English Premier
2009-05-24 - Blackburn Rovers vs West Bromwich Alb
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: England, Premier League
Sunday 24th May 2009 - Kickoff 16:00
Blackburn (15th - Home Rec : 6-6-6 22:23)
Blackburn Rovers have survived for another season - thanks in large part to the pragmatic approach taken by replacement manager Sam Allardyce.
But whether this is the way that the Rovers faithful want to see their side playing in the longer term is debatable.
Team News :
Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen has been ruled out with a torn calf muscle.
Full-back Gael Givet is expected to recover from a calf strain and Andre Ooijer is likely to shake off a hamstring problem in time to play.
West Brom (20th - Away Rec : 1-4-13 10:34)
So West Brom's stay in the Premier League lasts just one season this time and in many way it is a shame because The Baggies have won many plaudits for their open, attractive style of play and they don't look far away from being a decent Premier League side.
But with just one away win and a massive 67 goals conceded, West Brom were always only half a side and manager Tony Mowbray will have to admit that it's not possible to create winning passing teams on a relatively small budget and look to strengthen the defence in the summer.
Team News :
West Brom defender Shelton Martis requires a double hernia operation and is set to miss the game.
Marek Cech (hamstring) and Paul Robinson (foot) have resumed training but Abdoulaye Meite is struggling to overcome a back problem.
The Betting Verdict
Blackburn's home form has been just good enough to keep Rovers up this season, while West Brom's away form with 13 losses is a big reason why they finished bottom.
Blackburn's direct style under Sam Allardyce will cause problems for West Brom, and if Rovers can grab a couple of goals then that should be enough to win the game.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Blackburn 2-1 West Brom
