Allen Hamilton
What: English Premier League
Who: Wolverhampton Wanderers (16th; 40 pts) vs Blackburn Rovers (15th; 40 pts)
When: Sunday 22nd May, 2011, at 16:00 UK Time
Where: Molineux, Wolverhampton, England
In Our Own Hands
Wolves know that a win here would be enough to secure another season of Premier League football regardless of results elsewhere. And the omens are positive. Coming into this game with back-to-back victories under their belt, Mick McCarthy’s side could win three on the bounce for the first ever time in the Premier League.
Yet this fixture is still a concern in Wolverhampton and given the fact that the side have strangely struggled more against teams involved in the relegation scrap, it is understandable.
The pressure though is not affecting McCarthy, with the former Sunderland boss keen to enjoy the heat of a battle to beat the drop. "Am I enjoying it? I am enjoying it all. What’s the alternative? Go and play golf? It is an absolutely fabulous job despite all the pressures and attention I get. I don’t want to do anything else – I love it."
McCarthy’s side know that, just one point out of trouble, many permutations are possible, but the one that matters is simple – win and survive.
Too Good to Go Down?
Blackburn Rovers fans may have got used to the idea of a relegation battle, but the feeling persists in the streets around Ewood Park that Steve Kean’s side have played too well at times this season to even be in this position. Last weekend’s draw with Manchester United was yet another example. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side desperate to clinch a point which would bring the Premier League title, found themselves behind against a stubborn Rovers side. And but for a very controversial penalty, United would have lost at Ewood Park.
Surely a side that visited the Emirates and drew with Arsenal at the start of April, should not be looking over their shoulder. The best goal difference of the five sides at risk of relegation (Blackburn, Wigan, Blackpool, Birmingham and Wolves) also points to a slightly better outfit.
Even old hands Alan Shearer and Jason Wilcox, part of the 1995 Premier League winning side, believe Rovers will be safe. "I think they will be okay", said Shearer, while Wilcox chipped in: "Blackburn can catch Wolves on the counter-attack and win convincingly."
Recent form
Wolves:
Birmingham City 1-1 Wolves
(01/05; Premier League)
Wolves 3-1 West Brom
(08/05; Premier League)
Sunderland 1-3 Wolves
(14/05; Premier League)
Blackburn Rovers:
Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Bolton Wanderers (30/04; Premier League)
West Ham 1-1 Blackburn Rovers (07/05; Premier League)
Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Manchester United (14/05; Premier League)
Key absences
Wolves: Kevin Doyle (doubt); Ronald Zubar; David Edwards
Blackburn Rovers: Vince Grella; Ryan Nelsen
Players to watch
Wolves – Steven Fletcher: Four goals in the Scottish striker’s last three games are a clear pointer to a man in form. Tasked with leading the line, Fletcher will need to continue to be at his best. The 24-year-old will get chances, and must take them.
Blackburn Rovers – Michel Salgado: The tough-tackling Spaniard has experienced caviar-football with Real Madrid, but a relegation battle is a different kind of competition. Experienced heads may be needed for Rovers though, especially as the minutes tick down. Salgado must lead from the front.
Match Prediction
Blackburn Rovers have been more than good enough to stay up, while Wolves have hit form at just the right time. However, on a final tense day, with games elsewhere potentially impacting events at Molineux, this is a time for cool heads and nerves of steel. Mick McCarthy’s side will attack from the off and there will be goals, but a scoring draw looks the best bet. Wolves 2-2 Blackburn.
