Hapless Blackburn still value for Premier League relegation

Although few would have expected Blackburn to achieve a positive result away to Arsenal last weekend, the manner of their defeat suggested that even at a short-priced 1/2 in the Premier League odds to be relegated, this price could be worth taking advantage of.

Rovers were hammered 7-1 at the Emirates, their fourth defeat from their past six games, and the scoreline did further damage to a goal difference which features the league’s worst defensive record, with 54 goals conceded.

Usually finding solace at Ewood Park, it has been a rare season for the Lancashire club in which they have suffered nine defeats from 12 Premier League home games, and the aforementioned defensive fragility of the side will not be bolstered by repeated declarations of unhappiness from captain Chris Samba.

Arguably the club’s finest defender, Samba has had numerous transfer requests rejected by the club, yet has not featured as of late in the fear that he is not in the right frame of mind to play.

The recent suspension of top scorer Yakubu has also contributed to the detriment of Blackburn’s recent form, and it would appear of paramount importance that the striker stays fit and available from now on should the club have any chance of avoiding the drop.

They face a crucial home clash against improving relegation rivals QPR on Saturday, but could struggle to justify their 6/5 price as Mark Hughes looks to pile the misery on his former club.

Beyond the weekend, Rovers still face trips to three of the current top four in Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea, while champions Manchester United and European hopefuls Liverpool will travel to Ewood Park to make up a list of daunting remaining fixtures.

Although they must still meet some fellow strugglers on the way, the fact that Blackburn have failed to record back-to-back league wins all season tells its own story, and it is this lack of consistency that could cost them their Premier League status.