Why can't Blackburn convert cup form to the league?

Gary Bowyer must be wondering what he has to do to get his side playing as well in the league as they are doing in the FA Cup. I am sure the Blackburn fans want to go as far as they can in the cup, but sitting in 10th in the league means they have lots of work to do if they are to challenge for a play-off place now. 

Even a gap of 15 points can be cut back and last season Blackburn Rovers put in a good run towards the end of the season, but it would be a major shock if they do that again, especially as their recent away form has not been encouraging. They have not won away in the league since beating Nottingham Forest at the end of October. It's a different story when they play at home and in the FA Cup, but that is not going to get them a play-off spot.

Hopefully Rovers won't bring their cup form to Dean Court.

If Blackburn are to challenge they have to beat the top sides and they had the perfect opportunity to start that in midweek when they met Norwich City, but they lost the game. AFCB will be another game where they will need to try and take points off a team that is above them. They'll need Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes to keep putting away their chances, but it has been the two strikers who have kept Rovers from falling further behind in the race for a top six finish. Some other Blackburn players are going to have to start finding the net if they are to really push on now.

A few injuries to Ben Marshall, Chris Taylor and Corry Evans have not been helpful, but everyone is getting injuries to their team. One player that will be keen to get game time is Tommy Spurr who only made his first start of the season against Blackpool last weekend, but he did not feature against Norwich in mid-week.

The cup run could be taking more out of Rovers than is good for them of course. With Jay Spearing, Tom Cairney and Grant Hanley in their side there is plenty of fight and experience, but succeeding in cup and league campaigns is going to be very demanding for them. In some ways the match they face against AFCB will be a good prelude to the Liverpool cup match. Their players will be playing for their shirt in that game so the Cherries should be aware that Rovers are going to be doing everything to improve their away record, because they can't afford to lose any more ground on the top six in the Championship.

It seems that set-pieces have been causing them problems of late and perhaps the Cherries can cause them problems with their corners. But beating Rovers will be a difficult task and AFCB must make the most of home advantage, which they couldn't do against Derby and Huddersfield.

Send in more score predictions for the match and I'll post them up on Cherry Chimes.

Late goals not enough for Cherries against Blackburn: 3-2

Blackburn Rovers v AFCB

23 August 2014

Attendance: 13,900

I believe Simon Francis travelled with the squad up to Blackburn but was not part of the squad so Adam Smith again slotted in at right back. Junior Stanislas also won a place in the starting line up on the left wing while Pugh was still absent. Brett Pitman did make it back on to the subs line up though and it as a pretty strong line up to face Rovers.

From what I can tell of match reports AFCB did not get of to a great start and to be 3-0 down in under half an hour it was always asking a lot to get anything from Ewood Park. But with the introduction of Fraser, Rantie and Pitman the Cherries did well to pull back two goals in the last few minutes of the game and to give the hosts a nervy end to the game. Pitman scored a penalty on 81 minutes and Steve Cook scored his first goal of the season on 90 minutes, but the Cherries still went down 3-2 from first half goals from Rhodes, Hanley and Gestede.

AFCB now drop down to 11th in the table, two points outside the play offs and have another hard away game to come at Norwich where they will aim not give themselves such a big deficit to pull back by half time.

AFCB official match tweets:

Here they are! The two teams are out here at Ewood Park and we are minutes away from kick-off. Do we have any score predictions? #BRFCvAFCB

01: We're underway at Ewood Park, where the Cherries begin proceedings shooting away from the traveling fans. #BRFCvAFCB

03: Early chance for #afcb as Stanislas shoots from the edge of the area. Robinson spills, but claims before Wilson can pounce. #BRFCvAFCB

09: First sight of goal for #brfc. Olsson rifles in a shot from the corner of the area & Camp parries away http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

13: Cook is caught in possession by the byline, and Rhodes keeps his cool to slot the ball beyond Camp. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

19: Stanislas retreives Wilson's under-hit pass on the edge of the area, but shoots straight at Robinson. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

21: Hanley heads beyond Camp from Cairney's corner to double #brfc's lead. #afcb now trail 2-0. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

24: Conway's long-range effort is deflected off Gustede to wrong-foot Camp. #brfc 3-0 #afcb. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

26: Ritchie tries his luck from inside the area, but his looping shot fails to trouble Robinson. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

27: It's almost four as Gustede almost meets Conway's cross from the right. It goes wide - just. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

28: Olsson cuts the ball back to Rhodes, but his left-footed shot cannons off the far post. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

39: Marshall's shot from the edge of the area is palmed away by Camp. #brfc look dangerous going forward. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

41: Cook is booked for a foul on Gustede on the edge of the area. The resultant free-kick comes to nothing http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

