Source: SKY_Sports
Big Sam ready for Brown reunion
lackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has labelled his reunion with Hull City boss Phil Brown as 'almost a must-win' in the battle to avoid Premier League relegation.[LNB] Allardyce is set to cross managerial swords with his former Bolton Wanderers assistant Brown for the first time, but top-flight survival will take priority at the KC Stadium on Sunday lunchtime. [LNB]Rovers occupy the final spot in the drop zone, however, last season's Championship play-off final winners City - who have played a game more than their weekend opponents - sit only six points clear in 13th position.[LNB]And Allardyce is in no doubt of the importance of the fixture in East Yorkshire as he attempts to steer one-time Premier League champions Blackburn - who narrowly lost 2-1 at Manchester United last Saturday evening - clear of danger.[LNB]"We will work, as we did at Manchester United, on picking a team and about how this team should play to get a very important three points," Allardyce told Sky Sports News.[LNB]Full strength"We are in a situation where it is almost a must-win with a team that is close to where we are.[LNB]"A draw would not be a bad result for them, but we need to get three points again."[LNB]Allardyce expects his opposite number to revert as close as possible to a full-strength side at the weekend after a heavy fixture list forced Brown to shuffle his pack in the past week.[LNB]The Tigers lost 2-1 at home to Tottenham in the Premier League on Monday before downing Sheffield United by the same scoreline in an FA Cup fifth-round replay on Thursday.[LNB]Brown made a host of changes between his respective starting line-ups for the two fixtures, but Allardyce - who saw his players upset at Coventry in the cup on Tuesday - is anticipating a strong team on Sunday. [LNB]Fortunate"We have obviously been fortunate to see them (City) in two games this week," added the Rovers chief. "He (Brown) made seven changes to the side he had out against Tottenham.[LNB]"We think we will get as near as we can to his starting XI."[LNB]Allardyce is full of praise for the work of Brown and is well aware of City's strengths. [LNB]"It just shows what can be done with hard work and a good ability, giving the team belief and continuing that belief into consistent performances," he said.[LNB]
