I’ll be honest here; this is a must win game. After this game we have league games against Everton and Villa, with a league cup game v Notts Forrest thrown in between those games.

Then after Villa and the retrn of big Brad and Stephen Warnock, we have Le Arse, Chelski, The B@stards, and ManUre.

This is a must win game.

Hopefully we will have a lot of players to choose from. Emerton is close to making a comeback, and Dunn, Reidy and Grella all should have used these 7 days extra to get back into shape and fit. Here’s the team I would put out:

——————-Robbo———————
Jacobsen Samba Givet Chimbonda
Dioufy Dunn Nzonzi Pederson
Benni (if fit) Kalinic

Wolves have earned 4 points from their 4 games but should be ours for the taking. If we go out and play solid defensively (like we have been lately) and our strikers can get some shots on target, we should pull out the 3 points.

Any thoughts about the game? Your XI you would field? As always, let me know and UP THE ROVERS!

Here’s how we’re looking: Robinson, Brown, Jacobsen, Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Olsson, Diouf, Hoilett, van Heerden, Doran, Nzonzi, Andrews, Pedersen, McCarthy, Roberts, Di Santo.

Look at that list and remember who’s out and doubtful and try and build a solid starting XI. Our midfield can’t even be completed let alone compete. Very worried about what we could see if Nelson and Samba don’t make the cut.

Citeh will be probably fielding a 1-0-9 formation, with a team looking like this according to SkySports:
Given, Richards, Dunne, Toure, Bridge; Wright-Phillips, Barry, Ireland, Bellamy; Robinho, Tevez.

Let me just say, I am looking forward to a win. But if we draw or even lose I can not say I’ll be surprised. I just hope the boys are ready to get the season going the right way.

Now the invitation. I invite all Rovers fan in the NYC area to make the trek into the NYC and come watch the game with me and a bunch of other Rovers fans at Nevada Smiths. We’ll be there a little before kick off and through out the match so please come by if you are able to.

Hopefully the next post will be a victory review. Until then, come on new season AND UP THE ROVERS!

Alright, I know I’ve been absent for a couple of days and there has been a lot of stuff going on. I made the trip to Baltimore Friday night to see the Chelski v AC Milan game and have been readjusting my sleep and time schedule all weekend while traveling up and down the East Coast. So, here’s some links to some stories I’ll be talking about this week, as alot is going on in the world of BRFC.

In Squad news: Keith Andrews has signed a new 4 year deal, while winger Keith Treacy has been loaned out to Sheffield United till the end of the year.

Also, a nice article on Brett Emerton and his desire for a healthy return from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Jason Roberts has hailed new arrival N’zonzi as “one to watch,” while Warnock has announced that Rovers need “a flying start” to the new Premier League campaign.

In transfer news, Zigic has said he is happy to stay with Valencia, while in today’s People, Alan Nixon has reported that Big Sam is in Russia scouting and pricing Pavel Pogrebnyak.

Finally for today, you can read the report on the 1-1 draw against Leeds yesterday where Gally equalized from the penalty spot after a poor first half from Rovers.

All these stories and more in detail to come this week, including and new transfer news. As always UP THE ROVERS!

The legendary Brad Friedel returns to Ewood Park tomorrow as Aston Villa visit for a Premier League clash. It’s no secret as to the quality of the Villa side this year as they’re riding high in 4th and have been unbeaten in their last 6 with 4 wins. I’m not sure what MON is up to over there, but it is clearly working. The best owner is one we don’t hear about and Randy Learner is only ever being talked about for all the right reasons. That being said, this isn’t the Villa blog so down to the business end of things. (I just like Villa as they can hopefully break the “Big 4’s” hold on the Prem and Champs League)
Ince’s side were beaten 3-2 earlier in the league this year and having been unbeaten under SA, Rovers look to avenge that loss. With (shudder) Diouf (ugh I hate it) RSC, Benni Mac and Jase Robs all available, the upfront is looking formidable. The midfield starting 4 is anyone’s guess because I can’t be too sure anyone knows who will be in the starting XI, not even SA. And according to this report click, SA is loving the selection dilemma. From the official site here:

“Boss Sam Allardyce will be missing only long-term absentees Steven Reid and Brett Emerton for the visit of Martin O’Neill’s side tomorrow afternoon.”

