Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough, Saturday, Setanta Sports 1, 5:30pm
October 24, 2008 by Ben Filed under: Football
Two sides who have had a mixed start to the season meet at Ewood Park when Blackburn take on Middlesbrough. Blackburn have been impressive in victories against Everton, Newcastle and Fulham, but in between have suffered heavy defeats to West Ham and Arsenal. Boss Paul Ince will want a bit more consistency from his side, and will be looking to striker Roque Santa Cruz to add to the two goals he has scored so far this year.
The big Paraguayan was injured for last weekends 0-0 draw with Bolton, and was replaced by former Liverpool hit man Robbie Fowler. Fowler failed to make an impact though, and Rovers will be hoping Santa Cruz is fit for this weekend. Boro have also had an indifferent start to the season, and one that hit rock bottom last week against Chelsea. The 5-0 thrashing they endured at the Riverside would have shaken Gareth Southgate’s young side, although their youth could be an advantage in shaking off that result. They will also be expecting more from their front man Afonso Alves, who has scored just one goal so far this year, and the onus will be on the creative players such as Stewart Downing to provide the service for the Brazilian.
Blackburn are Evens favourites with BGbet, while Middlesbrough are 5/2 outsiders with Centrebet.
If Stewart Downing scores at anytime during Blackburn v Middlesbrough, BGbet will refund all losing first goalscorer stakes on the match.
