Arsenal’s stuttering Premier League form hit another bump on Wednesday as the Gunners drew 0-0 at Bolton. Arsenal are still winless in 2012 and they could do with three points when Blackburn come a-calling on Saturday. Blackburn did beat Arsenal at Ewood Park earlier in the season, a memorable 4-3 victory for Steve Kean. But Blackburn also suffered disappointment in their mid-week game as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Newcastle. Though neither side take any form into the game, Arsenal have a great record at home against their opponents, who’s last victory at Arsenal came in 2002.
Arsenal
The 0-0 draw at Bolton in mid-week, while ending a three-match losing streak, stretched their winless run to four games. The 1-0 victory over QPR on New Year’s Eve was the last time Arsenal tasted triumph in the Premier League, a run that has seen them sink to 7th place. Chelsea are now five points ahead in 4th place, which is by no means an unassailable lead. But in the coming weeks Arsenal face tough trips to Sunderland & Liverpool while there is also a small matter of AC Milan in the Champions League.
They have been hampered by their profligacy in front of goal, a point highlighted in the draw at Bolton. It is common knowledge that Robin van Persie has been a lone-wolf in attack, shouldering all of the goal-scoring burden at the club. Finishing has never been Theo Walcott’s forte while Gervinho has also shown a lack of composure in front of goal this season.
Arsene Wenger has insisted that it would be a ‘disaster’ to miss out on the Champions League, something that has never occurred during his 15 year reign. But his side have fallen back into old routines and unless they can resurrect their season once again, they might have to settle for a Europa League spot.
Blackburn
It is a surprise that Steve Kean continues to be the manager at Blackburn as we head into the final four months of the season. Blackburn currently sit in 18th place, two points off Bolton in 17th. The loss to Newcastle meant that Blackburn had won only once in the Premier League this year, a 3-1 triumph over Fulham. The one positive aspect about Blackburn’s recent run has been their away form; where they are unbeaten in their least three away from home. The feat is all the more impressive considering the grounds they travelled to were Anfield, Old Trafford and Goodison Park.
The loss of ‘The Yak’ has been crucial for Blackburn as their star striker continues to serve a suspension after picking up a red card against Fulham. Rovers will also be without Chris Samba, who continues to be shunned by the club after requesting for a transfer.
February and March are vital for Blackburn’s survival as they play QPR, Wolves and Bolton during that period. While they do have tough games against Man city & Sunderland, the relegation battles will be the focus for Kean. The bottom five of QPR, Bolton, Blackburn, Wolves and Wigan are the teams in the dogfight as West Brom have opened up a five point gap in 15th.
Head-to-Head:
17th Sept, 2011: Blackburn 4-3 Arsenal
2nd April, 2011: Arsenal 0-0 Blackburn
Arsenal: DWLLW
1st Feb, 2012: Bolton 0-0 Arsenal
29th Jan, 2012: Arsenal 3-2 Aston Villa
22nd Jan, 2012: Arsenal 1-2 Man United
15th Jan, 2012: Swansea 3-2 Arsenal
9th Jan, 2012: Arsenal 1-0 Leeds (FA Cup)
Blackburn: LDWLL
1st Feb, 2012: Blackburn 0-2 Newcastle
21st Jan, 2012: Everton 1-1 Blackburn
14th Jan, 2012: Blackburn 3-1 Fulham
7th Jan, 2012: Newcastle 2-1 Blackburn (FA Cup)
2nd Jan, 2012: Blackburn 1-2 Stoke
Probable Line-Ups:
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny (Gk), Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Song, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky, Walcott, Van Persie
Bacary Sagna is expected to start at the right-back & Thomas Vermaelen on the left while Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny continue in the centre. Mikel Arteta will be the playmaker while Alex Song provides legs to the midfield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has started the last two games, is favourite to start on the left while Theo Walcott continues on the right. Tomas Rosicky might get a look-in ahead of Aaron Ramsey while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain & Theo Walcott will flank Van Persie.
Blackburn (4-4-1-1): Robinson (Gk), Lowe, Dann, Givet, Olsson, Pederson, Nzonzi, Petrovic, Hoillet, Dunn, Modeste
Anthony Modeste will continue in attack, with David Dunn playing off him in a floating role. Morten Gamst Pederson and Junior Hoillet will be the vital outlets down the wings while Steven Nzonzi and Radosav Petrovic hold the midfield together. At the back, Jason Lowe, Scott Dann, Gael Givet and Martin Olsson will form a flat back-four ahead of Paul Robinson in goal.
Prediction: Arsenal haven’t been in great form off-late, but they will be expected to put away a Blackburn side at the Emirates. Without Yakubu Blackburn lack a potent centre-forward and will struggle to find the back of the net. For Arsenal, it is the same old routine of setting up Van Persie hoping for a winner.
Predicted Score: Arsenal 1-0 Blackburn
(TheSportsCampus)
