Game: ARSENAL vs BLACKBURN
Type: ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Date: 14 March, 2009
PREVIEW
Having just edged Roma via the penalty shoot-out in the recent Champions League clash, the Gunners return to the Emirates Stadium to host a resurgent Blackburn team. Arsenal will be expected to continue their great run of form at home, where they remain unbeaten unbeaten in their last 12. Even more staggering is the fact that they have managed not to concede any goals in their last 7 home matches. Arsenal also enjoys an excellent head-to-head record against Blackburn, winning all 4 ties against the visitors by 2 goals or more. More importantly, a win here will move them level on points with Aston Villa, who currently occupy the coveted 4th spot.
Despite the above, Blackburn will be looking to improve their run where they have only lost twice in their last 11 league outings. They have recently won their last 2 away matches, outwitting both Hull and Fulham by 2-1 scorelines. Knowing that Arsenal will probably be rotating a few of their players due to their midweek European encounter, Blackburn will be looking to take advantage of the situation in the hope to spring a surprise.
KWIK STATS
HOME > ARSENAL
AWAY > BLACKBURN
THE PICK
Despite Blackburn's recent upturn in form to crawl their way out of the relegation zone, ARSENAL is still too formidable for Blackburn to pose any threat - especially when the visitors have injuries to their key players such as Santa Cruz, Pedersen and Emerton. I'd expect the 1st half to be close but with the Gunners slick passing, Blackburn's defense will wear down by the 2nd half and concede.
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