Source: Team_Talk
Big Sam wants 'controlled aggression'
The rivalry that exists between Rovers and Burnley is a bitter one, as was clear when the two sides met for the first time in Premier League history in October - with Blackburn emerging 3-2 winners.[LNB]Such bad blood is certain to be in evidence again before, during and after the noon kick-off when Blackburn make the 11.5-mile trip to Burnley.[LNB]It is why Allardyce is demanding his players to keep any emotions in check, and not to respond to the likely baiting from the stands.[LNB]"The atmosphere, although hostile, will be electric, and that's why you play football - to react to that," remarked Allardyce.[LNB]"The better the atmosphere, the better you should be able to respond without losing your cool.[LNB]"That's the key element - making sure it's controlled aggression and it doesn't spill over into something that may cost you a result.[LNB]"I want my players to be cool, controlled and calm on the outside, but inside ready to burst with the energy and talent needed to try and win the game."[LNB]Crucially, Allardyce is also urging the supporters of both sides to not let their hatred for one another spill over.[LNB]"Like anything else, it's a game to be enjoyed. It's not a game to show hostility towards one another," added Allardyce.[LNB]"They should take the opportunity to be proud of two small-town clubs being in the top league in the world, not the doldrums of the lower divisions - which Burnley have suffered more recently than we have.[LNB]"Those times have not been forgotten, but when you are at the top you should enjoy it for what it is.[LNB]"Don't make headlines for the wrong reasons; make headlines the right way, and hopefully we will end up with a very good game.[LNB]"Although appreciating it is a very precious three points at stake for both clubs, whoever wins, we then move on."[LNB]Allardyce, though, has admitted he loathes derby games because of the feelings they can generate.[LNB]"I don't like them, I never have done," insisted Allardyce.[LNB]"I've always said the pleasure of my job is Monday to Friday, not a match day, and when derbies come around there's less of a pleasure for fear of losing.[LNB]"That's the last thing you want because it makes the rest of the week so much more depressing, so much more miserable.[LNB]"Local derbies are also always more intense, ferocious, and this one is obviously that.[LNB]"We all know that from the first game at Ewood Park quite a few months ago now.[LNB]"Local derbies for a manager mean the feelings when you wake up in the morning, and the tension in your stomach, are not the best.[LNB]"You are apprehensive, and you want to make sure your team goes out and plays its very, very best in an attempt to win for the fans.[LNB]"So it's about controlling that tension and using it in a positive manner."[LNB]Four players in captain Ryan Nelsen, Gael Givet, Lars Jacobsen and Vince Grella are back in contention after overcoming recent injury woes, although goalkeeper Paul Robinson remains sidelined with a calf problem.[LNB][LNB] Burnley v Blackburn To Score 2+ Goals: Blackburn 15/8
