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Blackburn Rovers
Position - 12th
Points - 22
Won - 6, Drawn - 4, Lost - 8
Top scorer - Morten Gamst Pederson (4)
Star man - Paul Robinson
If I were doing this post a week ago, it would be very similar to that about Stoke City. About Blackburn being a safe mid table side, under the solid managership of Sam Allardyce. But after Big Sam's sacking, and the placing of first team coach Steve Kean in charge for the rest of the season, who knows what will happen.
A lot depends on funds given to the new boss in January. The squad needs improving, especially if Chris Samba gets his wish to leave. If no players arrive, Rovers could well be dragged into a relegation battle. Like he did at Bolton, Allardyce was over achieving with past it players at Blackburn, can Kean do the same?
It could prove a very poor decision the timing of the sacking, but I feel they will just about survive. If the new owners truly do want the club to be in the top six within a couple of years, they must have deep pockets. But if skipper Samba leaves, that will leave a big dent in the club's defence.
My prediction - 15th
Stoke City
Position - 13th
Points - 21
Won - 6, Drawn - 3, Lost - 8
Top scorer - Kenwyne Jones (4)
Star man - Matthew Etherington
It is pretty hard to comprehend, just what a good job Tony Pulis has done at Stoke City.When first promoted to the Premier League, they were certainties to go back down. Now in their third season at this level, Stoke are safe bets to finish mid table. I see the future being a case of moving up the table, rather than down, if Pulis stays.
Once just a long ball team, the Potters now have genuine quality. Yes, Rory Delap's throw is still a huge weapon, and with the likes of Shawcross and Huth coming up from the back, set pieces will also provide a lot of goals for them. But Etherington and Pennant on the wings have been brilliant this season, and Jones and Fuller are class performers up front.
If I were a Stoke City fan, I'd have no worries about the season ahead. Mid table looms again, but with a few more shrewd signings like in recent years, Europe may not be too far away next season. A lot will hinge on whether they can keep hold of their best players. Ryan Shawcross in particular, is likely to have a lot of big clubs sniffing around him.
My prediction - 12th
Here are the big stories making the back pages today;
Edin Dzeko to Manchester City (AGAIN)
Robbie Keane to West Ham
Vincent Kompany to AC Milan
Ronaldinho to Man City/ Gremio
Semih Senturk to Tottenham
Jo to Hamburg
Robin Van Persie to Bayern Munich
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Comment by Matt Saltmer
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