Blackburn vs Arsenal: Match Preview, Predicted Teams & Final Score

Arsenal take a trip to Ewood Park as the season hits the fifth week. Both teams are in a poor run of form in the new campaign and the use of football statistics couldn’t even predict this one as both sides struggle to find consistency. The Rovers are sitting comfortably at the bottom of the table, after a run of 3 losses and a draw while the Gunners have 4 points in 4 matches so far. Here is a chance for the two teams to get their frustrating seasons back on track.

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Steve Kean and his players will be under pressure to come up with a good performance right in front of the already wounded home crowd, in the knowledge that a host of supporters are calling for his head at the moment. The fans are furious that the club has managed just one win this season, against League 1 side Sheffield Wednesday in the Carling Cup. Their last result against Fulham was the best result they’ve so in this year’s campaign which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The good thing is that, Rovers next opponents are depleted and also in poor run of form, and if Blackburn get themselves together then they have a chance against an exhausted Arsenal side after taking a long trip to Germany for their Champions League opener against Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund. Blackburn Rovers have 2 of Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool’s summer targets in their squad in Chris Samba and former Birmingham City defender Scott Dann in their defence, and they both put in a good performance in their match against Fulham.

After a torrid defense against Wolves and Aston Villa conceding 5 goals in two matches, Gael Givet and the rest of the back four must stand on their feet to face the likes of Walcott and Gervinho, who will make a return from his three matches suspension. Norwegian winger Morten Gamst Pedersen will back in action after missing the trip to Fulham and former Barcelona and Spanish striker Ruben Rochina, who has scored three goals in two appearances including two in the League Cup. Rovers will be in full attack and Arsenal’s defence may be up for a difficult time at Ewood Park.

ARSENAL

Arsene Wenger side are gradually re-gaining confidence and  the Gunners return to England in pursuit of their first away win of the season, after a hectic game in Germany against German Champions Borrusia Dortmund. There will be a lot of positives for Arsene Wenger and his men to take away from Germany, with Alex Song and Bacary Sagna and the back four putting up a good performance. Arsenal will hope to build on the victory last week and a win will get them going. According to Arsene Wenger Tomas Rosicky, Aaron Ramsey and Sebastian Squillaci face fitness tests while Vamealen, Diaby and Wilshere are still out.

The biggest boost for the team will be the return of Alex Song and Gervinho, who have completed their bans. Arsenal have yet to find their scoring boots, managing only 3 goals in 4matches and thanks to a goalkeeping howler against Swansea. With Mertesacker in the back line and Song and Sagna providing solidity at the back at Dortmund during their Group F opener and growing in confidence, another good performance on Saturday would give them the need result with a full attack and solid defence.

PREDICTED LINE-UP:

BLACKBURN ROVERS: Robinson, Salgado, Dann, Samba, Givet, Dunn, Hoilett, Nzonzi, Rochina, Formica, Goodwillie

ARSENAL: Sczeczny, Sagna, Metersacker, Koscielny, Santos, Song, Rosicky, Gervinho, Arteta, Arshavin, Van Persie.

GAME VERDICT: A match to make up for the lost time for both teams, Arsenal with more chances on paper but with the fans pressure on the Blackburn’s team, they may be pressurized to grind out the needed result if Arsenal gives in. But with Dutch striker Robin Van Persie who has scored 10 goals in 10 appearances against Rovers in action, I predict a 2-0 victory for Arsenal.

Written by Adedeji Oluwafemi from www.o-posts.net