Round 36: Blackburn vs Bolton

*******Double Points Round*******

Local derby. That means a fantastic atmosphere, bragging rights up for grabs, and most importantly double points on offer in the Predictions League!

After the shambles of a performance by the referee last time out we are now left with a squad that is stretched even further by the loss of Wheater, McNaughton and crucially this seasons revelation Clough (6 goals in 10 senior appearances, when was the last time an academy graduate had that level of impact on the first teams so early on).

We soldier on however and Lennon refuses to let the injury list qualify as an excuse for poor performances or results. And good on him for that.

Sadly the loan rules mean that agents Spearing and Baptiste are unable to hamstring Blackburn in this fixture. Although going off the results since Spearing joined Rovers on loan he clearly didn't understand his mission parameters- they've only lost twice in that time afterall!!!

Despite our depleted numbers I have faith in Lennon and his team to have the lads properly fired up and ready to hopefully take advantage of any tiredness Blackburn are suffering from post FA Cup exploits. We know only too well how that can have an influence on the following fixture.

Team News

Blackburn cannot field ineligible loanees Alex Baptiste and Jay Spearing against their parent club when Bolton visit in the Championship on Wednesday.

Jason Lowe (foot) and Shane Duffy (knee) are out, while Grant Hanley (calf), Josh King (hamstring) and David Dunn (calf) will all be assessed.

Bolton will include new loan signings Giles Coke and Paddy McCarthy.

Emile Heskey (calf) and Craig Davies (hamstring) should be fit along with goalkeeper Andy Lonergan (concussion).

Prediction

I'm going to be quietly optimistic here. I don't think we will go there and dominate them by any means, but I think we can come away with all 3 points. 0-1 Bolton win, Le Fondre with the lone strike.