English Premier
2012-05-13 - Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Sunday 13 May 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Chelsea
This game doesn't mean anything to Chelsea in terms of League position this season, but the fans are surely going to create a vibrant atmosphere for the team before they head off to Munich for the Champions League Final.
Chelsea are going to finish 6th in the Premier League regardless of results on Sunday, while their participation in the Champions League next season will rest on whether they win this years competition next weekend. The Blues have an 11-4-3 record at Stamford Bridge, scoring 39 goals and conceding 23.
They have actually lost back to back League games, although those results are sandwiching an FA Cup Final success over Liverpool. The defeat to Newcastle United at home just under two weeks ago was their first in 11 games in all competitions, while Chelsea had won 8 in 9 at Stamford Bridge before that loss.
David Luiz and Gary Cahill will almost certainly miss out as the club hopes to get them ready for the Champions League Final. However, the likes of John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles should all take part as they are suspended for the Final. There are likely to be changes to the side from the one that played Liverpool, although I can imagine Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard do not take part with next week in mind.
Blackburn Rovers
A 0-1 loss to Wigan Athletic on Monday night at Ewood Park called time on Blackburn Rovers as a Premier League club. The players are likely going to be glad that they can avoid the poisonous atmosphere generated at Ewood Park for at least a few months, while Steve Kean insists he is still the right man to manage the club.
Rovers gained just 31 points from their first 37 League games this season, a poor tally in all respects. That means they are locked into 19th place in the Premier League and are the second team to be relegated following Wolves. They have a 2-6-10 away record this season, scoring 21 goals but conceding 43.
It was the bad run of form that saw Blackburn lose 7 of their last 8 Premier League games that put pay to their chances of survival, particularly as all their rivals seemed to be picking up points at a constant rate. They have lost 6 of their last 7 away games in the League, including the last 4, and their season was summed up with the timid 2-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur last time out that saw them fail to register one shot on goal.
Steve Kean may have to make a few changes to his starting line up this week as Paul Robinson, Bradley Orr, Gael Givet and David Dunn are all doubtful for this game. With rumours that around 30% of the playing staff will be released, some of those starting could be in a 'job interview' for new clubs.
Head to Head
Chelsea laboured to a 0-1 win at Ewood Park earlier this season, but have generally found it much easier when entertaining Blackburn Rovers.
Chelsea have won 6 of their last 7 home games against Blackburn, including the last 3, and all of those wins have come by at least two goals.
Prediction
It is a tough match to get involved in as neither has much to gain, or lose, so we may see quite an open and entertaining game.
However, I am going to back Chelsea to continue their run against Blackburn Rovers and win this game by at least two goals as I think their positive attitude and atmosphere will be a direct contrast to the negativity of relegation that Blackburn will be going through.
Roberto Di Matteo should still have a fairly strong side out and some of these players will look to make an impact in the hope that they will be picked next week in Munich and that should motivate the home side to put in a good performance, while those suspended next week will also want to end the season on a high.
There is just enough suggestion to take Chelsea here, but, as I have said over and over, keep stakes to an end of season, pre-season feel minimum.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Chelsea 3-0 Blackburn Rovers
