Preview: Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers

Published on December 30, 2011 by mod1   ·   No Comments

Manchester United have the chance to finish 2011 top of the Premier League table when they welcome bottom-of-the-table Blackburn Rovers to Old Trafford on New Year’s Eve.

United’s rivals City, who are in action 24 hours later, currently sit at the summit courtesy of their five-stronger goal difference over the Red Devils, whose back-to-back 5-0 wins have helped to reduce what was previously a superior advantage.

That Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have rediscovered their attacking swagger in spite of their extensive injury list is negative news for struggling Blackburn, who are in desperate need of points, with the club five adrift of safety.

Rovers did dig in impressively in their last outing at Liverpool as they earned a 1-1 draw, but a point at the league champions is a more daunting ask, in particular considering the visitors’ woeful record at the Theatre of Dreams.

Indeed, United have won the last seven games in all competitions against Rovers at Old Trafford, and, on Ferguson’s 70th birthday of all days, the home side will be eager to reward their boss with the perfect performance.

The point earned by Blackburn in their previous fixture took some of the pressure off Steve Kean’s shoulders, although it still weighs down heavily in spite of having a “very encouraging” chat with his Scottish compatriot Ferguson in recent days.

Kean could be boosted by the return of Martin Olsson, the Swede having featured just once since November 5 after suffering a hamstring injury. David Dunn and Junior Hoilett (both hamstring) face late tests but goalkeeper Paul Robinson (calf) is among seven senior players definitely out.

For United, Jonny Evans (calf) has joined Nemanja Vidic (knee), Chris Smalling (tonsillitis) and Fabio (hamstring) on the sidelines. Phil Jones (illness) and Rio Ferdinand (back) only have an outside chance of being involved.

Manchester United player to watch: Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian fired a hat-trick in his last outing and netted five against Blackburn in this corresponding fixture last season. All signs point to goals. Furthermore, Ferguson this week confirmed Berbatov has been offered a one-year extension to his existing deal, putting a dampener on speculation he could seal an exit in January. No matter the conjecture, Ferguson still considers Berbatov a vital squad member, and again he will be looking for last season’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League to impress the Old Trafford faithful.

Blackburn player to watch: Junior Hoilett The Canada international has been one of few shining lights for Kean at Blackburn this season. So impressive has his form been that it has been suggested he could be targeted by a ‘bigger’ side next month. Kean would be loath to lose the tricky winger, for he offers the side that something different. Indeed, he is capable of beating a man, to help create an opportunity, while his two goals scored in his last seven appearances emphasise his worth.

Key Battle: Michael Carrick v Yakubu Aiyegbeni. With United’s squad depleted, in particular their defence, Ferguson has been forced to put square pegs in round holes. Carrick slotted in at centre-back versus Wigan, but was not overly tested once the Latics were reduced to ten men. Yakubu has been something of a goal machine for Rovers this season, netting 11 times in all competitions this campaign. He has indeed, like Hoilett, offered Kean hope that all is not lost. On his day, Yakubu, 29, can be a handful, so, Carrick: beware of the Yak.

Trivia: Manchester United have scored 1,499 Premier League goals.

Stats: Since conceding six against Man City, United have shipped just two goals in the last nine matches and kept seven clean sheets.

Odds: Manchester United (1.12), Blackburn (26.00) and the draw (8.00) are on offer with bet365 while for there to be an own goal in the game is 6.50.

Prediction: It is all but impossible to look past Manchester United. Indeed, when second plays bottom, head rules heart. Expect goals for those playing in red, and expect them to be top of the table at the close of the year.

Credit: http://soccernet.espn.go.com

Tags: Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United