Premier League Match Preview: Blackburn http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rovers-c40385 vs. West Bromwich Albion
The last time West Bromwich Albion won a match on Blackburn turf was 20 years ago. West Brom ended that season on a considerably low note, as they were relegated to third division of English football.
Meanwhile, Blackburn’s season was a completely different story, as the Rovers club found themselves a new owner in January 1991, namely Jack Walker. The owner had been a Blackburn fan since his childhood and proceeded to invest
heavily in the club. Four years later, Walker reaped the benefits of his hard investment and saw the Rovers transform from barely being able to keep afloat in the second division, to champions in the Premier League.
Ewood Park faithful were perhaps hoping for a similar fortune to befall their club when the Venky’s group took over the club in 2010. However, the new Indian owners have done little to meet the Blackburn fans’ dreams, having handed
Sam Allardyce’s apprentice, Steve Kean, the managerial position for two more years (until 2013). The owners however, have made new signings, but only on loan through the January transfer window.
The Rovers manager has had mixed results thus far. Though the manager would certainly be pleased to host West Brom, as he had won the reverse match last year in December. The fixture was the Scotsman's first victory as the Blackburn
boss despite the Baggies woeful defensive form, as they conceded three goals, considering Blackburn players could only manage four shots on target.
The Baggies must improve their form, as they have lost the previous five away fixtures. They managed to secure a victory last weekend in their clash with Blackpool, a game which discontinued their run of six straight defeats.
Both teams sit in the bottom half of the table, with Kean’s team in the 12th position and Albion occupying the 15th spot. Blackburn have played one more game than the 22 games Albion have played this season.
There is only a difference of three points between these two sides, with Rovers coming out on top with 28 points. West Brom have gained only 25 points and have won one less game than Rover’s eight so far. Both teams have drawn four and lost 11 matches in
their campaign so far. They have managed to score the exact number of goals this season, 29, although Kean’s men have conceded 37 goals, which is four less than what Albion have managed to let in.
The two sides have met nine times in the Premier League with West Brom gaining a single victory back in February 2006, a game which ended 2-0 and a season that saw Albion being relegated. They were relegated in 1991 as well, when
they won at Ewood Park by three goals to nil, a match which was played in the lower second division. Kean recorded his first win as Blackburn boss on 28th December against the Baggies, a game that ended 1-3 and was played at the Hawthorns.
Blackburn may field their new signing, namely http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jermaine-Jones-c18363 who has arrived on a loan from Schalke. Ryan Nelson is doubtful to star in this fixture, as he is reported to be suffering from a knee injury.The Rovers have four players
who have recovered from their injury worries; http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Keith-Andrews-c20525 and Steve Nzonzi.
Roberto Di Matteo’s injury worries include Graham Dorrans, who is reported to be suffering from an ankle twist. Steven Reid will be unable to feature for his side after injuring his knee, although Albion have http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonas-c18967 Olsson returning
after serving his one-match ban.
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