West Bromwich Albion v Blackpool
If you look back at WBA's season, it could be argues that it was the return fixture at Bloomfield Road where the rot began to set in. Denied of several key players through injury, WBA were even further hampered by two quick red cards for Pablo Ibanez and Gonzalo Jara and despite a strong performance from the 9 men, WBA came up just short losing 2-1. Since then, WBA's results have taken a sharp downward turn and they have slipped from the European places to just above the relegation zone.
WBA will be without several regulars tomorrow, through a mixture of injury, suspensions and managerial selection, but the team will have a stronger look to that which started last week's cup defeat at Reading. Where WBA really need to improve however is infront of goal. Ismael Miller's performance at Reading last week once again suggestion that he does not have the quality, desire (or robust physique) to perform at the highest level and even though Roman Bednar brought a 1000% in effort and desire, he once again is not going to score the goals that WBA need to stay in the Premier League.
A lot will depend on the fitness of Peter Odemwingie. His goalscoring touch seems to have eluded him of late, but he brings something that other WBA strikers do not. WBA also desperately need Graeme Dorrans to find his scoring boots. Last years top scorer is yet to find the net this season.
Blackpool have been nothing short of brilliant in their first season in the Premier League and have performed better away from home. In Charlie Adam they have one of the most creative and consistent performers of the season. While most people would have had this as a home banker for WBA at the start of the season, Blackburn will provide a really strong test.
IPWYMTS Prediction - WBA 2 - 1 Blackpool
Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers
Was last week's 7-0 win over Ipswich in the FA Cup the return to form of the Champions or was it an easy fixture against a struggling Championship side? There surely can be no better team to play to provide the answer than Blackburn Rovers.
Chelsea's win last week was achieved with a number of reserves in the side and it is unlikely that they will return against a physical side like Blackburn, so it would seem a return to the line up that has struggled so much for Chelsea over the last 10 games.
Despite scoring 7 goals in their previous fixture, Chelsea's problems remain putting the ball in the net. Drogba still does not look the same player as he was before he contracted Malaria (hardly surprising) and seems to remain in the team on reputation and promise of something happening. Daniel Sturridge has done everything he can to retain his place in the side with his goals and overall performance against Ipswich, but I cannot see anyone but Drogba playing against a defensive pairing of Samba and Nelsen.
Blackburn have had a couple of good results since sacking Sam Allardyce and will come to Stamford Bridge with confidence.
IPWYMTS Prediction - Chelsea 2 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
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