Prediction: Blackburn vs Everton

August 13th 2010

The two teams have completely different ambitions for the coming season and this game could show who are closer to realizing theirs. Rovers are aware not too many bottom table teams will be able to beat Everton this season and the hosts would probably be satisfied even with one point from this game, but the Toffees are surely coming to Ewood Park for a win.

Sam Allardyce achieved an incredible success with Rovers last term by keeping an utterly average side with plenty of injury problems out of the relegation battle and I doubt too many other managers would have been able to do the same had they been in his place. Staying outside the survival fight could be a bit difficult this term, especially as the only player who arrived to the club was United’s Mame Biram Diouf, who is unlikely to feature in the opening rounds. Blackburn fans are still reading the transfer news columns hoping they will hear of a new player arriving at Ewood Park, but they are likely to get disappointed. The gaffer has quite a few players with not much life left in them at his disposal and apart from the injury-plagued David Dunn, there is no one ready to do something unexpected. The Big Sam has got quite a few worries before the opening game since Diouf, Kalinic and Samba are desperately short of match fitness, whereas Vince Grella is injured again. What else is new?

Everton are another team that failed to lure any major signings to the club but with the potential the Toffees have at the moment, that won’t be a problem. David Moyes knew his main job was to keep his squad together and he proved some of his credentials by persuading players like Arteta, Fellaini, Pienaar and Rodwell that there future lay at Goodison Park. In doing so he has made Everton one of the favorites to upset the new Premiership order and everything suggests this could be their season. The Toffees won all six warm-up games, although the quality of their opponents was nowhere near the teams they will face in competitive games. As far as this match is concerned, Victor Anichebe is set to miss out with injury, while Marouane Fellaini could start on the bench due to lack of match fitness.

Conclusion

After doing wonders with his side last term, I don’t think even Sam Allardyce can keep Blackburn outside the relegation battle this season, mainly because Rovers boast one of the worst squads in the Premiership. If Everton want to fight for the European places, or even Champions League berth, they will have to win these kinds of games, and I honestly believe they’ve got what it takes to take all the points from Ewood Park.

Verdict: Away win Everton (2)

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: 888sport