Filed under: Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: MOLINEUX, SUNDAY MAY 22, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1600 BSTMick McCarthy has never wavered from his belief that Wolverhampton will avoid relegation and Sunday provides him with the final opportunity to prove he was right.
McCarthy has been in and around the dreaded relegation zone since October despite an impressive list of scalps this season including Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.
It appeared ominous for Wolves after heavy defeats to Everton, Stoke and Newcastle but a recent revival, kick-started by the triumph over bitter rivals West Brom earlier this month, has given McCarthy every reason to stick to his prophecy.
At Blackburn, it seems Steve Kean is facing an uncertain future - whatever happens in this game. After the surprise dismissal of Sam Allardyce in December, Rovers were five points clear of relegation, but it has been an unforgiving introduction to management for the ultra-confident Glaswegian.
Blackburn's away form remains a major concern even though their goal difference will almost represent an extra point going into this game.
After the shabby sacking of Allardyce, the shock appointment of Kean and the controversial takeover by Venky's, few people will shed any tears if Blackburn's existence as a Premier League club is ended this weekend.
The stakes are simple for both managers - win and they stay up.
Key Match-up: Steven Fletcher v Chris Samba. Fletcher has spearheaded Wolves's recent recovery with five goals in his last five games and will get the nod over Kevin Doyle here. The Scotland international is playing with confidence and Rovers will be desperate for Samba to recover from a hamstring problem to boost their hopes of avoiding defeat.
Form Guide: Wolves are facing relegation simply because they have failed to beat the teams around them, with only eight points against the bottom six clubs all season. However, successive wins against West Brom and Sunderland mean they will go into this bout full of confidence. Blackburn are unbeaten in three games but have lost 12 away games this term.
Odds: Wolves 6/5, Blackburn 11/4, Draw 2/1
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/05/20/wolves-v-blackburn-preview-mick-mccarthys-confidence-still-sky/
Roberto Ayala Robin Soderling Robin Van Persie Robinho Roger Federer
No comments:
Post a Comment