Prediction: Newcastle vs Blackburn

6th January 2012

The only all-Premier League tie in Saturday’s program of the FA Cup 3rd round will see high-flying Newcastle United play host to struggling Blackburn Rovers. If we were to judge by teams’ latest showings, the Magpies would be considered hot favourites, but we should, nonetheless, see a tight game at St James Park.

Newcastle could find it hard to take Blackburn seriously after the magnificent 3:0 victory over Premier League champions Manchester United, but with Alan Pardew already speaking about team’s chances of winning the FA Cup title, he should find a way to keep his players grounded. Just few weeks ago it looked as though the Magpies were losing ground after the brilliant start to the season, but the 2:0 win over Bolton and especially the 3:0 triumph over Manchester United proved that Newcastle are serious contenders for Europa League places. Having climbed to seventh place in the Premiership with two wins in last three games, Alan Pardew’s side can now fully focus on the FA Cup clash with Blackburn and try to make it to the next round. The hosts will be without key players Demba Ba and Cheick Tiote, who have joined their respective squads for African Cup of Nations, but Gabriel Obertan is set to return after recovering from a toe injury. Danny Guthrie, Nile Ranger, Peter Lovenkrands, Sylvain Marveaux and Steven Taylor remain long-term worries.

Following the dismal start to the Premiership campaign, Blackburn managed to end the year on a high, having beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford, but the very next game showed that it was nothing more than a one-off result. Rovers slipped to the bottom of the standings after the home defeat to Stoke, and they now sit three points adrift of safety. The pressure on boss Steve Kean is growing by the minute and that is having a negative effect on the dressing room atmosphere, which appears to be at an all time low after yet another disappointing result. On top of that, Blackburn have already been beaten by Newcastle this season, as they suffered a 3:1 defeat in their Premiership tie at St James Park and it is clear that Rovers have little to hope for before the trip up North. Martin Olsson is back after recovering from a thigh problem, whereas Gael Givet has also been cleared to play. Junior Hoilett is a major doubt, but Scott Dann is definitely out.

Conclusion

Newcastle have been absolutely brilliant against Manchester United and I expect them to build on that performance and beat Blackburn without too many problems. Rovers are all over the place at the moment and with Premiership survival the main priority, they look destined for defeat at St James Park.

Verdict: Home win Newcastle (1)

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: William Hill