Blackburn v Manchester City

Blackburn Rovers v Manchester City Betting Preview

Premier League - Monday 20:00 Sky Sports 1

Manchester City's quest for Champions League football next season took another boost when Spurs, their main rivals in the race for fourth spot, dropped more points against Arsenal on Wednesday and City now have a 2pt cushion. 

But things could change over the Easter weekend because Spurs have what looks a winnable home game against West Brom on Saturday while Roberto Mancini's side face a tough trip to Ewood Park, a ground they have only won at once since 2000. City were blown away by Liverpool when last in Premier League action and, while they have often proved difficult to break down on the road, City have failed to win ten of their 16 away games this term.

Conversely, Blackburn have failed to win ten of their 16 home games, which is the main reason why they have found themselves dragged into a relegation battle since the sacking of Sam Allardyce. Scoring goals has been Rovers' biggest problem, only Birmingham and Wigan have scored fewer at home, and the team's top scorer, Nikola Kalinic, has just five league goals to his name. 

The loss of captain and key defender Ryan Nelson, who is out for the rest of the season, is a major blow which only increases the importance of the underrated Christopher Samba, who has been a defensice rock this season and who is a major threat in the opponents box at set-pieces.

But City are tough customers themselves defensively, none more so that Vincent Kompany who is having an outstanding season. Rovers feeble attack will struggle to penetrate this miserly City rearguard and, giving the attacking talent they have at their disposal, the visitors should be able to strike at the other end at some point.

Rovers can do their survival chances a power of good by taking something from this game but Steve Kean's side have lost that winning mentality at home and the visitors, who are slight odds against (best odds 23-20 with Victor Chandler and William Hill), look a good bet to pile more relegation worries on the Lancashire club.