Blackburn vs Chelsea betting tips

It would be most unwise to read too much into Chelsea's stuttering start to the season, as we all know that they usually regain their composure pretty quickly following the occasional hiccup. No team is infallible at the end of the day. However, interpreting the signs seen so far at face value, I really don't believe that the Blues are going to be as rampant as many expect. After new signing Andriy Shevchenko put Mourinho's men ahead after 16 minutes at the Riverside stadium against Middlesbrough on Tuesday, the home side battled back to score twice within the final ten minutes to record a 2-1 victory. It may just be that Boro are a bogey team for Chelsea, as they unceremoniously thrashed the reigning champions in the same fixture last season. But equally this surprise result could be indicative of that fact that the Blues are going to be vulnerable away from home during this campaign. And on Sunday they visit Ewood Park to take on the streetfighters of Blackburn, a side that is extremely hard to break down. In the overall head to head results between these two sides in their respective history's is tight - Blackburn have won 34 times, Chelsea on 36 occasions, and 26 games ended all square. However, commensurate with the Russian revolution that has taken place at Chelsea, they have held sway over the Rovers in recent seasons. That said, Blackburn actually beat Chelsea 1-0 in this fixture last season. Mark Hughes has instilled a real sense of unity into the squad and they boast a superb home record from the Premiership last season, winning 13, drawing three and losing just three times. The defection of Craig Bellamy to Liverpool has been countered by the signing of three new forwards - Benni McCarthy, Francis Jeffers and Jason Roberts - so Hughes now has far more attacking options compared to when he took hold of the reigns. Roberts showcased his goalscoring prowess with Wigan, netting 37 times in 93 league appearances, and the 28-year-old looks sure to make a huge impact for Blackburn this term. Shevchenko has already underlined what a class act he is, scoring Chelsea's only goal during their 2-1 defeats against Liverpool in the Community Shield and in the aforementioned match against Middlesbrough. Blackburn's centrebacks Andy Todd and Zura Khizanishvili, assuming that this duo start at the heart of defence for the Rovers, will need to be on the top of their game to keep the Ukranian marksman at bay. But Blackburn are pastmasters at frustrating visitors to Ewood Park and, if they are able to repel Chelsea for long periods, Jose Mourinho's charges may end up reverting to long, high ball tactics, something which won't play to the strengths of Sheva. I'm pretty sure that this game will end as a draw. And if goals are scored, I doubt that they'll be scored in the first half. As such, draw/draw in the double result market at 11/2 with StanJames rates the value. Don't get me wrong, a match between Blackburn and Chelsea does have great goalscoring potential, but when this game is played we will be just eight days into the new Premiership season, and it's doubtful that either team will be gung-ho in this encounter. Hughes will be more than content with a draw, and a draw he shall get.Verdict - 1pt draw/draw in the double result market @ 11/2 (StanJames)