Blackburn Rovers Preview: Bouncebackability?!?!
COME ON CHELSEA
By Since66
March 21 2010
Prior to today's games, the top four have lost an amazing 24 games - averaging 6 defeats per club - add the bin-dippers into the equation, they have lost 9, the total is an incredible 33 matches. Hands up those pundits who have said, you cannot win the title by losing 5 games or more. It just goes to show how amazing this Premiership season has been...... so far.
After the extremely disappointing Corrupt Cup exit to Inter on Tuesday night, Chelsea travel to Ewood Park looking to bounce-back and regain top spot in the Premiership and have the ability to do so. Although I can think of far more easier games to resume the Premiership season than this one.
Blackburn are tough and uncomprising at Ewood Park and they have won their last four at home and they have a tough and uncomprising manager in Sam Allardyce.
The clubs have already met twice this season. Chelsea won 5-0 at The Bridge and then there was the penalty shoot-out defeat in the Carling Cup at Ewood after a late, late Ferreira equaliser in the game that finished 3-3.
Chelsea have won the last three league meetings at Ewood: 2-0, 1-0 and 2-0, but the game between the two clubs that always sticks in my mind was back in 1998 when Chelsea won a thriller 4-3. Tore Andre Flo came off the bench and scored twice in quick succession in the dying minutes to secure Chelsea three points.
Ross Turnbull is expected to keep his place, despite Petr Cech almost regaining full fitness. Hilario is still struggling with a groin injury.
Franco Di Santo who is on a season-long loan at Ewood Park is unavailable due to the terms and conditions of his loan agreement.
The perfect end to today would be a Chelsea win and the Bin-Dippers taking points off ManUre, although don't expect too much, the Rat-Eaters HAVE lost NINE times this season.
TOMORROW NIGHT, THE YOUTH TEAMS OF CHELSEA AND BLACKBURN MEET AT STAMFORD BRIDGE IN THE 2ND LEG OF THE FA YOUTH CUP SEMI-FINAL.
CHELSEA LEAD 1-0 FROM THE 1ST LEG.
LIVE UPDATES ON THE MESSAGE BOARD FROM 7PM.