English Premier
2007-09-29 - Sunderland vs Blackburn Rovers
A Sports Betting Pick by RunRagged
I have already made it clear of late my low opinion of the Blackburn side at the moment. Poor performances where they are not creating enough chances and players just not living up to past expectations.Once more they have to be taken on until proven otherwise. They will also have one eye on Thursday night, where they have to turn around a 2-0 deficit with Larissa in the UEFA Cup.
Some people may suggest that the UEFA Cup doesn't mean that much to Blackburn. Well, I can tell you it does! Why else would they be entering the Intertoto Cup to get this far?
The manager has already spoken about that game already in his pre match press conference for this match. Blackburn want to get through to the next round.
Sunderland have a fair home record. Wins against Tottenham and Reading has only been spoiled by defeat to Liverpool.
Their home form was always a strong part of their promotion bid. No team likes to travel to the Stadium of Light.
The stats are interesting for this as well:
Shots on goal (Home or Away)
Sunderland (Home): 10
Blackburn (Away): 6.67
This is compared with Sunderland's 7.75 away and Blackburn's 11.33 at home. They are both two very different sides when they are not in front of their own fans. This to me suggests that home advantage is pretty important to both sides.
We then look at the prices for the game. This is important in determining the value. This is where bookies and punters have gone mad!
Most bookies have this game as an even match! Why??
Sunderland are a decent side in front of their own fans whilst Blackburn are struggling, trying to follow two defeats to moderate Greek opponents and then Portsmouth, who have a poor history away from home in the last year.
THE VERDICT
Without doubt the value has to lie with the proven Sunderland home form over Blackburn's hyped up reputation.
