Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers: Can Rovers end their away day blues?

If Blackburn Rovers were somebody’s husband their beloved wife would have no problem in letting them go for a lads’ weekend because they are truly terrible playing away. Rovers have lost their last 10 league games in a row and only their Lancashire rivals Burnley have conceded more on the road this season. However, Rovers fans will travel to the Reebok full of confidence given their recent record there.

Blackburn Rovers are unbeaten in their past eight visits to the Reebok and they will fancy their chances of getting back to winning ways against a Bolton side that have lost their last three league games, scoring just once in the process.

West Ham United’s draw at Hull City yesterday saw the Trotters slip into the bottom three but a point today will see them climb out of the drop zone. A win for Megson’s men would see them leapfrog Blackburn.

Bolton are yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this season while Blackburn have managed just one, against West Ham, so there could be a glut of goals.

Rovers will be without the experience of their manager Sam Allardyce for today’s game following the news that he is to undergo surgery for a heart complaint, but I’m sure the players will be hoping to give the boss a boost by leaving with all all three points. However, the majority of the Panel believes the best they may leave the Reebok with is a point, but at least that would be a step in the right direction for them.

Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers; Kick Off 1:30pm 22 Nov 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 0
Chris Cox : 0 - 0
Graham Enwright : 1 - 1
Sue Gardener : TBC
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 1 - 1
Don McMahon : 1 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : 2 - 0
Dave Nash : 2 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 2
Peter Rendle : 1 - 1
Dan Taylor : 1 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 2
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : 1 - 1

Panel Verdict

It looks like the honours will be shared.

Home: 4; Draw: 7; Away: 2; TBC: 5.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!