Half time at Ewood Park: #brfc 3-0 #afcb. #BRFCvAFCB

46: The second half is underway, and it is confirmed - Fraser replaces Ritchie for #afcb. #BRFCvAFCB

46: Fraser almost immediately has an impact as his cross towards Kermorgant in the area is headed away. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

48: Close for #brfc. Marshall's cross from the left is inches away from being met by Evans in the middle. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

50: Stanislas' free kick cannons off the wall, before Kermorgant's follow-up shot is tipped over. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

53: Better! Wilson forces Robinson into a smart save at the near post. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB #afcb

55: Wilson has an effort from a similar position. Robinson parries & quickly gathers the follow-up. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

64: Second substitution for #afcb as Kermorgant is replaced by Rantie. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

65: Left-back Olsson bursts forward before firing his shot into the side netting. Still #brfc 3-0 #afcb. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

67: Substitute King's shot deflects off Elphick, before Baptiste heads over from the resultant corner. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

69: Rhodes fires over from the corner of the area, under the tight surveillance of captain Elphick. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB
74: Final substitution for #afcb as Pitman replaces Stanislas. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x

79: Pitman smashes the ball into the top corner from the spot, after Smith was tripped in the box. #brfc 3-1 #afcb. #BRFCvAFCB

86: Arter shoots from 25 yards out, but it goes way over Robinsons goal. Still #brfc 3-1 #afcb. http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

88: Cook rises highest to convert Daniels' corner. Now just one more... #brfc 3-2 #afcb http://bit.ly/1sfot0x #BRFCvAFCB

Full time: #brfc 3-2 #afcb. #BRFCvAFCB

AFCB
Camp, Smith, Daniels, O'Kane, Elphick, Cook, Ritchie, Arter, Wilson, Kermorgant, Stanislas

AFCB Subs
Gosling, Rantie, Pitman, Harte, Fraser, Flahavan, Cargill

Blackburn Rovers
Robinson, Lowe, Olsson, Crainey, Hanley, Baptiste, Marshall, Evans, Gestede, Rhodes, Conway

Blackburn Subs
Henley, King, Eunn,, Eastwood, Varney, Williamson, Taylor. 

Cherry Chimes talks to Rover Stan

Rival Lines
Blogger Interview: Rover Stan
Batch Preview Blackburn Rovers v AFCB

I managed to catch up with Rover Stan who we talked to last season to get his opinion on the current Blackburn Rovers team and to see how well he thinks they are playing at the moment. here are his thoughts ahead of the match against AFCB. Make sure you drop in on his site at RoverStan.

CC: What is the best thing to have happened to Blackburn Rovers over the summer - Jordan Rhodes' new contract?

RS: A new contract for Rhodes was a real bonus for the club. Whilst there's no guarantee he'll stay, if anyone wants him they will have to stump up big money to get him. The best thing to happen over the Summer has to be the sound of silence, with Rovers for once out of the headlines.

CC: You had a good run towards the play-offs last season what reasons have Blackburn fans to be more optimistic of a top six finish this season?

RS: The squad is settled and morale seems to be good. They certainly gave it their best shot towards the end of last season before finally finishing in 8th position. The high wage earners have had to go to comply with the new Financial Fair Play rules but Gary Bowyer has assembled a new squad that is keen to play for him, whilst being considerably cheaper.

CC: Are you pleased that Leon Best has gone on loan to Derby County, a possible promotion rival?

RS: I think most Rovers fans are delighted to see the back of Leon Best. He looked good in pre-season games when he first arrived but after he came back from injury he has never produced a good performance. He did quite well at Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season but his high wages make him an unattractive buy.

CC: What do you expect to see from new signings Luke Varney and Chis Brown this season?

RS: Chris Brown and Luke Varney have been signed as cover up front. Varney didn't impress last season on loan and hasn't improved so far this season. We haven't seen Brown play yet as he's injured but reports suggest he could be a useful addition to the squad.

CC: Is Paul Robinson still up the task in goal?

RS: Yes, is the simple answer to that question. His experience will be invaluable this season. It's like having a second captain on the field. His job has not been helped by injuries to Tommy Spurr and Matt Kilgallon, which leaves us short of quality in defence, although we have signed Alex Baptiste on loan for the season from Bolton Wanderers. Expect Robinson to want to be part of the promotion party.

CC: Grant Hanley has to be one of the best centre backs in the division so are you surprised to have kept hold of him?

RS: It's hard to believe that Grant has come so far in such a short space in time. He's now played 102 1st team games for Rovers and currently wears the Captain's armband at just 22 years of age. He certainly wants to show who's boss against any opposition but has been prone to the odd rash challenge, leading to a red card. Another good season with Rovers will surely put him firmly on the radar of other clubs.

