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Eurosport-Yahoo! continues its countdown to the Premier League season with a look at Blackburn Rovers.

Manager: Sam Allardyce

Last 10 Seasons

(1999/2000 to 2008/2009): -/-/10/6/15/15/6/10/7/15

POSSIBLE STARTING XI:

Paul Robinson

Gael Givet Ryan Nelsen Christopher Samba Stephen Warnock

Brett Emerton Keith Andrews Vincenzo Grella Morten Gamst Pedersen

Benedict McCarthy El-Hadji Diouf

BACK-UPS FROM: Jason Brown - Frank Fielding - Mark Bunn - Bjorn Bussmann - Zurab Khizanishvilli - Martin Olsson - Gavin Gunning - Lars Jacobsen - David Dunn - Steven Reid - Keith Treacy - Alan Judge - Alex Marrow - Andrew Haworth - Steven N'Zonzi - Elrio Van Heerden - Julio Santa Cruz - Jason Roberts - Marcus Marshall - Aaron Doran - Paul Gallagher - David Hoilett - Maceo Rigters

TRANSFERS:

In Gael Givet (Marseille, undisclosed) - Steven N'Zonzi (Amiens, undislosed) - Elrio Van Heerden (Club Brugge, free) - Lars Jacobsen (Everton, free)

Out Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City, £17m) - Keith Treacy (Sheffield United, loan) - Josh O'Keefe (Walsall, free) - Matt Derbyshire (Olympiakos, undisclosed) - Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, free) - Andre Ooijer (PSV, free) - Tony Kane (Carlisle United, free) - Tugay (retired)

POSITIVES: Sam Allardyce is a well respected manager who has the ability to outwit most managers in the division with his smart tactics. He has a reputation in being clever in the transfer market unearthing hidden gems who are ready to shine whilst also reigniting the careers of players who have lost their way somewhat.

NEGATIVES: The void left by Roque Santa Cruz's departure will be very hard to fill. Although the club did bag £17 million it doesn't look like Allardyce will be able to use it all up on new recruits. Experienced heads Aaron Mokoena, Andre Ooijer and Tugay are no longer there which leaves Big Sam with a squad lacking in experience.

VERDICT: Sam Allardyce did a very good job in keeping Rovers up last season and I think they will definitely be comfortable this time round. However, the players which have moved on were instrumental for the club leaving Big Sam with a lot of work to do. 14th.

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