Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn v Man City
Striker Francis Jeffers is back in contention for Blackburn after serving a ban for a red card in a reserve game. Midfielder Steven Reid is definitely out after undergoing a scan to discover the cause of a niggly back problem. Dietmar Hamann is in line for his Manchester City debut and should replace the suspended Ousmane Dabo. Fellow new signing DaMarcus Beasley looks set for a place on the bench, but Sun Jihai, Darius Vassell, Nedum Onuoha and Andreas Isaksson all miss out. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blackburn Rovers (from): Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Todd, Tugay, Emerton, Savage, Bentley, Nonda, McCarthy, Pedersen, Mokoena, Jeffers, Gallagher, Ooijer, Brown, Gray, Peter, McEveley. Manchester City (from): Weaver, Hart, Distin, Dunne, Jordan, M Mills, Richards, Trabelsi, Barton, Dabo, Hamann, Ireland, Reyna, Miller, Beasley, Sinclair, Corradi, Dickov, Samaras. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blackburn boss Mark Hughes on former player Paul Dickov: \"We'll welcome him back, but hopefully we'll send him on his way with not too much too show. \"Paul was excellent for us during his time here, certainly in his first season when we were struggling. \"He was a big factor in us staying up and he played most of that season at about 65-70% of his true fitness.\" Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce: \"I honestly don't believe at this stage of the season that fatigue will play any part in the game at all. \"I don't think there's a good or a bad time to play Blackburn. They got a good result in Europe on Thursday which will give them and their club a lift. \"We feel as though we're doing not too much wrong at the moment.\"

Blackburn 4-2 Man City
Blackburn saw off Manchester City to grab a first win of the season and climb off the foot of the Premiership. City missed a host of chances before Trevor Sinclair headed a Morten Gamst Pedersen free-kick into his own net. Joey Barton finished off a fine move to sidefoot the visitors level but another inswinging Pedersen free-kick and Andre Oojer's own goal made it 2-2. But Rovers were much improved after the break and Benni McCarthy tapped in the third and sub Paul Gallacher sealed it. City boss Stuart Pearce will be stunned by his side's failure to pick up their first away Premiership points of the season. With just one win and two Premiership goals to show for their four top-flight games so far this season the game hardly promised a goal fest. But some fine attacking play from the visitors, some comical defending from both sides and a couple of superb Pedersen free-kicks meant four goals in a pulsating opening period. City showed their attacking intentions within seconds of the kick-off, with a Sinclair shot being tipped round the post by Brad Friedel. Dickov smashed a shot wide from 18 yards and then whipped in a cross-shot that was comfortably saved by Friedel. It was all City. Trabelsi curled a fine shot past the post after good work by the overlapping Micah Richards and Barton then somehow contrived to shoot over from the 12 yards after being teed up by Richards. But Pearce's side were made to pay for their poor finishing when Pedersen whipped in a left-footed free-kick from the right-hand side of the box and Sinclair headed it past the helpless Nicky Weaver. But Rovers failed to make the most of their good fortune. Lucas Neill had to nod a Barton free-kick off the line and Barton then shot straight at Friedel after racing through on goal. Finally City did get on the scoresheet when a lovely lay-back by Corradi and a glorious first-time pass from Dickov let in Barton, who took his time before stroking the ball past Friedel. Pedersen put Rovers ahead again, when another vicious inswinging free-kick from the right eluded everyone and left Weaver rooted to the spot for the second time. But almost from the kick-off Corradi broke clear on the right after a neat passing move and his cross was deflected in by the unfortunate Oojer as he ran back towards goal. Rovers started the second-half like a team who had been on the end of a Mark Hughes tongue-lashing at half-time. The ineffective Francis Jeffers and Tugay came off and Shabani Nonda and the busy Aaron Mokoena bought fresh energy to Blackburn's play. With Rovers on top, Richard Dunne lost concentration from a throw-in allowing Nonda to play in the impressive Pedersen. The Norwegian got to the byline and his cross was tapped in by McCarthy - his third goal in six games for Rovers. Richards almost drew City level late on but headed over from six yards and Rovers substitute Paul Gallgher ensured the points stayed at Ewood Park when he coolly side-footed in after a good run and cross from Brett Emerton. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes: \"This was a big psychological result for us. \"It was important we got our first win, and in particular our first at home where a lot of our success for last season was based. \"With this win we've moved up several places in the table, but it's still very early days and no-one should get too excited or too anxious at this stage of the season. \"This will obviously help us and settle us down and I hope we can now look forward to another successful season - but that's based on the second half performance, not the first.\" Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce: \"It would have been a different story if we had taken those chances in the first half. \"But we gifted Blackburn too many easy goals. We shot ourselves in the foot in the second half. \"On the chances we created and the run of play this was a game we should have got something from, but we haven't done that and now we have to look at ourselves and try to be more hard-nosed. \"If we do that then we will end up winning more games than we lose.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blackburn: Friedel, Emerton, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Neill, Bentley, Savage, Tugay (Mokoena 45), Pedersen, McCarthy (Gallagher 85), Jeffers (Nonda 45). Subs Not Used: Brown, Peter. Booked: Savage, McCarthy. Goals: Sinclair 18 og, Pedersen 44, McCarthy 66, Gallagher 89. Man City: Weaver, Richards, Dunne, Distin, Jordan, Trabelsi (Beasley 35), Barton, Hamann (Ireland 78), Sinclair, Corradi, Dickov (Samaras 62). Subs Not Used: Hart, Reyna. Booked: Hamann, Richards, Corradi. Goals: Barton 39, Ooijer 45 og. Att: 18,403. Ref: M Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

