Prediction: Blackburn vs Manchester United

13th May 2011

Sitting just three points above the relegation zone following the 1:1 draw with West Ham, Blackburn Rovers have got to try and get something from this game even if Manchester United will be the team on the other side. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side only need one point to clinch the Premiership title, but they will be going for a victory at Ewood, that’s for sure.

Even though nobody can say that for sure, it is very likely that Blackburn would now be safely tucked away in mid table if Sam Allardyce hadn’t been sacked midway through the season. While Rovers had a good start under Steve Kean, their performances soon started taking a turn for the worse, as a result of which they are now fighting for their lives. In all fairness, the gaffer was forced to cope with numerous injuries to the playing squad, but that cannot be an excuse for the major downtrend in fortunes in the second part of the season. Rovers have boosted their survival chances with four points from last two games, but seeing they play host to leaders Manchester United before traveling to Molineux, nobody can guarantee that they will manage to stay alive. The hosts are major underdogs in this clash, especially if we take into account that important players Mame Biram Diouf, Ryan Nelsen, Vince Grella and Ruben Rochina are all unavailable, although Phil Jones, Michel Salgado and David Dunn should be fit to feature.

Before this season started not too many people would have dared to predict that Manchester United would win the Premiership title, let alone reach the Champions League final as well. However, led by ingenious Sir Alex Ferguson the Red Devils have impressed the whole of Europe with their performances and they now have a great chance to secure the Premier League title and then start thinking about how to stop mighty Barca at Wembley. After United’s second string side hammered Schalke and the strongest line-up won the title decider against Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson will have the courtesy of choosing from a squad brimming with confidence, which is likely to result in another convincing performance. United have been far from impressive on the travels this season, but considering the circumstances the visitors have got a great chance to pick up all three points from Ewood. Patrice Evra and John O’Shea are injury doubts, whereas Owen Hargreaves remains long-term casualty.

Conclusion

Having won eight out of their last nine matches against Blackburn and beating Rovers 7:1 in the reversed fixture this season, Manchester United are the hot favourites to win this one as well. Blackburn are going through a rough patch and will be without several important players, which should only make the job easier for United. Away win looks like one of the best football predictions this weekend.

Verdict: Away win Manchester United (2)

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Paddy Power