Blackburn Rovers vs Man City preview- Aug 15
Game : Blackburn Rovers v Man City
Date : August 15, 2009, Saturday
Venue : Ewood Park, Blackburn
Kickoff : 15.00 UK time
The Premier League’s biggest spenders this summer, Manchester City, kickoff their new season campaign with a visit to Blackburn Rovers this weekend.
Blackburn Rovers have a clever manager in Sam Allardyce, and Big Sam has urged his boys to turn party poopers for City in front of a sell out home crowd this weekend.
Rovers skipper Ryan Nelsen is expected to face a late fitness test after injuring himself in the pre-season friendly against Dundee United. However fellow defender Chris Samba, who also limped out of the game against Dundee, is fit, and will start against City on Saturday. Vincenzo Grella, Steven Reid and Brett Emerton are all injured.
Versatile full back Lars Jacobsen is expected to make his debut for Rovers this weekend. Think he could score on his debut? Bet at 12Bet.com, and who knows, you could get some extra money in your hands.
Mark Hughes has brought in Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz and Kolo Toure as he aims to improve upon City’s mid table finish in the Premier League last season.
Both Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy are fit, but Emmanuel Adebayor is a slight doubt with a sore groin. If Adebayor is fit, Hughes is expected to start with him as Blackburn are a physical outfit. Roque Santa Cruz is injured.
Many of City’s squad were involved in the midweek international friendlies, and Hughes will have to take that into consideration before selecting his starting XI.
City are expected to play a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-1-4-1, with Given in goal Bridge, Toure, Dunne and Richards in defence. Barry and De Jong ahead of them, with Wright Phillips, Ireland and Robinho forming the three behind the sole striker. A 4-4-2 is also an option that could be employed by Hughes.
Verdict:- Blackburn do have some good players like Pedersen, but City should be able to pick up three points in their season opener.
Rovers 0-2 Man City ( Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry)
