BLACKBURN have been in the news for all the wrong reasons this week, but they should be backed at a very generous price to pick up three points against West Ham on Saturday.
The near universal condemnation for the sacking of Sam Allardyce after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Bolton has been completely justified, and there is no doubting that the fallout of the sacking, coupled with the change itself, will have been a major distraction to Rovers players during their preparation for this game. Indeed, some Rovers fans are planning a demonstration on Saturday, something else sure to take focus away from the football on the pitch. However, distracted or not, Rovers home form indicates that West Ham may well be on a hiding to nothing. Blackburn defeated West Ham’s fellow relegation zone partner Wolves 3-0 in their last home game, even if the scoreline was ultimately quite flattering given the exceptional goalkeeping performance of Paul Robinson. Prior that win, Blackburn defeated Aston Villa and Wigan at home, gained a good point against Sunderland and were 8 minutes from doing the same against Chelsea, ultimately losing 2-1. Rovers may have lost at Bolton last week in dramatic fashion, and conceded 7 at Old Trafford, but they have been nearly deadly in the way in which they have handled teams expected to be fighting it out to avoid the drop. With caretaker Steve Kean clearly intent on taking over the reins on a full-time basis, three points on Saturday would certainly help his cause and restore a bit more sanity to the Lancashire club.
The sacked Allardyce is rumoured to be favourite to replace Avram Grant when he is eventually sacked at West Ham in what now seems to be a matter of time, and defeat on Saturday could see that move get even closer. Grant earned a few more days in the job with home wins over Wigan and Manchester United in league and League Cup, but the Hammers were outclassed seven days ago by Manchester City. That result itself would hardly be cause for concern, but West Ham’s away performances have often been toothless. They were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland in their last away match, and were dire in a 3-0 trouncing by Liverpool at Anfield. Though they have earned a few away draws this season (Birmingham, Stoke, Wolves), the good ship West Ham seems to be heading one way only. Blackburn’s turmoil may perhaps last a few more days, while West Ham’s could well only just be beginning.
Blackburn’s record against the lower teams, coupled with West Ham’s lack of quality, makes 5/6 look extremely inviting even given the events of the last week at Ewood Park.
SUGGESTION –
Blackburn WIN (5/6 @ Paddy Power, Stan James and others)
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