Blackburn Rovers have seen themselves move up the table to relative safety this side of Christmas whilst Chelsea are just two points off the pace in the Premierleague, and desperately need a result to bounce back from the disappointment of losing out to Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Sam Allardyce has created a team that is very difficult to beat, and particularly so at home. Four home wins on the trot is testament to this and their home form has arguably stopped them being in the middle of a relegation dogfight right now. That being said, I don’t think they are infallible at home and they face a very stern test from a Chelsea side smarting from the loss to their former manager. Allardyce will be relieved that he has managed to guide his team to safety, but he will feel a litttle concerned that there is the chance that his players could now take their foot off the gas now that the end of the season is in sight.
Chelsea will have been bitterly hurt by the loss to Mourinho and Chelsea, especially because of the manner in which Mourinho departed from the club a few years ago. Injuries are also taking their toll at the monent with the first and second choice goal ‘keepers both missing for the club. However, outfield players are available in abundance, and although they still miss both full backs Boswinga and Cole, their squad size should mean they are not too badly missed. There has been talk in the media about the drop in form of Terry and Lampard, and both players will be out to put that rumour to bed. Both players should be at the peak of their powers and any siggestions that they have simply played too many games so far this season will, I believe be dispelled in the weekend’s match up.
Blackburn’s home form has been impressive of late, but I don’t think they have the players to stop Chelsea taking all three points away with them this weekend.
Verdict: Chelsea Away Win
Odds:4/9
Bookmaker: Sporting Bet
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