Gunners Champions Elect...

[Alan75]

There will be mixed feelings amongst Blackburn supporters this Saturday, with the visit of Champions elect, Arsenal.

Whilst the fans main objective will be that the team pick up another 3 points to draw away from the relegation zone, there will also be admiration for the London team, who have been playing exceptionally entertaining football this season.

Rovers players shouldn’t need motivating for this fixture and will need to remember that the game kicks off at 3pm, any laps of concentration against Arsenal, who haven’t been beaten this season, would result in punishment.

If the Rovers aren’t going to be mugged, like Nils Johansson during the team bonding trip to Spain, they will have to be on top of their game and with the news that the striking partnership of Stead and Gallagher will be missing, it could be an uphill task.

Whilst a majority of supporters will be apprehensive about the result of this game, the thought of defeat will be tempered by the thought that Manchester United won’t close the gap at the top of the table. What the supporters will however demand is that the team play with a passion, showing the pride in wearing the shirt and putting in a performance worthy of their support.

That being said, the supporters will also need to be up for this game and play their part in lifting the team, sentiments expressed eloquently by one of the members of this web site,

FourLaneBlue

Quote. “So just in case we do find ourselves outclassed on Saturday, let's do credit to ourselves and our club as well. If players don't try they don't deserve our backing but against Arsenal even if they try their hardest they may well still be thrashed. If that happens, let's do a Portsmouth. Just for once. For those players who you do know are trying. For the town of Blackburn. For the county of Lancashire. For the sport of football."

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[Alan75]

Young striking partners Jon Stead and Paul Gallagher have been ruled out of Saturdays game against Arsenal, as both are suffering from from hamstring injuries.

Manager Graeme Souness told the club's official website: "Jon is nearer to playing and we could push him on, but we have some very big games coming up and it's simply not worth the risk.

"As for Gally, he's doing well but you can't take chances with injuries like this and he won't be ready."