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. 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. 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. "The atmosphere, although hostile, will be electric, and that's why you play football - to react to that," remarked Allardyce. "The better the atmosphere, the better you should be able to respond without losing your cool. "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. "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." Crucially, Allardyce is also urging the supporters of both sides to not let their hatred for one another spill over. "Like anything else, it's a game to be enjoyed. It's not a game to show hostility towards one another," added Allardyce. "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. "Those times have not been forgotten, but when you are at the top you should enjoy it for what it is. "Don't make headlines for the wrong reasons; make headlines the right way, and hopefully we will end up with a very good game. "Although appreciating it is a very precious three points at stake for both clubs, whoever wins, we then move on." Allardyce, though, has admitted he loathes derby games because of the feelings they can generate. "I don't like them, I never have done," insisted Allardyce. "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. "That's the last thing you want because it makes the rest of the week so much more depressing, so much more miserable. "Local derbies are also always more intense, ferocious, and this one is obviously that. "We all know that from the first game at Ewood Park quite a few months ago now. "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. "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. "So it's about controlling that tension and using it in a positive manner." 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.