Opposition View: Blackburn Rovers

Ahead of Saturday’s game against Blackburn Rovers, Bluemoon caught up with Jordan Wilson (@jordandwilson) from Roversfans.co.uk for a lowdown on the opposition…

1. Who do you think will be Blackburn's key players this season?

There are 2 main staples in the Blackburn team that are simply indispensable.

Junior Hoilett - Without a doubt our brightest prospect. He can play either up front but prefers a role just behind the striker or out wide. Very much like a young SWP or Defoe, with bags of pace, tricks and a mean shot on him. Sadly he's demanding a £15m release clause in his new contract meaning he will no doubt leave us for someone like City for a bargain price as Phil Jones did in summer.

Chris Samba - Everyone knows what to expect from Big Chris. He's big, he's powerful and true leader. Without him we look shaky at best. I'm sure all Rovers fans will be keeping fingers crossed that Arsene doesn't come back in January.

2. Were you happy with the business conducted during the transfer window?

Yes. We had one of our busiest summers of the past decade. After losing Phil Jones early on, we weren't overly sure of what was going to happen, but fair play we were allowed to strengthen and the likes of Scott Dann and Simon Vukcevic went a long way to creating some positivity around Ewood Park.

3. What are your expectations for this season?

Different to the start of the season. High on a positive summer I was predicting a charge for a Europa League spot. Sadly results have proven that nothing has changed. I'd be happy with safety, thought at this point it's hard to see.

4. Are you happy with the manager?

No. I'm not sure anybody is. There has been protest and petitions to get him sacked and rightly or wrongly most want him out to be replaced by someone with a proven record (Benitez, O'Neill etc)

5. Are there any rising starts in the squad that we might not have heard of?

Obviously I've mentioned Junior Hoilett.

Other than that we have the very similar Martin Olsson. Great player that can play left back or push up to a more attacking role.

Steven N'Zonzi is one that's just coming back to form. A young lad touted as the new Patrick Viera. At 6'7 he wanders around midfield making everything tick. Long way to go to be in the same league as the likes of Viera but all the foundations are there.

Jason Lowe also had his first real first team appearance against Arsenal. The England U19 captain was moved 10 mins into the game from his preferred holding midfield role to right back and gave a MOTM performance.

6. If you could have any City player in your team who would you choose?

Toss up between Silva and Aguero. I'd go Aguero as he scores goals.

7. What is your perception of City as a club?

I moved to Manchester 7 years ago and always loved City for staying true to the locals (unlike the other lot from Surrey). I go to City away every year and always love the atmosphere.

Playing-wise I love watching City and hope they go on to win the league.

8. Likely Blackburn starting XI for tomorrow, and score prediction?

Robinson

Salgado, Dann, Samba, Givet

Hoilett, N'Zonzi, Dunn, Olsson

Yakubu, Goodwillie

Prediction - 1:5

I don't think Kean is the man for the job. He's lost the dressing room and we'll be on the end of a few hidings before he goes I suspect.