Form
Blackburn were one of last season’s unlikely success stories, with a top half finish and a cup semi final. However, their pre-season form has been disappointing to say the least, and they will have to improve rapidly if they are to come close to scaling the heights of last season.
Star Players
Last season, former England number one Paul Robinson did a lot to rebuild his shattered reputation, to the extent that a possible return to the England fold was mooted before the World Cup. If he can continue his rehabilitation, then he could be a great asset in the season ahead.
Blackburn have a number of promising youngsters in their ranks, including the defender Phil Jones, who has been touted as a future England international, Martin Olsson, the Swedish left-sided player, and last season’s player of the year Steven N’Zonzi, who can count Arsene Wenger among his admirers.
Former Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf has a remarkable talent for getting himself into trouble, but when he is on form he can be a menacing presence in attack. Other established players that Allardyce will be looking to include Morten Gamst Pedersen and New Zealand’s World Cup star Ryan Nelsen.
The Gaffer
Without a doubt, Sam Allardyce has been one of the most successful English managers over the past decade, although his reputation for dour, effective football has not endeared him to everyone. His innovative coaching techniques are often overshadowed by his tactical approach, which some view as a throwback to a less sophisticated era. However, if anyone knows how to keep a mid-table club with a restricted budget moving forward, it’s Big Sam.
The Outlook
With a clutch of promising youngsters surrounded by a number of seasoned professionals, Blackburn have the look of a side that will comfortably avoid relegation this season. They haven’t really spent any money over the summer, despite calls for a new creative midfielder in the Tugay mould. However, if the projected buy-out goes ahead as expected, Big Sam may have the funds to reinforce his squad in the January transfer window. A mid table finish is a realistic expectation, although a run of injuries and/or poor form could see them sink into a relegation battle.
FIXTURES
Saturday, August 14 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Everton (15.00)
Saturday, August 21 2010
Birmingham City - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, August 28 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Arsenal (12.45)
Saturday, September 11 2010
Manchester City - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, September 18 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, September 25 2010
Blackpool - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, October 2 2010
Stoke City - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Monday, October 18 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Sunderland (20.00)
Saturday, October 23 2010
Liverpool - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, October 30 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Chelsea (15.00)
Saturday, November 6 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Wigan Athletic (15.00)
Wednesday, November 10 2010
Newcastle United - Blackburn Rovers (19.45)
Saturday, November 13 2010
Tottenham Hotspur - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, November 20 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Aston Villa (15.00)
Saturday, November 27 2010
Manchester United - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, December 4 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Wolverhampton Wanderers (15.00)
Saturday, December 11 2010
Bolton Wanderers - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, December 18 2010
Blackburn Rovers - West Ham United (15.00)
Sunday, December 26 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Stoke City (15.00)
Tuesday, December 28 2010
West Bromwich Albion - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, January 1 2011
Sunderland - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Wednesday, January 5 2011
Blackburn Rovers - Liverpool (19.45)
Saturday, January 15 2011
Chelsea - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, January 22 2011
Blackburn Rovers - West Bromwich Albion (15.00)
Wednesday, February 2 2011
Blackburn Rovers - Tottenham Hotspur (19.45)
Saturday, February 5 2011
Wigan Athletic - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, February 12 2011
Blackburn Rovers - Newcastle United (15.00)
Saturday, February 26 2011
Aston Villa - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, March 5 2011
Fulham - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, March 19 2011
Blackburn Rovers - Blackpool (15.00)
Saturday, April 2 2011
Arsenal - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, April 9 2011
Blackburn Rovers - Birmingham City (15.00)
Saturday, April 16 2011
Everton - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, April 23 2011
Blackburn Rovers - Manchester City (15.00)
Saturday, April 30 2011
Blackburn Rovers - Bolton Wanderers (15.00)
Saturday, May 7 2011
West Ham United - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, May 14 2011
Blackburn Rovers - Manchester United (15.00)
Sunday, May 22 2011
Wolverhampton Wanderers - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
