[Archived] Wohoo Its Sunderland Again (preview)

[MarkBRFC]

Arsenals game with Cardiff tomorrow has been postponed.

[grizfoot]

There's a decent covering of snow at present, but as long as there isn't significient heavy snowfall tonight and tommorrow the game really should be on.

Anyone know how much approximately it is colder in the lower tier of the Blackburn End as opposed to the top?

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

It's a constant -10C there, even in July.

More snow IS forecast for tomorrow. Game could be in doubt. However, think it may well be fine by Weds.

Wouldn't surprise me though.

[philipl]

How is the snow around Ewood this morning?

[Plastic Head]

How is the snow around Ewood this morning?

I think "crusty" would describe it. No more overnight really.

Clear skies though so I don't think we'll get any more today

[philipl]

I see the dingles' replay is going ahead tonight even if they have not managed to dig the TV cameras out of the snow!

[gumboots]

There's a decent covering of snow at present, but as long as there isn't significient heavy snowfall tonight and tommorrow the game really should be on.

Anyone know how much approximately it is colder in the lower tier of the Blackburn End as opposed to the top?

It's warmer because it gets more of a crowd, unless you're right at the front when you get wet when it rains.

[Iceman]

Can we afford any more games being called off? Its really time that clubs actually consider having a roof that automatically opens and close or is that just a silly thought?

[robbo_rovers]

A roof would help the pitch in playable condition, but I think some games are called off because of the conidition of the surrounding areas (roads, pavements etc) so it might not make much difference.

[philipl]

The Arsenal game is off because the surrounding area is snow bound and all transport is in a heck of a state. The ground itself and stadium are perfectly OK.

Early team news- Benni and Dunn will be rested; Roque and Simpson both start.

[Bobby G]

Good to hear Simpson is back in. Heres his chance to stake a claim for a place which is definitely available at right back if he performs.

[Stuart]

I was down at Ewood this evening for the FA Cup trophy photo op and the surrounding area wasn't too bad at all. If we get another dry sunny day like today, shouldn't be a problem. Better not be anyway, I'm looking forward to this one! Night game under the lights, no league pressure, possibility of extra time and pens. The only downside is freezing my nads off - hopefully the lads can give us something to cheer about!

[Hughesy]

Any news on ticket sales?

Il be there - got my 2 tickets today

[alexanders]

Any danger of postponement?

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

Not going into Blackburn til later but wasn't a drop of snow there yesterday, so I seriously doubt it'll be off. Not seen the surrounding area though. If it's anything like where I am, I dunno. Nearly broke my leg about 3 times this morning, it's stupidly slippery.

[alexanders]

Sounds good.

I predict 2-1 Rovers.

Roberts y Mokoena

[RibbleValleyRover]

Going for a 1-0 Rovers win here, though to be honest i wouldn't be that upset or angry if we got beat.

Small squad with some serious long term injuries and with injury fears in regards to some players, one could argue with the relegation battle looking like its going to be tight we should perhaps be focusing on survival more than anything else...

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

Hardly any snow at all now in and around Blackburn.

2-1 Rovers infront of a sub 10,000 gate.

[Hughesy]

The club said yesterday that there was no worry over the game being on - so no excuses - get yourself down there.

A win tonight will do the likes of Roque, Roberts, Pedersen etc a world of good for confidence.

Im not sure what team to expect though.

Maybe this is something like we could see.

--------------Bunn--------------------

Simo-----Zurab----Givet------Ollson

---------------Mokoena---------------

----Tugay-----Andrews-------Treacy

-----------------------------------------

---------Roberts----Roque------------

[philipl]

LT- Sam fancies a Cup run

Sunderland might rest Jones, Cisse, Malbranque and Richardson. Recent loan signings arrived too late to be eligible.

[Ozz]

Should be easy enough to buy a pie and a pint then at half time, as Rovers are hoping to surpass the 3,445 crowd at Blyth in the 3rd round match. Rovers are unbeaten on Wednesdays since being edged out of the League Cup at Old Trafford 5-3 on December 3rd, and tonight is Rovers 9th game against teams from the North East this season, and have only lost one (Sunderland home in the league).

According to Sam Allardyce, Rovers are set to bring in some fringe players tonight-Official Site News

Expect some unfamiliar faces then...

[Mike Graham]

Queue of 1 person behind me at the Ticket Office this morning.

We were the 1st punters for 45 minutes....should be plenty of pies available then!

[Ozz]

You buying Mike??

[Mr Maureen]

Are the games highlights being shown on tv tonight ?

[gumboots]

Queue of 1 person behind me at the Ticket Office this morning.

We were the 1st punters for 45 minutes....should be plenty of pies available then!

Ah but people like me have already bought tickets. The lack of queue is not necessarily indicative of the size of crowd.