Arsenal
vs
Blackburn Rovers
Match Schedule:
Date:October 4th
Time: 12:30 (GMT)
Sam Allardyce is unlikely to make the same mistake he did last season, when Blackburn were uncharacteristically timid and let Arsenal pick them off. With the Gunners averaging three goals per game in the Premier League the Emirates crowd can expect a more abrasive resistance from Rovers of the type that so unnerved them when Allardyce was at Bolton. Patience may again be required for Wenger's men and Theo Walcott will be desperate to get in on the act for what would be his first appearance of the season. Amy Lawrence
Venue Emirates Stadium
Tickets Sold out
Last season Arsenal 4 Blackburn 0
Referee P Walton
This season's matches 4 Y12, R0, 3.00 cards per game
Probable starters in bold, contenders in light Photograph: Graphic
sportingbet odds Arsenal 2-9 Blackburn 9-1 Draw 9-2
Arsenal
Subs from Almunia, Szczesny, Eboué, Walcott, Senderos, Silveste, Gibbs, Vela, Traoré, Ramsey, Mérida, Wilshere, Rosicky
Doubtful Almunia (virus), Bendtner (hip/thigh)
Injured Eduardo (thigh, 17 Oct), Fabianski (knee, 25 Oct), Nasri (broken leg, 31 Oct), Denílson (back, Nov), Djourou (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Form guide WWLLWW
Disciplinary record Y11 R0
Leading scorers Fábregas, Vermaelen 3
Blackburn
Subs from Brown, Emerton, McCarthy, Reid, Hoillett, Di Santo, Salgado, Doran, Olsson, Van Heerden, Kalinic
Doubtful None
Injured Givet (knee, 17 Oct)
Suspended Grella (one match)
Form guide WLWDLL
Disciplinary record Y9 R1
Leading scorer Dunn 2
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