Pedersen: Derby our biggest game

12 October 2009 12:08
Although the two east Lancashire rivals have played each other as recently as 2005, they have not met in the top flight of English football since 1965.[LNB]Rovers have won five and drawn one of their last six encounters against their near-neighbours in a period dating back to 1982.[LNB]However, Burnley have enjoyed great success so far in their maiden Premier League season and are five points ahead of Rovers, although they have yet to win a point from home.[LNB]Pedersen is keen for that four-match losing streak to continue in their eagerly-anticipated clash at Ewood Park.[LNB]"It is the biggest game for the club," said the Norway international, who admits he did not discover just how fierce the local rivalry was until he scored an 84th-minute winner in their last meeting - an FA Cup fifth round replay four years ago.[LNB]"It is bigger to play Burnley in a local derby than it is to play Manchester United if you look at history.[LNB]"You have to be prepared and I am looking forward to it."[LNB]Pedersen added on Rovers Player: "I didn't understand how big the game was until after that replay, which we won.[LNB]"When I scored the crowd went mental and it is probably the loudest I have ever heard Ewood."[LNB]Rovers midfielder Vince Grella could be a doubt for the match after he came off 20 minutes into Australia's friendly with Holland in Sydney with a thigh problem.[LNB]The 30-year-old has already been ruled out of the Socceroos' Asian Cup qualifier against Oman in Melbourne on Wednesday and that makes his participation against Burnley unlikely.[LNB][LNB] Blackburn 4/5, Draw 12/5, Burnley 7/2  

Source: Team_Talk