Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa half-time update

Gerard Houllier named new signing Robert Pires on the bench for the early-afternoon kick-off, and he is needed to come on and ignite his side as they trail 1-0 at half-time.

The Aston Villa manager named Ciaran Clark in place of the injured James Collins in his starting XI, while a problem to Marc Albrighton meant Ashley Young dropped back to midfield and Stephen Ireland came in to support Gabriel Agbonlahor up front.

Stewart Downing almost gave the visitors a great start when on two minutes he was fed in by Ireland and he brought a great save out of Paul Robinson. Barry Bannan shot wide and Robinson pulled off a top quality stop from Young as Villa dominated the opening 15 minutes.

Blackburn Rovers came back into the game with chances falling for Gael Givet and Junior Hoillett. The home side have caused massive problems for the Villa back line from free kicks, corners and Morten Gamst Pedersen's long throws. Blackburn's size advantage means there have been difficulties for Brad Friedel and the Villa defence on numerous occasions throughout the first half.

Villa have been creating their own downfall. While the pace of Young, Downing and Agbonlahor have caused problems at times for Christopher Samba and the rest of the Blackburn defence, they have given away a number of silly free-kicks that are inviting more Blackburn pressure from the resulting set pieces.

Every time Blackburn tossed the ball into the box they look dangerous and their size and power are troubling the Villa defence.

A set-piece always looked the most likely way the home side were going to break the deadlock and on the stroke of half-time Pedersen found the far corner of the net as he swung a free-kick in and Friedel missed the flight of the ball.

Houllier, who will be kicking himself at how his side conceded, must be considering bringing Pires off the bench soon - even given his possible lack of fitness his experience and ability could be vital to his new employers.

Blackburn

Robinson, Samba, Givet, Nelsen, Salgado, Jones, Dunn, Pederson, Diouf, Hoilett, Roberts.

Subs - Bunn, Hanley, Morris, Chimbonda, Goulon, Kalinic, Diouf

Aston Villa

Friedel, L Young, Warnock, Dunne, Clark, Downing, Young, Ireland, Bannan, Hogg, Agbonlahor

Subs - Guzan, Lichaj, Lowry, Pires, Osbourne, Herd, Delfouneso