Sven Goran Eriksson takes his City side to St James’ Park looking to end their poor away run of 8 matches without a win. The former England manager has seen his reputation soar as he’s revitalised the Eastlands club who sit fifth in the Premier League. The same cannot be said of Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce who was tipped to replace the Swede as England manager. Despite sitting comfortably in mid-table, Big Sam is feeling pressure from all directions as Newcastle lurch from one supposed crisis to another. Another home defeat would put incredible pressure on his over burdened shoulders and could make 2008 an annus horribilis for the former Bolton manager.

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The Rock bottom Rams ended the year with yet another defeat but at least they are finally starting to score goals, well it’s a start isn’t it. The Premier League’s whipping boys look destined for the drop already 8 points adrift at the bottom of the League and with only 1 win all season which was back in mid-September, just the 3 and a half months ago. The first half of the season has been one to forget for Derby, they are the worst scorers in the division and have the worst defence so the old adage that the table doesn’t lie rings true in this case.

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Both sides ended the year on a high with wins, Rovers European ambitions were reignited and Sunderland’s dreams of survival boosted as they climbed out of the drop zone. Blackburn are looking for their first back-to-back wins since October but will be aware they have won just 1 of their last 5 games at Ewood Park. Mark Hughes’ side have failed to score in 4 of their last 5 home matches so the Black Cats will fancy their chances of an upset. Roy Keane will know that the Rovers defence has been less than watertight after keeping just 1 clean-sheet in their last 15 League games so don’t be surprised if Kenwyne Jones gets on the score-sheet.

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