Manchester City v Blackburn Rovers Premier League preview

With all but 2 games falling to the weather this weekend, these two teams and their sets of fans will be hoping the weather has improved come Monday night when this match is due to be played.

Manchester City

Roberto Mancini has won all 3 of their games to nil since the arrival of Roberto Mancini, including their 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. That result was what I was expecting him to look for when he came in, although keeping 3 clean sheets is an excellent improvement considering their defensive problems under Mark Hughes. He will be hoping the new signing of Patrick Vieira will add strength to their back four. His experience and talent should be able to do that. But for how many games on the trot he can keep a high level up for remains to be seen. Going forward is City’s strong point and they should have much success against this Blackburn defence. 10 goals conceded in their last 5, where they have picked up just 2 points. The form favours Manchester City as well as a home game on a Monday evening. Playing Robinho in this one would be a mistake with the Brazilian not performing well in the evening games last season. The likes of Craig Bellamy will certainly be up for this and adding another victory to Manchester City that would move them into 4th place.

Form
DLWWW

Injuries/Suspensions
Stephen Ireland
Nedum Onuoha
Joleon Lescott
Michael Johnson
Wayne Bridge

Blackburn Rovers

Poor recent form sees Blackburn lie 3 points outside of the relegation zone despite a cluster of sides between themselves and the bottom 3. Sam Allardyce wouldn’t have been too concerned with their exit from the FA Cup to Aston Villa as he wants to concentrate on his side securing their Premier League status. They’ve had problems scoring goals and keeping them out this season. David Dunn returned played half of their FA Cup game and Blackburn will be hoping he can play more here as his absence has had a big negative effect on the side this season. Whether his appearance in this game will make a substantial difference in this game remains to be seen. While they will give their best efforts in this game, they have more favourable fixtures coming up after, as well as a Carling Cup semi with Aston Villa.

Form
DLLDD

Injuries/Suspensions
El Hadji Diouf (suspended)

Manchester City’s odds aren’t very favourable, but with the two teams current forms I can’t see past them.

Best bet: Manchester City to win 4/9