Relegation Battle

By Chris Kirwan
November 10 2003

Leicester’s win at Manchester City means that defeat in the televised clash at Ewood Park tonight would push the Blues into the relegation zone.

The problem for Moyes’ side this season has been consistency. While the performance against Chelsea merited a return for the effort put in the end result was the same as the shocker at White Hart Lane.

The problem against Chelsea was poor finishing from the strikers, and they will need to step up their efforts tonight. In Blackburn’s televised clash with Leicester the Leicester attack had failed to have an effort on goal for, but secured the win by taking the first chance that came their way. The Blues need to be equally as clinical/lucky.

Blackburn have been just a poor as Everton this year, with several new players failing to find their feet. Blackburn edged out the Blues in the race to sign Barry Ferguson, but the former Rangers captain has struggled so far.

But while Blackburn miss the pace and guile of Duff in their midfield, they still possess excellent footballers in the shape of Thompson, Tugay and Emerton. Nyarko, Graveson and Linderoth will need to be in good form to nullify their impact.

The Blues beat Blackburn home and away last year, with Campbell scoring the solitary goal at Ewood. While the Sky team will be hoping for a few more goals, a scrappy one-nil away win would do just fine.