Eng. Championship
2012-08-22 - Blackburn Rovers vs Hull City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Championship
Wednesday 22 August 2012 - Kick Off 7:45pm
Blackburn Rovers
Steve Kean would have been happy to have seen his side pick up a point from their opening game in the Championship, but it will be interesting to see what kind of atmosphere will be in play at Ewood Park. Last season it was difficult for the home players to perform here with the negative energy surrounding the club and that has to change if they are to regain their place in the Premier League.
Blackburn Rovers drew 1-1 at Ipswich Town at the weekend, and that was probably a fair result despite them starting the better. The results of the three relegated sides from last season have highlighted the belief that Blackburn were probably the best equipped to earn promotion at the first time of trying, even though the fans are not behind Steve Kean at all.
Rovers finished with a 6-1-12 record at Ewood Park in the Premier League last season, scoring 26 goals and conceding 33 in those games. Only Wolves lost more home games than Blackburn and it is key to compile a solid home form, recording at least double digit wins, if automatic promotion or a place in the Play Offs are to be achieved.
Ruben Rochina is available for selection, but Martin Olsson, Martin Bunn and Leon Best are all missing. Steven Nzonzi is not being considered for selection as he has handed in a transfer request.
Hull City
It was surprising Hull City sacked manager Nick Barmby in the Summer considering they finished 8th in the Championship last season, but that should show the level of expectation as Steve Bruce takes the reigns. Bruce has made a positive start to his era here at the KC Stadium and will look to build on that in this game.
Hull beat Brighton 1-0 at home over the weekend, but they may be considered a little fortunate as the away side had as much of the play and perhaps should have earned at least a point from the game. That means Bruce has picked up three points and a place in the Capital One Cup second round in his first two games as manager of this club.
The Tigers missed the Play Offs by 2 places and 7 points last season and they will need to reduce the 16 League defeats they suffered last season if they are to make up that gap. Hull finished 7-7-9 away from home last season and they scored just 19 goals while conceding 22 in those games. That means Hull finished as the 5th lowest away scorers in the League last season and has to be massively improved to earn promotion this year.
Matty Fryatt is out, while Jay Simpson is pushing for a start having scored the winner at the weekend.
Head to Head
This will be their first meeting in three seasons since they were both Premier League clubs.
On that occasion, Blackburn Rovers recorded a 1-0 win over Hull City at Ewood Park.
Rovers are unbeaten in their last 7 home games against Hull City stretching back to the 1980's.
Prediction
This could be a tight match as I think Hull City have struggled for consistency and goals away from home, while Blackburn Rovers will have to make a fast start to ensure the fans don't start getting on their backs as they did for much of last season.
There needs to be positive vibes at this ground if Blackburn are to earn promotion as that will breed confidence in the players. They have a squad that looks capable of helping the side back into the Premier League, but much will have to do with what kind of atmosphere they create here and that is down to making a good start.
Hull did win at the weekend, but they were a touch lucky to get all three points and they will still be looking for their identity with a number of new faces joining the club over the Summer.
With that in mind, I like Blackburn's chances to earn a win in this one, although it may come by the slenderest of margins. However, at odds against, they look the call in this game.
The Pick :
Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Hull City
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Blackburn Rovers @ 2.00
