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Here we are.  Grown men, dressed as cones, cocks and also in frocks.  We shall await the results of the best dressed competition…

The final away game of the season is upon us, and despite it having no bearing upon our lives, there is an intriguing potential fallout for the Blue half of Birmingham.

Blackburn are desperately fighting for their survival under Tony Mowbray – and with Blues’ nosedive since Gary Rowett’s sacking – risk dragging City into real danger with a victory.

There has been much talk and suggestion on social media and press of the probability or likelihood of Villa simply not taking the game seriously.

To which this site ponders the fact Villa’s away results all season & performances wouldn’t inspire any great confidence anyway!

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Villa’s interest can at best be described as minimal, whilst recent performances have been a combination of both lacklustre and pedestrian.

Whilst Steve Bruce’s went to the extreme following the derby victory in describing it as the ‘worst game of the season’, it at the very least underlined Villa’s motivation as the season draws to a close.

Blackburn, as mentioned above, have everything to fight for.  Survival is within their grasp after a campaign which has seen them languishing amongst the relegation spots.  However, with the demise of Nottingham Forest and Blues ongoing, they rightly smell blood.

It should make for an interesting day out at Ewood Park if nothing else.

KEY FACTS

• A defeat could see Blackburn relegated.
• A win could see our hosts leapfrog Blues.
• Jonathan Kodjia returns from ban incurred at Fulham.
• Anticipated biggest gate at Ewood Park this season.
• Villa won reverse 2-1 in November.
• Villa: 2 wins in 10 away from home.
• Mile Jedinak expected to miss out through injury.
• Rovers undefeated in 3 games. Only conceded 1 in 3.
• However, no wins in last 4 at Ewood Park for hosts.
• Just 3 goals in last 6 games for Mowbray’s side.
• Villa: 8 clean sheets in last 12 games.

PREDICTION

0-0 . . . ?

Both sides are scoring incredibly few goals & with Villa’s clean sheet record a no/low goals looks likely.  With that said, it will all depend on Blackburn’s appetite for hauling themselves out of trouble & Villa’s motivation to resist.  If there is a winner, one would think it would be a single goal either way.

AWAY PUBS

The Fernhurst – across the road from the away end.  Chain pub that also does food.

The Darwen End – Club run fan area where you can get food/drink.  At the ground, but at a premium.

Wetherspoons – By the station – large bar – usual scene.

Havelock Inn – Pub

The Golden Cup – Pub

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