BLACKBURN v SUNDERLAND - SUNDERLAND SINK AFTER HITTING A SOLID SCORING ROQUE?
Both sides ended the year on a high with wins, Rovers European ambitions were reignited and Sunderland’s dreams of survival boosted as they climbed out of the drop zone. Blackburn are looking for their first back-to-back wins since October but will be aware they have won just 1 of their last 5 games at Ewood Park. Mark Hughes’ side have failed to score in 4 of their last 5 home matches so the Black Cats will fancy their chances of an upset. Roy Keane will know that the Rovers defence has been less than watertight after keeping just 1 clean-sheet in their last 15 League games so don’t be surprised if Kenwyne Jones gets on the score-sheet.
Roy Keane’s Sunderland side have yet to win back-to-back matches in the Premier League and more importantly they yet to win a match away from the Stadium of Light. So it’s difficult to see them winning at Ewood after Rovers finally ended the year in winning ways. Keane can consider himself a lucky man in the cut-throat business of the Premier League as he is the only manager of a side in the bottom 6 to have kept his job as Birmingham, Bolton, Wigan, Fulham and Derby have all swung the managerial axe just 5 months into the season. In fact, his position has not even been speculated about whereas his Newcastle counterpart Sam Allardyce faces pressure almost continually despite 9 points separating the sides.
This will be another highly physical match but expect the added class of Rovers to shine and the home side to grab all 3 points as they haven’t lost to Sunderland for over 6 years. Despite Blackburn’s recent struggling form both David Bentley and the aptly named Roque Santa Cruz have enjoyed the festive season. The Paraguayan striker now has 8 goals in his last 5 appearances (in all competitions) so don’t be surprised if he starts the New Year as he finished the last.
Pundit’s Pick: Rovers Cruz to victory (home win)
Tags: 02/01/08, Black cats, Blackburn, Mark Hughes, Rovers, Roy Keane, Sunderland