The back four looks alright with everyone available, although maybe Ooijer could do some good not in the starting XI as Villa’s pace on the break would maybe suit Zurab better.

All being told, I’d be more than happy with a point from this match, however, I think it could go 2-1 either way. Here’s hoping it’s the Rovers way. UP THE ROVERS!!

And the Outs?
Frank Fielding (Rochdale, loan)
Eddie Nolan (Preston, undisclosed)
Sergio Peter (Sparta Prague, £500,000)
Jamie Clarke (Rotherham, free)

So only a net loss of £2.5m and we held on to Roque. But Emerton has been ruled out for the season and we didn’t get a center midfielder. This leaves me a tad but worried plus I’m still trying to handle how I should be feeling about Spit theDoof on our team. Rovers take on Sunderland…again…today at 20:00 GST or 3pm EST. Hopefully a nice win will boost us into a strong winning run. As always, comments to help me retain my sanity or provide clarity (particularly on why we signed Spit) is always a help. UP THE ROVERS!

All this after earlier signing Givet on loan till the end of the season; one has to wonder if the scouts are getting a serious cut from the agents of these players. Just kidding, but it’s just a bit odd to see so many moves coming out of the same region of France. AKA the east. Marseille isn’t really close to Nancy or Metz. However it’s promising to see the squad being bolstered a little, although no superstars. Depth and reliability is the name of the game though the Janko-replacement-for-Roque rumor doesn’t seem to be going away despite Italian club Palermo’s £7million bid. I’m still not too sure how much validity that one holds though as Celtic and other clubs are said to be trying to sign the Austrian striker.

No matter what, I just hope we get another right sider, hopefully midfielder as I’m still not convinced by Emo and think he’s better at RB.

That being said, Rovers dominated the first hour of this match. Boro had some chances sure, but there wasn’t ever a real threat. Even when we seemed to be long-balling it, you could tell it was more direct like a long pass and not a clearance/I hope Roque wins this. Benni Mac, who during the Notlob game looked great, came on a sub and did fantastic. That header was calm, cool and collective and not only saved me from a pissy mood the rest of the day, but left me feeling like we won that game.
More on this after the jump!

More on Benni. Welcome back man. We missed you. I don’t know who gave ya a kick in the behind or whipped you into shape but it’s great to hit some sort of form and better now than never. Hope to see more from you in the coming weeks.

Carlos still has some bulk to build and some skills to improve on as he stopped short on a few runs, had a couple of noticeable slow moments and just overall lost most of the 50/50 and physical challenges on him. However, his flowing style of play really added a threatening element the first 70 or so minutes and prior to the Boro goal.

Matty Derbs, (and I know I’m bouncing from point to point but this stuff is all still fresh in my head now) Matty Matty Matty. I love ya man, I really do, but what were you doing out there today? Touches and masses and shots and that stupid frustrated yellow card you got… unbelievable man. You’re so good when you come on after the hour mark, why can’t you be that good all the time? Maybe you just need to grow some more. The potential is so there, but just not manifesting right now.

A huge scare occurred when Roque went down after that cross into the box. I don’t think I took a breath that whole time he was down until I saw him sit up and smirk. He really is something else and let us all be glad he wasn’t seriously hurt.

On the officiating: I’ve never seen a referee more in the way than he was today. Mike Dean was just always around and seemingly blocking sight lines and pseudo interfering with passes. I don;t know why but it was just oddly noticeable his position today. Also, he clearly hates Rovers. That’s all on that.

Treacy: You’re not as good yet as you think you are. There were plays where you needed a touch or two and had clear opportunities to pass and move it along, yet at least 3 times you kept going yourself was were dispossessed. Step your passing game up then worry about trick sticking down the line.

