English Premier
2011-12-20 - Blackburn Rovers vs Bolton Wanderers
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Tuesday 20 December 2011 - Kick Off 8pm
This game is live on TV
Blackburn Rovers
Steve Kean has revealed that he has spoken to the owners of Blackburn Rovers and there was no discussion about his future as manager. It is quite surprising if that is the case as Kean has clearly lost the backing of the fans, if he ever really won them over, and the team could find them in the dreaded 'bottom at Christmas' position if they lose on Tuesday.
Blackburn were beaten 1-2 by West Brom here at the weekend, a result that leaves them in 19th position in the Premier League having earned just 10 points from their 16 League games. That also means they are now 4 points from the safety of 17th, and in a desperate situation. Blackburn are 2-0-6 at Ewood Park, scoring 10 goals and conceding 17, and only Bolton have lost more games at home and conceded more goals.
The team have won just 1 of their last 13 games in all competitions and they come into this one having lost 4 of their last 5 games. They have really been struggling defensively, conceding at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 games in all competitions and that is always tough to overcome when searching for 3 points.
For a team struggling defensively, it is not good news for Steve Kean that Scott Dann is going to miss the next 6 weeks and join the likes of Gael Givet and Ryan Nelson on the sidelines. Martin Olsson is also missing, while Junior Hoilett is a serious doubt.
Bolton Wanderers
If Steve Kean is under pressure, Owen Coyle is in no less a warm seat as Bolton Wanderers are in real danger of being cut off from the rest of the Premier League. They have been defending poorly, while a lack of goals means they are finding it hard to secure enough points to start moving up the table.
Bolton are the only team below Blackburn Rovers in the League table and need to win this game if they are to avoid being bottom on Christmas Day, a position that usually signals Championship football for the team in that position. The Trotters have earned just 9 points from their 16 League games, although most of those have come away from the Reebok Stadium. Bolton are 2-0-6 away from home this season, scoring 10 goals but conceding 17.
The team have lost all 5 League games since the last International break and they have conceded at least 2 goals in each of those games. Bolton have lost 5 games in a row away from home, and have been outscored 12-3 in those games.
David Wheater will complete the last game of his suspension, while Ricardo Gardner remains doubtful having missed the weekend loss at Fulham.
Head to Head
Blackburn Rovers have won 3 and drawn 1 of their last 4 games at home against Bolton Wanderers.
Rovers beat Bolton 1-0 at home last season, but the previous 3 games had seen 12 goals scored.
Prediction
I was not that keen of seeing this game when it was announced as being the live affair on a Tuesday night, but things have changed to such an extent that this is almost 'must watch' TV.
Both managers are under a ridiculous amount of pressure and I can imagine we will see a number of chances in this game as both defences have been making far too many mistakes in recent games.
This game could also see one, or both, of the managers lose their job, yet the players seem to be trying very hard for their respective bosses and that should mean we get an interesting game to watch and I can see a few goals going in.
The Over 2.5 Goals has been priced at odds on, but I am going to take the same bet I had on Saturday and I am going to pick 'Over 3.5 Goals'- both defences are giving up far too many opportunities and they are making too many mistakes which makes me believe there will be a few goals scored in the game.
Blackburn have been involved in some high-scoring games this season and only just missed going Over 3.5 Goals on Saturday and I think they make up for that here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Blackburn Rovers 3-2 Bolton Wanderers
