meireles
Sturridge, Torres, Mata
Rovers’ defensive problems show no signs of abating, with Ryan Nelsen, Michel Salgado and Scott Dann still sidelined, along with midfielder Vince Grella. Junior Hoilett is expected to return for the home side after being forced off in last week’s draw with Norwich.

Chelsea have no new injury concerns ahead of the clash at Ewood Park, with Jon Obi Mikel still sidelined with a back problem. John Terry, Frank Lampard and Juan Mata are all expected to start, having been rested for a full 90 minutes in midweek against Genk.


DID YOU KNOW?

  • Chelsea have won 13 of the last 18 meetings between the sides, scoring 38 goals in the process.
  • Blackburn have conceded the same number of league goals this season that Chelsea have scored: 23.
  • The visitors have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last nine Premier League matches, losing three of those games.
  • Rovers have only won one of the last nine Premier League meetings between the two sides at Ewood Park – a 1-0 win back in May 2006.
  • Blackburn have won only six matches in the Premier League in 2011.
  • Chelsea have a worse disciplinary record than their hosts this season, amassing 29 cards to Rovers’ 25.
  • Blackburn have conceded 12 goals in the league at Ewood Park this season. Only Bolton have a worse home record.
  • Chelsea, meanwhile, have the worst away form of any side currently in the top six, with seven points from five matches and only eight goals scored.
  • Andre Villas-Boas' men have conceded more goals in the last 10 minutes than at any other time in their Premier League matches so far this season.
  • Blackburn, however, have failed to score a goal in the final 10 minutes of any match this season, whilst conceding five.
Prediction
Steve Kean bought himself some breathing space amidst the supporter protests after Blackburn’s dramatic League Cup win over Newcastle, followed by a much-improved Premier League performance against Norwich. Chelsea, meanwhile, are smarting after two defeats on the bounce in the league and a disappointing draw in Europe this week. Expect Blackburn to battle bravely, but Chelsea are likely to be ruthless after their recent run. History favours the Blues in this fixture, after all, and I’m not willing to argue against the record books.
Editor's Prediction
Blackburn 1-3 Chelsea