Resolute City Visit Ewood Park to Face Troubled Blackburn

Relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers face a tricky match against fourth placed Manchester City in the Premier League, as the home side kick-off just one point away from the drop zone.

Blackburn manager Steve Kean was offered job security this week by Blackburn owners Venkys, claiming that they will not consider removing him from his role despite just one one Premier League victory since signing a two-and-a-half-year deal in January.

Rovers have had poor form against all sides currently in the top five, picking up just two points from matches against those at the top of the table – though one of those points was collected in the 1-1 draw away to City back in September.

Kean will be keeping his fingers crossed on the fitness of Junior Hoilett after the forward missed the recent Everton defeat with a hamstring injury, especially as on-loan striker Roque Santa Cruz is ineligible to face his main club.

Steven Nzonzi has one match left of his current suspension, whilst defender Ryan Nelsen will not play again this season after having knee surgery.

Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City side are fresh from knocking out rivals Manchester United from the FA Cup and will be hoping to continue their cup success in the league, where they have lost three of their last six fixtures. In their last league outing, the Blues were thumped 3-0 by in-form Liverpool; a defeat Mancini was quick to blame on himself.

“I am disappointed with myself,” Mancini proclaimed after the defeat. “It was my fault – the players played 100 per cent.”

“It is important that I understand that it was my mistake.”

Mancini’s fight to keep the Citizens in the hunt for a Champions League spot will continue over the next few weeks without top goalscorer and Captain Carlos Tevez, who suffered a hamstring strain in the Wembley win. Tevez joins Micah Richards (also hamstring), Shay Given (shoulder), Jerome Boateng, Michael Johnson (both knee), and Kolo Toure (suspension) on the sidelines.

Despite winning 10 out of 16 at home, City have faltered on their travels, picking up just 22 points from a possible 48. They have won three and drawn three in their last six games with Blackburn.

Form
All Competitions:

Blackburn: LDDDL (5 goals for, 8 against)
Man City: WLWLW (7 goals for, 5 against)

Premier League:

Blackburn: LDDDL (5 goals for, 8 against)
Man City: DWLWL (7 goals for, 6 against)

Premier League 09/10:

Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Man City
Man City 4-1 Blackburn

Premier League 10/11:

Man City 1-1 Blackburn