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Blackburn Rovers vs Portsmouth
0 : 1/2
Both Blackburn and Portsmouth have the chance to officially secure Premier League safety this weekend.
Almost There
Despite having suffered four consecutive away defeats, Blackburn Rovers’ home form looks like it will be enough to keep them in the Premier League.
Indeed, a win over Portsmouth on Saturday would be their third in a row at home and secure league safety – a good achievement for manager Sam Allardyce, who replaced Paul Ince with the 1995 league champions struggling in the relegation zone.
They already enjoy a six-point cushion over the bottom three, so with just three matches to go, their current tally of 37 points could well be enough, but Allardyce will want to make sure on Saturday and finish the season on a high in the remaining fixtures.
Pompey are currently a point and one place better off in 14th, and similarly can mathematically seal safety with a victory at Ewood Park.
Under Paul Hart, the ship has been steadied, although wins have still been hard to come by. Just two of their last 10 games have resulted in victories, while they have won just two of 17 total away fixtures in the league this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Blackburn – Benni McCarthy
Benni McCarthy currently sits on nine league goals and will want to reach double figures before the season comes to an end. Having been in and out of the team this year, the South African will have his sights set on a strong finish to the campaign.
Portsmouth – Peter Crouch
With 16 goals in all competitions, England striker Peter Crouch is far and away Portsmouth’s top goal-scorer. With him likely to continue leading the line on his own on Saturday, he bears a lot of responsibility over whether his side will be successful as an attacking force.
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Blackburn
May 02 Manchester City 3-1 Blackburn (Premier League)
Apr 26 Blackburn 2-0 Wigan (Premier League)
Apr 18 Stoke City 1-0 Blackburn (Premier League)
Apr 11 Liverpool 4-0 Blackburn (Premier League)
Apr 04 Blackburn 2-1 Tottenham (Premier League)
Portsmouth
May 02 Portsmouth 0-3 Arsenal (Premier League)
Apr 27 Newcastle 0-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Apr 22 Manchester United 2-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Apr 18 Portsmouth 1-0 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
Apr 11 Portsmouth 2-2 West Bromwich Albion (Premier League)
TEAM NEWS
Blackburn
The unusual strike-force of defender Christopher Samba and top goal-scorer Benni McCarthy is set to continue for Blackburn with Roque Santa Cruz (knee) and Jason Roberts (foot) still out of action.
Previous XI (1-3 Away V Manchester City): Robinson, Ooijer, Nelsen, Givet, Warnock, Diouf, Grella, Tugay, Pedersen, McCarthy, Samba.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth duo Glen Johnson and Younes Kaboul (both thigh) will receive late fitness tests ahead of the match at Ewood Park.
Fellow defender Noe Pamarot is suspended, meaning Linvoy Primus, who has only just returned to the club after a loan stint with Charlton Athletic, may feature.
Previous XI (0-3 Home V Arsenal): James, Pamarot, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Davis, Hughes, Mullins, Belhadj, Crouch.
PREDICTION
Blackburn are a hard side to beat at home and want one more result to be absolutely sure of Premier League survival.
Pompey struggle on the road, and are struggling a bit recently. However, their current tally of 38 points is almost certain to keep them up.
I think this will be a narrow home win, sealing a successful debut campaign for Sam Allardyce at his new side.
Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Portsmouth
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