Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers – Match Preview

Martin O’Neill begins his tenure as Sunderland manager with a relegation six-pointed against Blackburn at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The Black Cats let a one goal lead slip at Wolves last going on to lose 2-1 with their new boss watching from the Molineux stands. Sunderland have lost three of their last five and that poor form is what forced owner Ellis Short to dispense with the services of Steve Bruce last week with Sunderland dropping to fourth bottom. His swift appointment of O’Neill has caused the feel good factor to make a long awaited return to Wearside with supporters excited over the prospect of the former Aston Villa boss bringing the good times rolling back. His first task will be to provide a win in his first game in the Stadium of Light dugout with Sunderland winning only three times at home in 2011. O’Neill will need to sort out a defence that is leaking all over the place and motivate Nicklas Bendtner to start scoring goals at the other end. The Danish international has cut a forlorn figure in recent weeks and needs to start performing if he is to attract interest in his services next summer. He’ll be expected to start his renaissance this weekend against Blackburn with O’Neill leading the charge from the touchline.

Rovers will be optimistic of achieving a positive result in the North East after beating Swansea 4-2 at Ewood Park last week. That victory lifted Blackburn to within a point of safety easing the pressure on the shoulders of boss Steve Kean. The sound of protests once again ran out from the stands as supporters once again voiced their displeasure at the figure standing in the dugout. However it was Kean who had the last laugh as his side produced a stirring display to see off the Swans. It was one of the coach-turned- managers summer signings that stole the show with Yakubu scoring all four goals to win the game and move into double figures for the season. The Nigerian has proved to be an extremely shrewd acquisition and should he continue in his rich vein of form then he could be the man to fire Blackburn to the season. However the win over Swansea doesn’t hide the fact Rovers have endured a dreadful season thus far winning just two of their 14 league games. That said the victory last week will have seen confidence soar in the North West and could prove to be a huge turning point ahead of the festive period which can make or break a season.

Sunderland – 17th

Last Five: Lost 2-1 v Wolves (A), Lost 2-1 v Wigan (H), Drew 0-0 v Fulham (H), Lost 1-0 v Manchester United (A), Drew 2-2 v Aston Villa (H),

Potential Starting X11: 24. K. Westwood* 16. J. O’Shea [C] 4. M. Turner 6. W. Brown 2. P. Bardsley 7. A. S. Larsson 8. C. Gardner 16. J. Colback 11.K. Richardson 28. S. Sessegnon 52. N. Bendtner

Injury News: New boss Martin O’Neill won’t be able to call upon the services of Simon Mignolet and Connor Wickham whilst Fraizer Campbell and Craig Gordon remain out for the long-term.

Key Player: Kieron Westwood

Since replacing the injured Simon Mignolet the former Coventry keeper has performed superbly between the sticks for Sunderland. Westwood has proven he can perform at this level pulling off a series of impressive saves with his reflex stop to keep out Steven Hunt at Wolves last week displaying his qualities. He’ll be key to organising a leaky back four that has lacked structure in the last couple of weeks and keeping out Rovers striker Yakubu who is in prolific form at the moment.

Match Fact: Sunderland have lost only once against Blackburn in eight Premier League games at the Stadium of Light winning the other three and drawing four.

Blackburn – 18th

Last Five: Won 4-2 v Swansea (H), Lost 3-1 v Stoke (A), Drew 3-3 v Wigan (A), Lost 1-0 v Chelsea (H), Drew 3-3 v Norwich (A)

Potential Starting X11: 1. P. Robinson 5. G. Givet 4. C. Samba [C] 15. S. Dann 35. J. Lowe 23. J. Hoilett 15. S. N’Zonzi 12. M. Gamst Pedersen 10. M. Formica 20. R. Rochina 24. Yakubu

Injury News: Kean will be without key players Martin Olsson and Ryan Nelsen for the trip to Sunderland.

Key Player: Yakubu

Four goals against Swansea last week took the Nigerian into double figures for Rovers since his summer move from Everton. Yakubu is proving to be one of the bargains of the season with his prolific goal scoring seeing him win games single handedly and offer Blackburn a predatory presence in the penalty area. His knack of being in the right place at the right time will come in handy against Sunderland who’s defence has cost them in recent weeks.

Match Fact: Rovers don’t enjoy their trips to the North East having won just once in eight visits with their solitary victory coming in September 2007.

Last Time at the Stadium of Light

Premier League 1 January 2011

Sunderland 3-0 Blackburn

Wellbeck (11) Bent (19) Gyan (89)

Attendance: 36,242

Referee: Mike Dean

PREDICTION

O’Neill takes charge of his first Sunderland game since being appointed as boss and will want to hit the ground running with a win over relegation rivals Blackburn. Rovers will be brimming with confidence after their Swansea win but with both sides keen to avoid defeat this one could end up being a stale affair.

Score: 1-1

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