Middlesbrough 0-1 Blackburn
Shabani Nonda's first Premiership goal sealed three points for Blackburn against a disappointing Middlesbrough. Nonda - on a season-long loan from AS Roma - rose at the far post to head home David Bentley's cross after 27 minutes for the winner. Boro struggled to create any serious threat, although new signing Jason Euell missed two first-half chances. Yakubu shot narrowly wide after the break, but Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer also saved well from Brett Emerton. Middlesbrough recalled captain Jonathan Woodgate for his first appearance at the Riverside since he arrived on loan from Real Madrid. But as Middlesbrough attempted to regain momentum after their shock midweek Carling Cup exit at home to Notts County, Blackburn took the lead after 27 minutes. David Bentley's floated long cross to the far post was met by Nonda, who jumped to head powerfully past Boro keeper Schwarzer. New signing Euell then had two chance to restore equality, but was guilty of wasting both. He met Gaizka Mendieta's cross with a desperately tame header when unmarked, then steered Fabio Rochemback's through ball wide with only Brad Friedel to beat. Boro departed at half-time with the fury of their fans ringing in their ears - and manager Gareth Southgate responded with a bold double substitution. He sent on Lee Cattermole for Mendieta and introduced Mark Viduka for James Morrison. It was a move that had minimal effect, and Euell's afternoon of frustration continued when he was deservedly booked for a foul on Brett Emerton. Yakubu posed the first serious threat to Blackburn after the break with an angled shot from Yakubu that flew inches wide with Friedel beaten, Viduka just failing to add a vital touch. Boro had enjoyed plenty of territory and possession, but lacked a cutting edge, and when more good work from Yakubu created an opening, Viduka could only lift his finish high over the top. As the home side pressed, Blackburn almost broke forward to add a second, with Schwarzer diving low to his right to save well from fellow Australian international Emerton. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate: \"We were lacking in passion in the first half. It is the first time I have had to question the attitude. \"The first-half display cost us the game. We made it comfortable for them, and they got one goal and could have been a couple ahead. \"The general trend of the game was that they had the upper hand.\" Blackburn manager Mark Hughes: \"I was delighted to see Shabani Nonda get his first goal. His movement and work ethic was a joy to behold. \"He's not as fit as he might be at the moment and the intensity of the football in the Premiership is different to what he is used to, but the way he applied himself caused Middlesbrough problems all day. \"I thought Andre Ooijer was really commanding and was excellent throughout. He gave us a real platform.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Davies (Johnson 83), Woodgate, Pogatetz, Taylor, Parnaby, Morrison (Viduka 45), Euell, Rochemback, Mendieta (Cattermole 45), Yakubu. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Bates. Booked: Euell. Blackburn: Friedel, Emerton, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Neill, Bentley, Savage, Tugay (Mokoena 76), Pedersen (Gray 90), McCarthy (Gallagher 85), Nonda. Subs Not Used: Brown, Peter. Booked: Tugay, McCarthy, Bentley. Goals: Nonda 27. Att: 24,959 Ref: G Poll (Hertfordshire).

Blackburn v Wigan
Blackburn midfielder Robbie Savage should be fit despite being taken off during Thursday's 2-0 Uefa Cup win over Salzburg with a tight hamstring. Striker Jason Roberts (groin), signed from Wigan over the summer, has a slight chance of making the squad. Wigan winger Lee McCulloch is back in contention after four games out with a thigh strain, and is likely to be on the bench at Ewood Park. Long-term casualties Ryan Taylor and Steve McMillan both miss out. Blackburn (from): Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Tugay, Emerton, Savage, Bentley, Nonda, McCarthy, Pedersen, Mokoena, Jeffers, Gallagher, Ooijer, Brown, Gray, Peter, McEveley, Roberts. Wigan (from): Kirkland, Jackson, Hall, De Zeeuw, Kilbane, Camara, Heskey, Johansson, Landzaat, Boyce, Scharner, Teale, Cotterill, Cywka, Webster, Skoko, Baines, Valencia, Todorov, McCulloch, Pollitt.

