Holding Manchester United to a 0-0 draw is no small feat for any team, much less
Blackburn Rovers who were in serious danger of being relegated last season. They have turned that form around and not lost in their last 5 league matches. Even more remarkable is the fact that they have lost only once at home in their last 17 fixtures. Sam Allardyce has turned the club into a solid outfit as the Rovers are now firmly in the middle of the table with 43 points in 11th place.
Blackburn are now 305 minutes without conceding a goal so they will be confident of their ability to handle Everton's attack. Goalkeeper
Paul Robinson was excellent to keep a clean sheet against Manchester United and will want to further exhibit his skill as he hopes to be called up by
Fabio Capello to the English World Cup squad. Yildiray
Basturk is doubtful for the match after sustaining a hamstring injury 2 weeks ago. Keith Andrews and Lars Jacobsen could both return for this fixture to give the Lancashire club a boost.
David Moyes will not be happy after his side threw away the lead twice against
Aston Villa in Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Villa Park. Two goals from Tim Cahill put Everton in the driver's seat twice but without those 3 points the Toffees have little or no chance of playing in Europe next season.
The brighter side is that
Everton have not lost a match in their last 7 games and won an incredible 2-0 away match to 4th place Manchester City. The Toffees will have the belief they can break Blackburn's back line as they have scored at 2 or more goals in 4 of their last 5 matches.
Mikel Arteta sustained a groin injury and will not be in this match. Victor Anichebe has not played for several weeks and is a doubt for the trip to Ewood Park. Marouane Fellaini and Dan Gosling remain long-term injuries.
Everton have drawn 4 of their last 6 matches and
Blackburn 3 of their last 6. Neither team has very much left to go for in the domestic campaign and will settle for a draw in what should be a low scoring match.
Blackburn Rovers - Everton FC
Saturday 17 April, 2010
Kickoff: 4:00 PM (CET)
Venue: Ewood Park (Blackburn, Lancashire)
Tip: Draw (1x2)
Best Odds: 3.40 @ Betfair
