Rovers will want a repeat of last season's performance at Ewood Park, where they surprised the Gunners with a 2-1 home win. Blackburn has had a good start since proceedings began in August. They took down Everton at home (1-0) before a 2-1 away defeat to Birmingham City, a match where they controlled much of the possession but were unlucky on chances. The most recent 3-1 Carling Cup victory over Norwich City saw on-loan striker
Mame Biram Diouf net a hat-trick and perhaps a first-eleven spot.
After an unimpressive 1-1 draw at Anfield for the season opener, Arsenal bounced back at home with an incredible 6-0 defeat of newcomers Blackpool FC. Arsene Wenger has voiced concerns over Blackburn's physical style of play, and may switch some players around to cope with size differences.
English Premier League, Round 3: Blackburn Rovers vs. Arsenal FC
Date: 28 August, 2010 - 13:45 CET
Venue: Ewood Park - Blackburn, Lancashire
Referee: Chris Foy
Blackburn:
Goalkeeper: Robinson
Defenders: Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Givet
Midfielders: E. Diouf, Jones, Olsson, Pedersen
Forwards: M. Diouf, Nzonzi
Manager: Sam Allardyce
Injured: Dunn, Andrews
Booked: -
Arsenal:
Keeper: Almunia
Defenders: Sagna, Vermaelen, Clichy, Koscielny
Midfielders: Walcott, Wilshere, Diaby, Rosicky
Forwards: Arshavin, Chamakh
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Injured: Nasri, Ramsey
Booked: -
Weather Forecast/Conditions
|
Overall: Cloudy with Showers
Temperature: 13°
Chance/Precipitation: 85%
Humidity: 80%
Last meeting: 03.05.2010 Blackburn - Arsenal 2:1
Wins Blackburn: 26
Wins Arsenal: 52
Draws: 30
Arsenal displayed their prowess last week against Blackpool but face a different kind of challenge in Blackburn. The psychological factor will be important as Allardyce took down Wenger at the end of last season at home. Blackburn is a tough team with a talented new striker in Mame Diouf. However, they are missing influential players in David Dunn and Keith Andrews and I believe this should tip the balance in Arsenal's favor.
Tip: Arsenal win (1x2)
The best odds to this game you find at
Expekt,
Betfair and
Sportingbet.