Neill plans Blackburn departure
Defender Lucas Neill is adamant that this is his final season at Blackburn. The 28-year-old Australian, who caught the eye at the World Cup, wants a move to a bigger club in 2007 having missed out on a summer transfer to Liverpool. Neill said: \"That deal was not in Blackburn's best interests, therefore I didn't have a say and didn't move on. \"But now I'm hopefully in just as good a position when opportunities present themselves in January, or if not then, I'll get a free transfer in June.\" Right-back Neill was sent off in the opening game of the season at Portsmouth but has been an ever-present since serving his one-match ban in the subsequent game. And on his return to the team against Chelsea, Blackburn boss Mark Hughes, who is keen to keep Neill at the club, handed him the captain's armband. However, Blackburn's hopes of keeping a player who turned down a new contract offer before the World Cup look to be fading. Neill moved to Rovers from Millwall in 2001 and has made more than 200 appearances for the club. Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel hopes Rovers' recent good run could help persuade Neill to stay. Friedel told the Lancashire Telegraph: \"It's extremely important to keep Lucas. If we can hold on to him it would be great for all of us. He would be hard to replace. \"Lucas has to think of himself and his family, but we are hoping a good run in Europe and the Premier League will do something to make him think about his future.\"

Liverpool v Blackburn
Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt misses the game with an ankle injury and is unlikely to return against Bordeaux. Liverpool also have doubts over Robbie Fowler (back) and Mohamed Sissoko (ankle), but Daniel Agger may play despite a broken hand. Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel is doubtful after injuring his groin in the win over Wigan, so Jason Brown stands by for his first start. Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton will have fitness checks. Steven Reid is out. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Pennant, Zenden, Crouch, Bellamy, Gonzalez, Warnock, Dudek, Paletta, Agger. Blackburn (from): Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Tugay, Emerton, Savage, Bentley, Nonda, McCarthy, Pedersen, Mokoena, Jeffers, Gallagher, Ooijer, Brown, Gray, Peter, McEveley, Roberts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez: \"We've had time to analyse what went wrong in the defeat to Bolton and get a clear idea of what we need to do in the future. \"Games after an international break are always difficult but we are at home. \"Our record at Anfield this season has been fantastic so hopefully we can get another good result on Saturday.\" Blackburn boss Mark Hughes: \"There are many cases of guys who have left a club, returned and scored - we hope that's not going to be the case with Craig Bellamy. \"Obviously Craig leaving was a blow to us when it happened. \"Every day in training he was excellent, always looking to improve. He was a first-rate professional.\"

Liverpool 1-1 Blackburn
color=blue>Liverpool continue to stutter in the league despite Craig Bellamy scoring his first league goal for Rafael Benitez' side against his old club. After a shaky start Blackburn went ahead when Benni McCarthy deftly converted David Bentley's cross. Liverpool huffed and puffed in search of the equaliser, pulling level on 65 minutes when the unmarked Bellamy headed home a Fabio Aurelio corner. Even then Blackburn might have snatched the winner when Bentley went close. Bentley briefly glimpsed goal as Jason Roberts got the better of Sami Hyypia, but Reina did well to narrow the angle and deflect the ball for a corner. Soon afterwards Jamie Carragher had to be brave in challenging Shabani Nonda as the on-loan Roma striker threatened. To their credit Blackburn were never content to sit on the lead and always used the possession they had intelligently. Before McCarthy put Blackburn ahead, Liverpool had had several chances as Jermaine Pennant delivered a series of crosses from the right. And Zura Khizanishvili did well to clear Peter Crouch's scuffed shot off the line with Brad Friedel beaten. Crouch then benefited from Bellamy's clever dummy, but the England forward was again unable to get a clean strike on the ball and Friedel comfortably gathered. If Pennant's work on the wings stood out for Liverpool in the opening half, Bentley provided a similar service for Blackburn on the right flank. It was Bentley's cross that created Blackburn's goal, his in-swinging cross drawing Reina out of position, providing the opportunity for McCarthy to sidefoot the ball home. If Reina's positioning was at fault, Steve Finnan and Carragher might have also done better in dealing with Bentley's cross. McCarthy's strike served to unsettle Liverpool out of their rhythm and although Pennant continued to probe down the right, Blackburn had little difficulty protecting their lead for the rest of the first half. Despite Pennant's endeavours he was replaced by Luis Garcia early in the second half as Benitez tried to inject some more wim into his labouring side. Soon after coming on Garcia was just unable to reach a Crouch header across goal following Xabi Alonso's free-kick. That chance prompted a mini-Liverpool revival and on 65 minutes the home side equalised. Bellamy had worked hard against his former team, but had had few sights of goal. That all changed when he was left unmarked at the far post from Aurelio's corner, the Welshman guiding a diving header past Friedel. But a below-par Liverpool were unable to find the winner, though John Arne and Alonso tried their luck with shots.

