Team news, ask the oppo, prediction league

About our opponents
Blackburn Rovers hold an excellent Premier League record a Wolves, undefeated in all our meetings. Ewood Park has proved to be somewhere we dread to play, conceding eleven in three games there and scoring just two. This is a huge season for Rovers. After sacking Sam Allardyce and bringing Steve Kean, form deteriorated and only a late surge kept them up. Kean is yet to win over Rovers fans, along with the Venky's, and needs to get off to a good start to keep the pressure off.

Form
Blackburn last six games: LLWDDW
Wolves last six games: DLDWWL
Blackburn at home last season: 7 wins, 7 draws, 5 defeats
Wolves away last season: 3 wins, 3 draws, 13 defeats

Last six games v each other: Blackburn 4 wins, 2 draws, Wolves 0 wins

What happened last time?
Blackburn came to Molineux on the final day of the season for 'Surival Sunday'. Blackburn stormed into a three nil lead at half time, practically securing their Premier League status. In the second half, they took their foot off the gas and Wolves pulled two back which would ultimately keep us up.

Team news
Steve Kean is hopeful that Chris Samba will be fit, but the defender remains a doubt.
Ryan Nelsen may not feature. 
Kevin Doyle is rated at 70/30 to be fit.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake could be ready in time, but Kightly is doubtful.
Adlene Guedioura and Dave Edwards are still missing with injury.

Ask the oppo
This week I was grateful to get answers from Blackburn fan Carsten

It's best we start off with 'survival sunday', what was your experience of it like? 

Oh boy what a ride that was! Although Rovers were in danger of going down on the final day, I was always confident we would stay up. Well, almost. When I woke up on Survival Sunday my stomach hurt really bad, and I couldn't relax at all. Had a couple of sandwiches for breakfast, then a couple of beers, finally headed to the pub, where all Rovers fans in Oslo meet up whenever we can. I don't remember too much about the game, but what a relief it was when we got the first goal! From that point on I was sure we were safe. Little did I know that it would be one hell of a roller-coaster towards the end! Luckily we could all walk home safe, and meet again on the opening day of this season!

Manager's popularity out of 10? 

Good question. I think on a scale form 1 to 10, it would be about 5. A lot of fans are still not convinced about the new owners, and certainly not Steve Kean because it is his first job as a manager. Personally I think he is doing a fairly good job, but it's still early days, and it's hard to really judge until the season is well under way. I think we played some decent football after he took charge, and the signings he has made seems to be good, although I never heard of any of them before they were linked with Rovers. I'm staying optimistic.

What should be the aim for Blackburn this season?

Top ten. A lot of experts think we are going down, but I can't see that happening with the squad we have got now. If Samba stays, and we can get one more striker in, I think we are looking ok. Hopefully also another centre half will be coming in this window, and then we should be able to push for a top ten finish.

Who should Wolves watch out for?Hoilett is obviously a threat, but I think also Rochina and Formica are ready to make an impact this season, and could surprise a few people.

What do you think of Wolves signings, and how do you think we will do this season?Looks solid. Roger Johnson and O'Hara if I'm right? Solid players with experience. Not too spectacular, but should make sure you are in a better position than last season.

Finally, prediction for the game?Gotta say we need to win at home, and get off to a good start, and I think the squad knows how important this is, if only to calm down some fans. Could well be the same result as when we last met. Rovers 3 - Wolves 2.

 

You can follow Carsten on twitter! @carsten86

Prediction League

The prediction league is back! Can Bob China keep his crown and or will he have it stolen off him?

Just post your predictions of the 9 Premier league fixtures as a comment to enter.

Blackburn v Wolves
Fulham v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Sunderland
QPR v Bolton
Wigan v Norwich
Newcastle v Arsenal
Stoke v Chelsea
Man Utd v West Brom
Man City v Swansea

It's five points for a correct result, ten for a correct scoreline and three for each correct scorer!