Newcastle vs. Blackburn: Premier League Betting Preview

Blackburn will have taken plenty of confidence from their 4-3 win over Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime but might not find things so easy in the north-east this weekend.

Rovers started the new season in worryingly poor form but manager Steve Kean remained optimistic and his patience was rewarded when he saw his team beat the hapless Gunners in a seven goal thriller.

A double strike from Yakubu and a pair of own goals from the visitors gave Blackburn their first win of the season, a victory which lifted them above Arsene Wenger’s team, but the defensive frailties remained in a 3-2 Carling Cup triumph over Leyton Orient and I expect them to be punished once more on Saturday.

Newcastle’s start to the season has been hard to evaluate, having rarely thrilled when I’ve seen them in action, but it is results that matter and Alan Pardew has made the Magpies very tough to beat.

A valuable point at Villa Park last time out, Leon Best salvaging a draw, saw Newcastle remain unbeaten in the top flight and Pardew must take an awful lot of credit for that fine achievement.

Having seen Andy Carroll depart in January, and Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton follow in the summer, Newcastle have performed terrifically well in such trying circumstances and currently sit in a Champions League spot.

It’s unlikely that only the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea will finish above the St James’s Park outfit come May but Newcastle have conceded just twice in five matches and this has all the makings of a low-scoring home win.

With their fanatical support, the Geordies ensure their team are always very hard to beat on their own soil and a win on Saturday would keep Newcastle in the top four regardless of results elsewhere.

I think they’ll get it and prices nudging 2.00 will do for me.

I have Newcastle more like 1.80 shots and expect them to pick up maximum points.

2pts Back Newcastle (vs. Blackburn) @ 1.91 (various)