Blackburn preview

When and where:
Sunday 17th September 2006, Ewood Park.

Current form:
Both sides have started patchily this season and have managed just a goal each in the Premiership so far this season. Although Blackburn notched a couple of goals in their midweek tie they are still winless so far this campaign whilst away from home we have lost ten out of the last eleven.

Team news:
Didi Hamman should come into make his belated debut in place of the suspended Dabo, whilst DeMarcus Beasley may win a place on the bench. It remains to be seen whether Micah Richards will retain his place in the side following his midweek indiscretion.
For Blackburn, Steven Reid is still out but Francis Jeffers comes into contention and may start in a bid to provide some goals.

Keys to the game:
With confidence between the sides fairly low and goals hardly forthcoming, whoever can get on the scoresheet first will be in the driving seat in this match-up. The key for me though is who comes out on top in the physical battle as it is certainly to be a close, scrappy affair.

City link:
No ex-Blues in the Blackburn line up but the games sees Paul Dickov return to Ewood Park to moan and harrass his way around ninety minutes.

Why City will win:
Because it's totally unexpected. Dreadful away form and no cutting edge up front means we will surely come away with three points.

Why City will lose:
For precisely the same reason and logic will prevail. We will be out-battled by a determined Blackburn side and will struggle to carve out any meaningful chances.

Prediction:
Blackburn 1 City 1.