Stoke City were tough to beat at the Britannia last season but they’ve won just four times on home soil in 2010 and I’m taking them on this Saturday.
The popular consensus when Blackburn visit this weekend is that Rovers, who seemingly struggle on their travels, will find it tough going at the home of the Potters. Sam Allardyce’s men have lost just once in their previous seven Premier League away games however and won last time out at Blackpool.
Saturday’s visitors are clearly better at Ewood Park but they should have nothing to fear from a trip to play Tony Pullis’ side – a team which has managed just two victories in front of their own fans in their past 10 top flight matches.
Stoke are no bigger than 2.30 with the bookmakers this weekend to follow-up their last-ditch win at Newcastle last Sunday but they have looked a shadow of the team that was so tough to beat last season and might struggle to establish themselves his time around.
Former Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones was the hero for Saturday’s hosts at St. James’s Park six days ago but the big-money summer signing can often frustrate and back-to-back match-winning efforts from the target man are anything but guaranteed.
With Ricardo Fuller sidelined through injury, much will depend on Jones but robust Rovers have more than about them physically to cope with everything that the home team is likely to throw at them and I’m confident they can secure at least a share of the spoils.
Blackburn’s only loss away so far this season came at St Andrews but a 2-1 reversal there was unfortunate and they showed they have what it takes to gain a decent result on their travels when full value for a point at Manchester City next time out.
There are a number of home teams that look vulnerable this weekend at the prices and Stoke certainly fall into that category. They won’t be able to bully Sam’s boys and a share of the points beckons.
2pts Lay Stoke (vs. Blackburn) @ 2.32 (Betfair)