[Archived] Blackburn Rovers v Stoke City

[Amo]

Does that line-up have the physical presence to face what Stoke are going to be throwing at us? On paper all very pretty but they are going to have to play out of their skins.

The lack of steel in midfield is worrisome. At least Linganzi is an option from the bench.

Good to see Olsson & Kalinic brought into the side. Spit deserves dropping after his recent performances, then again, so does Dunn but he's still in the side.

[Mercer]

Unable to get there today. Line-up is sh1t or bust. Kean will be dubbed either a genius or a madman after this one.

[The Rover of Finland]

Great to see Hanley in action. Niko will score today. 2-1 for Rovers.

[bigbrandjohn]

Interesting.I saw Diouf upfront for man utd in the summer and he was good with Welbeck. I would like to see him as an out and out striker with Kalinic. Could cause problems,also Kean will get on the right side of Sir Alex playing him upfront, which is important for any career.

[T4E]

If the good version of Kenwyne Jones turns up he could give Hanley a torrid time. Walters is a handful too.

Big game for Kalinic. A winnable home game, an attacking formation and a different style to normal. Everything that his advocates have been asking for is there today. He needs to step up.

[imy9]

Our back four looks like it can handle Stokes throw ins, we may be playing 4-3-3, with Dunn, Emerton and MGP in the middle and Diouf up front and Kalinic and Olsson on either side. Just guessing and will be interesting to see the players in the formation

[Tim Southampton Rover]

I think I am going for a 3-1 home win predicition. I'm not sure if that's me or the sherry talking.

Kalinic to prove why he's worth £6m.

[philipl]

Just been mushing up and sucking on a fresh mango Indian-style in honour of our owners- hope it works!

[Miker]

Who's in the centre of midfield? Dunn and Pedersen??

[Balwer]

Haven't seen any team news in the past few days, are Samba and/or Roberts injured or is their absence in relation to the change of management issues?

[T4E]

Both injured - they both went off last week with knocks.

[budha]

TV graphics suggest 5-3-2.

Edit: and so it seems to be

[Majiball]

Would some kind soul please send me a PM.

Cheers

[Miker]

Are we playing sexy football yet?

[tony gale's mic]

Did that miss just really happen?

[philipl]

How on earth did Stoke miss that one from a Delap throw?

[Amo]

I love how the official site still hasn't posted the team news! Grooby taking the day off?

[OsloRover]

Dunn's half asleep out there, and Pedersen not much better. Olsson and Kalinic bright so far though

[Amo]

Dunn is out for Walters today. He was giving him a foul look just after kick-off.

[Torgeir]

Dunn is off the pace of the PL currently. MGP playing pretty poorly as well. I like Olsson's energy today though, looking sharp - Kalinic trying too. Sub Dunn at HT or I think we'll lose this.

[RoverRich]

Dunn's half asleep out there, and Pedersen not much better. Olsson and Kalinic bright so far though

Completely agree with this. Emerton and Mame Diouf look full of running but not much from either of them so far. Hanley solid so far. Salgado also doing well, as he seems to most weeks these days.

[LeftWinger]

Dunn is out for Walters today. He was giving him a foul look just after kick-off.

I just hope if Walters goes off early that they've locked the changing room door.

[Miker]

Awesome - did Pedersen just pretend like he was looking to pass to someone and then instead smack it straight into Kenwyn Jones' head?

Does anyone else think this referee looks a bit like Willem Defoe?

[philipl]

This is unlikely to end 11 v 11

[greco82]

Stokes defenders are going to have to be careful.

Can see somebody being sent off today

edit: beat me to it Philip!