Think we can get 3 points if we don't sit back and invite them to our half. My optimism is based on our midfield formation which is very different from the game at the Cottage. I think 2-1 for us. This is in contrast to the predictions of my "favourite" BBC and Lawro who predicts a 2-1 defeat for us. Frankly the guy does not make any sense but hey... "All of a sudden things look a bit rosier in Fulham's garden after the win over Arsenal in their last Premier League match. Bobby Zamora is back in the side, and back scoring, but it still appears that while manager Martin Jol is trying to change things, some of his players are reluctant to follow that route. Fulham will come to Ewood Park full of confidence but the thing about this game for Blackburn is that it is imperative they win it. If you are not beating teams like Fulham at home, you are going to be relegated. And that's not being disrespectful to Fulham because it would be the same if it was the other way round. I think Rovers might beat Fulham too, but the overall situation at the club is still a frightening mess. Everything I am reading about Blackburn at the moment is not about who they are going to buy to get themselves out of trouble, but who is going to leave - important players like Chris Samba and Junior Hoilett could be on their way this month. That's not going to help Rovers boss Steve Kean. If those players leave, where does that leave him other than in a bigger mess than they are already in? And although what we are seeing is a blueprint for how not to run a football club by Blackburn's owners, Venky's, it is Kean who will carry the can for it eventually. Blackburn fans are going to hold a 24-hour sit-in protest before this game because Venky's will not talk to them and I cannot understand why they have not agreed to meet supporters. But Venky's are not interested in forming any relationship with the fans and that leaves Kean like a burger on the barbecue. I really feel sorry for him."
I think that because we are away from home, Sidwell (or possibly Etuhu) will return for Frei as we switch back to the 4-2-3-1 formation. Other than that, the same personel as against Charlton and we'll win by two clear goals. 2-0 to Fulham.
"If you are not beating teams like Fulham at home, you are going to be relegated. And that's not being disrespectful to Fulham because it would be the same if it was the other way round." I think that is being disrespectful actually and if it's the same if it was the other way around we would be getting relegated because we only drew 1-1 with Blackburn at home. Lawro never really makes much sense though so we shouldn't take too much notice of what he says. I wonder how many times we would have been relegated if Lawro's predictions were correct? Anyway I'm optimistic about this one and I can see us coming away with a win from Ewood Park. Hopefully a 2-0 or 2-1, I really do feel sorry for Steve Kean, he doesn't deserve the abuse he's getting.
I don't take too much notice of Lawro's predictions although I do rate him as a pundit, he does try to avoid his Liverpool bias unlike other pundits who seem to promote it. I don't think Blackburn will be an easy game but matters off the field may well decide the game rather than events on the field. Fans are staging a 24 hour protest and Samba has recently said he wants to leave as the club has gone backwards, he is the captain right? I can't imagine what a statement like that from your captain does to morale at the club. I think this may well be our best chance of an away win, we have the majority of players fit with AJ and Davies coming back from injury and the likes of Dempsey, Ruiz and Dembele all in fine form as well as defensive options such as Stockdale and Senderos performing admirably. Coming off the back of two impressive wins (Arsenal, Charlton) we should be looking to take all three points. Dempsey must shoot on sight against Paul 'can't save a shot from 25 yards' Robinson.
Blackburn fan in peace. I'm a little more hopeful for a result for Blackburn in this game than I have been for a while. I'm hoping for a Blackburn win, but I don't think it'll be easy as you guys are a very good team.
Thanks, Happyal. I hope you're not too happy on Saturday, but much happier in the weeks that follow! Despite my confident prediction above, I am (as ever) concerned at our lamentable away record in recent years. If I was in your shoes I think I'd be looking to that as a source of hope. Is Samba expected to play tomorrow? I read that he's (a) injured and (b) talking publically about wanting a move. His presence/absence will be another big factor on both teams' chances, I suspect.
As far as I know he's playing. I've not seen anything from him about waiting to move, but I couldn't blame him if he did want to move away (hope he stays). And as far as I know he's not injured, I know he didn't play for the Cup, but we are more interested in staying in the league, so no point in taking chances.
In addition: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16535992.stm And cheers happyal. None of us are taking your lot lightly, especially after your win over United.
And I saw Lawro's prediction too, what a load of old ****. He talks us up and Blackburn down, and still says they'll beat us?! He makes no sense. I rate him pretty low out of the BBC pundits (which isn't saying much).
Hi Happyal whilst we want to beat you (obviously), I hope your team survive. This, in spite of Souness' derogatory attitude and comments, when we both came up. I think Steve Kean (who was a good assistant manager for us) has carried more of the blame than he deserves. I wish you well for the rest of the season (after our game).
I agree that the prediction doesn't make a lot of sense, but I do rather like Lawro, especially when Liverpool lose, it's worth checking out MOTD just to see Lawro and Hansen squirm as Linekar twists the knife
Be good to get the three points today, as IF the other two teams at the bottom don't get any points Man Utd v Bolton Wigan v Man City Then Fulham would be 10 points clear of the 3rd from Bottom. and it's Tottenham v Wolves Newcastle v QPR so I hope Jol goes for the win.
I'd like to think a 1-2 win would be doable - that's not taking Lawros's disrespectful view further, just a hope that MJ goes for the win. However, the game has probably got draw written all over it. On the subject of Blackburn, SteveK does not deserve all of the rubbish he's received, but does deserve credit for acting professionally and staying in the hot seat. However, the Venky's appear to show what can happen to a club with a proud history when it becomes a plaything (not a case of glasshouses - see other threads about FFC's management) - they join the list of people who are not good for the game. So good luck to you happyal (but be satisfied with a point). C O Y W
According to the BBC site Samba didn't turn up for training yesterday. It's down at the end of the 'other gossip' section here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/9677711.stm Worrying for Blackburn, potential good news for us.
