Spyin' Kop: Blackburn at home

Posted by Rushian on October 14, 2005, 01:23:16 pm

After the international break we're back to the Premier League and a rarity, a 3pm kick off on a Saturday. Blackburn Rovers are the visitors and Eirik from the excellent brfcs.com is giving us his answers to the usual Spyin' Kop interrogation.

How has the season been shaping up for Blackburn?

We started out in the worst manner, after taking the lead against West Ham only to concede three second half goals. Now, things are starting to look brighter, with two Premiership wins on the trot plus advancing in the Carling Cup.

What are your expectations for this season? Have they changed from day one?

For me, anything below 10th at the end of the season will be a disappointment. They haven't really changed much, because we're used to inconsistancy.

Who do you think is your most important player(s)?

Ryan Nelsen, Brad Friedel and in attack Morten Gamst Pedersen. And if he can stay free of injury, Craig Bellamy.

Your worst player(s)?

We have only good players *cough*. Okay, if I have to mention one player, Dominic Matteo.

Do you have a particular memory of any previous meeting between our clubs?  Say something that happened to you that day or a decision you disagreed with?

I disagreed with Gerard Houllier when Lucas Neill tackled Carragher and Babbel (who you graciously allowed us to loan) tackled Baros. Houllier was being a prat after the match. Also Diouf for turning the game in your favour.

Any young up and coming players in the squad that we might not know about?

Joe Garner is probably the most profilic youngster in our academy at the moment, and has advanced to the reserves now. He's scored a lot of goals for our youth teams and also for England, and he's a local lad. Still very young though. Players like Sergio Peter, Jemal Johnson and Andrew Taylor are more likely to break through to the senior team this season.

Is Mark Hughes much of a difference to Graeme Souness?

Very big difference there. Sparky's changed the training regime, can talk to his players without throwing things at them, and he's done well with small budget in the transfer market. Souness did well for us the first few seasons, but the change of manager has really been a success.

Do you have a favourite/best chant(s) and perhaps any that require an explanation?

I liked the "There's only one Peter Andrč" chant to Dwight Yorke last season. No explanation needed ...

What sort of line-up will Mark Hughes put out against us?

Friedel
Neill, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Gray
Bentley, Savage, Tugay, Reid, Gamst Pedersen
Kuqi

We might play 4-4-2, with Dickov alongside Kuqi, but with Bellamy injured I doubt it. Emerton might get a look-in though.

Where do you expect Blackburn and Liverpool to finish in the Premier League?

Liverpool: 5th
Blackburn: 9th

Have you been to Anfield before?  What are your impressions/expectations.  How do you find atmosphere, things like YNWA etc.  Is there anything you would change in terms of how away fans are treated?

Sorry, never been there.

Which Liverpool player will you fear the most?

With Gerrard out, I'm not really that afraid of anyone. I think Xabi Alonso is a brilliant player, though.

And your feelings on the new 'Spanish flavour' Liverpool. Senor 'Rafa' Benitez and our new latin recruits?

It's all good. Can only speak for myself though, but I find the new players rather exciting.

From the outside you seem to have been an injury prone side for a number of seasons - time for a new physio?

It was a problem during Souness' reign, but it's not too bad this season.

Care to predict the score?  Go on!

1-1

Thanks to Eirik and all those at BRFCS for their help with this. Also good luck from RAWK in the launch of the Blackburn Rovers Independent Supporters Association this weekend.

© Rushian 2005

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