Blackburn Rovers-Stoke City Preview

Posted Friday, October 01, 2010 by YAHOO Sport

LONDON (SE) - Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is hoping Brett Emerton’s first goal in two years will help revive the Australian’s career as they prepare to face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Emerton came off the substitutes’ bench to score in injury time as Blackburn defeated newly-promoted Blackpool 2-1 at Bloomfield Road.

Emerton, 31, has spent seven years at Ewood Park but according to Allardyce his versatility is still important to the well-being of his squad.

“Brett still has plenty to offer and his experience is an asset. You can’t have too many players like that.

“The whole squad benefits from people like him. You always know you can rely on him to do a job and any manager will tell you how great that is to have.”

Emerton’s goal, infrequent these days, has acted as an example to Canadian youngster Junior Hoilett who is struggling to build on the reputation he earned when he first arrived.

Hoilett has had to be content with a place on the bench alongside Emerton and wait for his chance.

Hoilett said: “You look at what Brett did against Blackpool and gives all of us fringe players inspiration. It shows how quickly things can change.

“You just need one break, like Brett got, and you can be in the team and making a contribution.”

Hoilett can expect to be on the bench again at Stoke, still trying to live up to the expectations he created when he first arrived a year ago, making eight Premier League starts last season.

Allardyce said: “Stoke may not have made the best of starts but they have some excellent players and they showed in beating Newcastle last week of what they are capable.”

Stoke chairman Peter Coates is delighting in latest statistics that show his club are by no means the dirtiest team in the league, as many reckoned them to be.

The official stats show Stoke have the 14th best disciplinary record so far, three places above Arsenal whose boss Arsene Wenger has accused them of ‘rugby-style’ tactics.

Stoke are asking for an official apology from Wenger after his outburst at Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross in which he accused Shawcross of intimidation.

Coates said: “We have had no red cards this season, while Arsenal have had two and we have committed only four more fouls.

“We have this reputation as a strong physical team and the media stereotypes us in this way.

“As a result a lot of refereeing decisions go against us and referees are influenced. We have made a complaint to the Premier League about Wenger so all he has to say is that he is sorry.”

Stoke manager Tony Pulis expects to keep the side which came from behind to 2-1 win at Newcastle on Sunday.

Trinidad striker Kenwyne Jones scored the first goal and hit the woodwork twice and will again lead the Stoke attack.