Source: Team_Talk
Big Sam threatens to wield the axe
Manchester City - inspired by Carlos Tevez - recorded a 4-1 win and extended Rovers' run without a Premier League victory to nine matches, which leaves them just three points above the relegation zone, having played more matches than all the teams around them.[LNB]It was the worst possible preparation for Thursday's Carling Cup first-leg showdown with Aston Villa at Ewood Park.[LNB]So bad, in fact, that Allardyce is sharpening his axe.[LNB]"It is no excuse that we had the semi-final on Thursday," he said.[LNB]"Playing well in one game guarantees you a place in the next one.[LNB]"Not playing well puts your semi-final place under threat and that was a bad night.[LNB]"Thursday is a great game, it is a massive opportunity to get to Wembley and some of the players have jeopardised their position to play in the best game they have had for many years."[LNB]The problem for Allardyce is that his fringe players hardly covered themselves in glory at Villa in the FA Cup.[LNB]Only Jason Roberts (knee) and Benni McCarthy (back), who is angling after a January move, missed out through injury last night, which leaves Allardyce with a major selection headache knowing a positive result is essential to take into next week's second leg at Villa Park.[LNB]"The disappointing thing is that I wanted a hard job picking a team?[LNB]"Unfortunately the team hasn't played to its best and it has left me opportunities to make changes wherever I feel like it."[LNB]Having come so close to reaching Wembley, Allardyce does not want to give up the opportunity now.[LNB]However, he is also acutely aware of the dangers lying in wait if Rovers get sucked into a prolonged scrap for survival.[LNB]While he could have no complaints at last night's outcome given the gulf in class between the two sides, it just highlights the disappointments Blackburn have suffered in recent times.[LNB]"It is a big concern," he said. "That is five draws and four defeats now when, so easily, three of those draws could have been victories.[LNB]"That is the killer for us. We are running perilously close to the bottom three.[LNB]"It is not where we want to be and it is not where we should be.[LNB]"Unfortunately, 21 games in, we are."[LNB][LNB] Blackburn v Aston Villa Win to Nil: Blackburn 4/1
