Arsenal vs. Blackburn Rovers: Complete Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Following their respective mid-week clashes, Arsenal and Blackburn will battle on Saturday. It's the second meeting of the season between the two sides, with the Rovers picking up a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Gunners in September.

Premier League play hasn't treated Arsenal well since the calendar changed to 2012. Arsene Wenger's group has dropped all three games in the new year and has watched their slim title hopes slip away in the process. Now, it's all about securing a European berth.

The aforementioned victory over Arsenal was the high-water mark of Blackburn's season so far. The Rovers currently find themselves in the relegation zone. A strong second half of the season is necessary if they want to remain in England's top league for another season.

Where: Emirates Stadium in London, England

When: Saturday, Feb. 4 at 8 a.m. ET

Watch: ESPN2 and ESPN3.com

Betting Odds: Arsenal -385, Blackburn +990, Draw +410

Player to Watch for Arsenal: Theo Walcott

Since Gervinho is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, the need for help up front is vital. Robin van Persie has been carrying most of the offensive load on his shoulders, but that has led to problems when he is unable to find space.

That means it's up to Walcott to step up over the next couple weeks. While he has three goals and four assists in league play this season, he has the potential to do so much more. The key is being more aggressive with the ball at his feet. He needs to be in attack mode from the opening whistle.

Player to Watch for Blackburn: Steven Nzonzi

Nzonzi didn't make much of an impact in his first two seasons with Blackburn. It appears he's finally starting to realize his potential this season, though. His distribution game has improved markedly, as evidenced by his four assists, and has made the team's attack much more dangerous.

If the Rovers are going to get themselves out of the bottom three, however, midfielders like Nzonzi will need to start being more effective tracking back. Their offense is serviceable, but the defense needs to improve in the second half of the campaign.

Key Matchup: Robin van Persie vs. Rovers' back line

Few players on the planet are more important to their team than van Persie is to Arsenal. When he slumps, the team slumps. When he's on fire, the team dominates. Even though he's proven to be up to the task most of the time, that's a lot of pressure for one player to handle.

He should be able to take advantage of an inconsistent Blackburn back line on Saturday. The Rovers rank near the bottom of the EPL in goals allowed at more than two per game. A much more well-rounded effort will be crucial to their chances on Saturday.

What They're Saying

Arsenal completed a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Thomas Eisfeld, who sounded excited about his new home (via team website):

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After completing his move to the Gunners, Eisfeld said: “I feel very proud to have signed for Arsenal. This is a great club, with many great players, and I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal.

"It’s a real honor to be team mates with the great players at Arsenal, and also training everyday with players like Tomas Rosicky - who I grew up watching play at Dortmund. I will give it everything I have here and do my best to make the manager, players and fans happy.”

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Blackburn was also able to secure a transfer before the January window closed, bringing in striker Marcus Olsson from Halmstads BK. He's the twin brother of Rovers midfielder Martin Olsson. ESPNsoccernet provided the details:

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Marcus, 23, who can play out wide or further forward, becomes Rovers' second arrival of the January transfer window, signing for the club on a free transfer from Swedish side Halmstads BK.

He has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Rovers that sees him contracted until the summer of 2014.

Both brothers were handed a trial at Blackburn in 2005, and whilst Martin secured a permanent move to Rovers, Marcus returned to Sweden.

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Prediction

Arsenal 2, Blackburn 1