Blackburn Rovers v. Manchester City Preview

Posted on | September 1, 2007 | No Comments

A very interesting game awaits us all at Ewood Park this Sunday when a much-improved Blackburn side, who are generally very strong at home play host to the team everyone is talking about in the English Premier League – Manchester City. Last year Blackburn did the double on City beating them comprehensively in both games – home and away. But under the new management City have a chance to redeem themselves as they look to continue their impressive start to the season.

Blackburn are unbeaten this season. They may be below City in the standings but they have not lost a game this time around and are looking really strong. After having drawn their last two Premiership games, they brushed aside MyPa to progress in the UEFA Cup.

On the team front, Rovers will be missing Sergio Peter, Stefan Henchoz and Steven Reid due to injury. Christopher Samba will take his place in the back line provided he recovers form illness. Rovers’ strength will be their wing play with Pedersen and Bentley running down the wings and providing service to the likes of Mccarthy and Santa Cruz. Derbyshire may be used as a super-sub.

At the Emirates last week, City conceded their first goal of the new season and in the process suffered their first loss. Eriksson did not make any buys on the transfer deadline day and thus the squad for the game is likely to remain unchanged.

The first name on the team sheet will be that of Kasper Schmeichel who has been in sensational form between the sticks. Valeri Bojinov is injured for five months and wont be making the squad. City will mostly go in with two up front – Mpenza and Bianchi with Elano playing in the hole behind them. Gelson Fernandes may find a spot on the bench. Also Darius Vassell is likely to be among the substitutes for the first time.

Verdict: City have started very well. But they will be undone by a Blackburn side which is particularly strong at Ewood Park. 2-1 to Rovers. Goals for Santa Cruz, Pedersen and Bianchi. 

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5. Arsenal vs Blackburn Rovers preview

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