CC: What does Rudy Gestede give you that other strikers at the club don't?

RS: Gestede is the perfect partner for Jordan Rhodes up front. He's a target man, good with his feet and excellent in the air. He's taken some of the pressure off Rhodes who has inevitably found himself tightly marked last season. Confidence grows when you score goals and that's just what he's done.

CC: Was there anything you saw that was encouraging in your first game against Cardiff City?

RS: All the signs were there of a team that are playing for each other and keen to carry on from where they left off last season. Tom Cairney scored a goal worthy of inclusion in the Goal of the Season competition. Expect more from him in the coming months. Rovers have been guilty of not delivering the ball to the front men but Craig Conway was desperate to impress against his old club. Conway regularly claimed the Man of the Match award last season and looked like he wants to continue this time around.

CC: Did you feel the team played a lot better against Blackpool and Norwich?

RS: 3 League games. A draw, a win and a defeat. I think the performances have been OK so far. Rhodes is carrying a bit of an injury and having two key defenders out of action doesn't help. By all accounts we should have had a penalty against Norwich and we played well despite losing 3-1. I expect them to come out all guns blazing against Bournemouth. Watch out!

CC: What should AFCB fans make sure they see when they come to Blackburn? (It's a long trip after all)

RS: If you've never been to Blackburn Rovers before then you should take a few minutes to walk round to the Blackburn end where you will find the RoverStore. All the usual stuff, shirts, scarves etc plus the gnomes which are probably just like Bournemouth gnomes but ours are Blue & White. You might find on a rack in the centre of the store last seasons home programmes where there may be a copy of the Bournemouth game. Outside you should look at the statue of Jack Walker our beloved benefactor who was responsible for rebuilding this club and achieving all our dreams in winning the Premier League trophy in 1995. As you go back round to the Darwen End you will see the blue sliding doors where the players enter as they come off the coach. Look carefully and you may catch a glimpse of the trophy in a glass case on the wall. Another nice touch to look out for is the photographs on the overhead walkways linking the Jack Walker stand to the Darwen End and Blackburn End. Our club history for all to see.

CC: How is Ewood Park looking these days?

RS: The pitch is looking superb at the moment. You should also find good facilities in the Darwen End. The pies aren't bad either!

CC: What is your score prediction for Blackburn v AFCB?

RS: I'm afraid after our defeat in midweek against Norwich the boys in Blue & White will want to get back to winning ways. Its going to be a Rovers win 4-1 with Gestede getting a hat trick! But then I would say that wouldn't I.Regards to The Cherries Supporters!

CC: Thank you RoverStan for such a wealth of information about your team and the aspirations of many Blackburn Rover fans I am  sure. While I am sad that I can't come and visit your ground for this game it may be good if the game goes as you predict. Still I aim to come and see the jack Walker statue at some point and maybe if Blackburn and AFCB get promoted I'll be able to do it in the Premier League nest season! All you AFCB fans should go and have a good read of RoverStans' blog as you will not find a better source of information on the Blue & Whites.

Some new faces will be needed at AFCB

There has not been a huge rush of new names linked with AFCB. I can guess that striker options will be continue to be the headache for the club right up until the first day of the new season, but I have said that I would like to see a few more defenders added to the squad. But who stands out as a contender to fit a club that is on the rise and aiming for the top end of the Championship? I would like to see the Cherries go for good Championship players that know the league well and are on similar wages to those already at the club,,just because I don't want to see a massive overspend. That may mean looking at players in rival teams in the Championship and seeing who stood out last season.

Grant Hanley limbers up in the background at Dean Court last season.
 I wouldn't mind seeing him in a Cherries' shirt.

Kasper Gorkss has been released by Reading and is a free agent with experience of the Premiership with QPR and Reading. Then there's Wigan's captain Gary Caldwell who would be a committed defender although some may say that for both of these players have their best years behind them at 32. A younger talent is Ben Gibson at Middlesbrough who had a strong season - a 21 year old who has been capped at England U17-U21. A player certainly in his prime that I like is Grant Hanley, captain at Blackburn. He has also played for Rangers as well as being a Scotland international and is still only 22. Such quality would come at a price though and we will see if AFCB are really looking to bring in high calibre players in the next few weeks and if they can get near the asking prices. 

Of course we would like to see Premiership quality players at AFCB and whoever does come in will not meet everybody's tastes. The important thing will be can they work well with the other members of the squad and Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall? When it comes to central defenders you need players that can form partnerships and feel at ease playing from the back like Eddie Howe has encouraged his players to do. Such needs could send the scouts to the continent or even further afield, but some freshening up will not only boost the squad, but also the fans and the manager. UTCIAD!

World Cup Chimes gives a reaction to England's 3-0 win against Peru and hope for further improvements in Florida.