Blackburn Rovers versus Manchester United – Match Preview: English Premier League
With the Barclay’s Premier League coming to a close with just two match days left, the title race will come to a conclusion at Ewood Park on 14th of May 2011 when Manchester United meet Blackburn Rovers in their 37th league match of the season.
Both the teams have had different fortunes in the 2010-2011 Premier League season, Blackburn find themselves languishing at in the bottom half of the Premier League table whereas Manchester United are at the summit of the same table. Thus let’s take a look at how both the clubs might feature in their second last match of the Premier League season...
Blackburn Rovers
Just three points above the relegation zone Steve Keane’s men are in serious trouble as the season draws to a close. Their 15th place position in the English Premier League table has provided them with relative safety but in absolute terms, Blackburn are nowhere safe. With Blackpool facing off against Wigan on the weekend, Blackburn can do with a result against champions elect – Manchester United.
Out of their last five competitive fixtures, Blackburn have won one, lost two and drawn two. Their latest Premier League encounter ended in a one all draw against West Ham United. The Rovers were lucky enough to come away with a point from their face-off against West Ham as the Hammers missed several chances. If Blackburn’s defence is as leaky as it has been all season long against Manchester United then the Rovers will be in for a real beating at their home turf.
Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men need a draw to clinch their record 19th Premier League title at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers. After winning their last league match against Chelsea, the Red Devils have a six point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Not only that, with a plus two goal difference advantage over Chelsea, Manchester United now look like sure shot favourites for the Premier League title.
Sir Alex’s team have won four of their last five Premier League matchups. Manchester United won against Chelsea last time around and before that they secured their place in the UEFA Champions League final by scoring an emphatic home win over Schalke 04. Their only loss in this run came against Arsenal at the Emirates stadium.
Team News
Blackburn have several injury concerns going into their tie against Manchester United. The Rovers are set to be without their energetic midfielder, David Dunn. Dunn is out with a calf strain muscle whereas Ryan Nelson is also sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Expected Blackburn Rovers line up: Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Jones, Givet, Olsson, Emerton, Pederson, N’Zonzi, Hoilett, Roberts
Alternatively, Manchester United will most probably rest some of their stars due to their upcoming UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona. Owen Hargreaves along with John O’Shea are the Red Devils’ only injury concerns at the moment.
Expected Manchester United line up: Kuszczak, Rafael, Evans, Smalling, Fabio, Nani, Gibson, Anderson, Valencia, Berbatov, Owen
Prediction
Manchester United are clear cut favourites to win this encounter on paper. However it is quite possible that Sir Alex will field a weakened team and thus only secure a draw, which would be enough for the Red Devils to clinch their 19th league title.
The views expressed by the writer are his own and do not reflect the editorial policy of www.bettor.com">www.bettor.com