I thought the back four were relatvily solid with the exception of Nelson who can’t seem to play a game with out 3 or 4 daft moments that make me cringe and Olsson who had a few thoughtless moments but made up for them overall. Olsson is still growing and getting better; Nelson, you have no excuse.

All in all, Rovers had some fantastic chances. Roque, Emerton, Carlos etc. And the formation fluidity and adaptation was great and kept Boro on their back foot most of the game. Once Boro scored though, we clearly panicked and we were fortunate enough that the panic was in an offensive desperately pushing forward way and not a panic and give away more goals way. The game was largely entertaining and moved well the majority of the time. I would have loved to have taken all 3 from this, but can’t say I’m upset with the draw given the circumstances. the next game is only 4 short days away against Aston Villa. We’ll see what changes are made to the starting 11, and how it feels to root against Big Brad. Until then, UP THE ROVERS!!

Warnock – “No unrest at Rovers.” — SkySports
That’s great Warnock. Really. I appreciate the effort. Now, lets see how that great camaraderie is making your game better on the pitch. Thanks in advance.

Now this next article comes as a great bit of news to me. Shows the Rovers using some pulling power and beating out some big rivals for this kid’s commitment.
Blackburn Rovers win race to sign Arsenal wonderkid. — Lancashire Telegraph

Now earlier this week, there were some stories saying that our Roque wanted to hop ship and head to Man City. I dismissed this as rubbish right away and now there’s an article proving my point.
Roque Santa Cruz agent slams Manchester City link stories. — Lancashire Telegraph

The Mail Online has a story about Paul Gallagher wanting to leave Rovers for good. Hm. I’ll leave this one open to debate. Discuss.
Gallagher tells Ince: I want to leave Blackburn in January. — The Mail Online

And last but definitely not least, our own Brett Emerton scored two for the Aussies against Qatar. maybe he could work some of that magic this weekend.

Watch it end 1-0…

Nonetheless I think we will win. I think playing Emo on the right and bringing in Villanueva and Derbyshire for an ultra-attacking set-up could be the key here. Lescott looks weak and feeble at the moment and Emo’s strength could really bully him, and I think Carlos could be just too quick for the Everton midfield. We may also get a look at Segundo Castillo who we almost signed ourselves.

Rovers in this competition holds good memories for me. The first time I saw Rovers was in the League Cup Final in 2002 in my hometown Cardiff, and of course we won our most recent trophy that day. I won’t forget it.

My prediction: Rovers to win 3-1.

- A clean sheet!!! This was most important, and I think I may have even been happy with a 0-0 as long as the defence had held up. Fulham’s forwards looked very dangerous last week and they have a good midfield, so for the defence to hold up shows that they are competent. Robbo’s confidence will have been boosted and Ince was quick to praise him after some fantastic saves: “The most important thing is that our back five today was outstanding. Paul Robinson made two world-class saves. He made one in the first minute and if that goes in, heads can go down and it could be a completely different story. He made another one 15 minutes from time from Johnson, world-class, and if that goes in it could be a different story.”

- Tactical variation. Peds was on the right and did a decent job. Emerton did fantastically in central midfield. I’ve thought before that he could be used here, with his Aussie cockiness, strength, stamina and tackling ability. Ince should consider doing this again.

- New faces. Andrews could well be up to this Premier League malarky after all. Ince has faith in him and with Dunn out, he will be useful. A great game for academy lad Keith Treacy too – another Damian Duff would be fine thanks.

- The subs. More of Villanueva please! The only problem we may have is if he can be competent enough defensively to play in a midfield two, or should he be a supporting forward? Comment please… If he can play in a two (or a diamond), then we need him and Matt Derbyshire in the team too. The goal could be a snapshot of Rovers attacking play to come: Carlos to Santa to Derbs.

The only downer was Roberts. I think he could work well but he marginalizes Roque and is not as good a target man (Roque got more involved when Roberts went off).

Still, Ince clearly has a wealth of options, which is no bad thing.

Highlights!