STAR PREVIEW: Blackburn v Bolton

[dropcap]J[/dropcap]ust three years ago Blackburn and Bolton were battling it out in the Premier League which must seem a distant memory for both sets of supporters who have seen their teams get off to a dismal start in the new Championship season.

There’s nothing between them – both have mustered just two points from their opening four games and sit 22nd and 23rd of the table with just Rotherham behind them. An early season ‘six pointer’ if you like. Certainly, a draw would be precious little use to either team in this derby confrontation.

There’s already massive early season pressure on Blackburn’s manager Gary Bowyer not helped by a (false) newspaper report claiming he had already been sacked and the club had to issue a statement to say that this was not the case.

Better news for Bowyer is that Jordan Rhodes is expected to return after an ankle problem but Chris Taylor (groin) and striker Chris Brown (knee) remain out.

Bolton manager Neil Lennon has fewer injury concerns and is hoping to have captain Darren Pratley back after his ankle injury. Derik Osede (ankle) and Liam Trotter (hamstring) will not be ready to play despite training on Thursday.

Blackburn Rovers v Bolton Wanderers
Championship
7.45pm SKY

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Mar 2015 Championship Blackburn 1-0 Bolton
Dec 2014 Championship Bolton 2-1 Blackburn
Mar 2014 Championship Bolton 4-0 Blackburn
Aug 2013 Championship Blackburn 4-1 Bolton
Mar 2013 Championship Bolton 1-0 Blackburn
Nov 2012 Championship Blackburn 1-2 Bolton
Mar 2012 Premier Bolton 2-1 Blackburn
Dec 2011 Premier Blackburn 1-2 Bolton
Apr 2011 Premier Blackburn 1-0 Bolton
Dec 2010 Premier Bolton 2-1 Blackburn

On the basis I can’t back them both to lose and I don’t fancy the draw it comes down to the lesser of two evils.

Bolton’s away record is atrocious (only won one of their last 12 games) and Blackburn have won the last two head to heads at Ewood Park.

So the ‘pools panel’ is going for a home win – but it’s unlikely to be pretty viewing.

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