English Premier
2012-01-14 - Blackburn Rovers vs Fulham
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 14 January 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Blackburn Rovers
I'll be honest in saying that I didn't think Steve Kean would still be the manager of Blackburn Rovers before Neil Warnock would leave his post as manager of QPR, but that is the case despite the fans clamouring for Kean's exit at Ewood Park. Even a couple of positive results at Anfield and Old Trafford have been forgotten in the last couple of weeks.
That is down to the fact that Rovers are once again bottom of the Premier League with 14 points gained. Blackburn are still in touch with those in the safety zone, finding themselves just 3 points behind Wolves and QPR in 16th and 17th places respectively. Rovers are 2-0-8 at Ewood Park this season, scoring 13 goals and conceding 21, meaning no team has lost more home games and only Bolton have conceded more at home.
Blackburn have lost their last 2 games in all competitions, both 2-1, which means they have conceded at least 2 goals in 10 of their last 11 games in all competitions. Rovers have lost 6 of their last 7 home games in the Premier League, the last 3 of these all ending 1-2.
Paul Robinson could return to his place between the sticks, while Chris Samba is expected to start despite being linked with a move away from the club in this transfer window.
Fulham
Fulham have begun moving up and away from the relegation zone as Martin Jol's methods are finally paying dividends. There are still rumours of unhappy players in the form of Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora, with the former being linked with a move to Blackburn Rovers.
The festive period proved to be a productive time for the Cottagers, who are now 14th in the Premier League and 7 points clear of Bolton in the final relegation spot. They have a 1-5-4 away record in the League, scoring a League low 6 goals and conceding 11.
Since a 0-5 home loss to Manchester United, Fulham have picked up 5 points from a possible 9 from games at Chelsea and Norwich City and at home against Arsenal. They have actually only lost 1 of their last 7 games in all competitions, although they have failed to win any of their last 6 away games. A lack of goals away from home has been a problem for the side and they have just 3 in their last 6 games.
Mark Schwarzer remains sidelined until next month, while Andy Johnson should be available but could miss out as he is being linked with a move away from the club.
Head to Head
Fulham and Blackburn Rovers drew 1-1 in a game at Craven Cottage earlier this season.
Blackburn are unbeaten in their last 6 home games against Fulham, winning 4 of those games.
The corresponding fixture ended 1-1 here last season.
Prediction
Blackburn Rovers have been involved in a lot of high-scoring games this season simply because they are not a bad side going forward, but they really struggle defensively and offer up too many opportunities.
Fulham have not been a high-scoring team on their travels, but they have enough quality up front to create chances in this game and I think they will get on the scoresheet, while they haven't kept a clean sheet in their last 5 away games in all competitions.
With that in mind, I still think the layers have underestimated the chances for this game to go 'Over 2.5 Goals'- Blackburn are struggling to prevent teams scoring against them, while Fulham have not had a clean sheet in 5 away games.
At evens, I will stick with the play.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Fulham
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00