Reid sidelined by fractured back
Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid has been ruled out for four months with a stress fracture of the back. The 25-year-old has not played since injuring his back in the Republic of Ireland's defeat to Germany at the start of September. Reid, who said he was \"totally gutted\" by the diagnosis, will now not return until at least the middle of February. The ex-Millwall player, who joined Blackburn in 2003, will be fitted with a back brace later this week. \"The last few weeks have been really frustrating,\" said Reid, who went to see a chiropractor in an effort to cure the problem. \"I've been pulled and twisted all over the place in recent weeks in the hope of sorting out the injury. \"But then last week I had another scan and it showed up a stress fracture which now means I face six to eight weeks of total rest followed weeks six to eight weeks of getting my fitness back. \"I'm totally gutted and devastated by all of this because this is the biggest injury of my career to date. \"But at least we now know what the problem is, and hopefully the stress fracture will now heal and then fingers crossed I can play again as soon as possible.\"

Blackburn 0-1 Bolton
Jussi Jaaskelainen saved two penalties in the space of three minutes as 10-man Bolton won for the second time away. Bolton had gone ahead through Ivan Campo's close-range 63rd minute header, before the home side missed those two penalties in the last five minutes. Jason Roberts won both penalties, but Jussi Jaaskelainen first saved Benni McCarthy's effort, before stopping the former Wigan striker's spot-kick. Kevin Nolan was then sent off after he picked up a second yellow card. Quinton Fortune gave away the first penalty for a clumsy tackle on Roberts, before the Blackburn substitute was fouled by both Nicky Hunt and Gary Speed. Blackburn will wonder how they came away from this game with nothing given those two missed penalties allied to an first-half incident when they thought the ball had crossed the line. Blackburn defender Zurab Khizanishvili claimed the ball had crossed the line after his header richocheted off Bolton's keeper, but play was waved on. This was Bolton's fourth consecutive Premiership victory and kept them in third place, two points behind joint-leaders Manchester United and Chelsea. Sam Allardyce's side have the best defensive record in the Premiership this season - Bolton have conceded just four goals - and given Jaaskelainen's display it is not hard to see why. Having played in the Uefa Cup on Thursday Blackburn had had less time for prepare for this match than Bolton, but there was little sign of any European hangover. Unfortunately for Blackburn they found themselves up against a goalkeeper on the top of his game. JThroughout the game Jaaskelainen proved simply unbeatable, early on saving free-kicks from Robbie Savage and Morten Gamst Pedersen, Bgoing The Finn then tipped over Tugay's long-range shot and got down quickly to save from David Bentley, who had been released by Brett Emerton's clever pass. Jaaskelainen was momentarily caught out when he was unable to claim a Blackburn corner, allowing the ball to reach Khizanishvili. The Georgian's header took a richochet off Jaaskelainen, before Gary Speed cleared, though television replays suggested the ball had crossed the line. If Jaaskelainen kept Blackburn at bay, at the other end Nicolas Anelka worked hard in leading the Bolton attack. Anelka's career might best be described as nomadic, but on the evidence of this display you can understand why so many managers are tempted to sign him. Blessed with quick feet, acceleration and great vision, Anelka always threatened when he had the ball at his feet. His vision allowed him to pick out El-Hadji Diouf, but the Senegal forward delayed his shot, allowing Tugay to get in the tackle. Anelka's pace and skill allowed him to deliver a cross from the right that Diouf stooped to get in a header that hit the upright. Savage then slid in to block an shot from Anelka after the French striker nimbly dodged a couple of tackles. Jaaskelainen continued to frustrate Blackburn after the interval. The Bolton goalkeeper got down quickly after Mccarthy turned sharply to get in a low shot. Soon after Campo rose to head Diouf's corner past Friedel as Bolton scored with a trademark set-piece.

Uefa to hear McCarthy racism case
Uefa will look into Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy's allegation of racial abuse by Wisla Krakow defender Nikola Mijailovic on Thursday. European football's governing body has instigated disciplinary proceedings against Mijailovic following the Uefa Cup tie in Poland last Thursday. The charge is based on a complaint by Blackburn, the Football Association and referee Stefan Johannesson. Serbian Mijailovic has vigorously denied the allegations. \"Both of us were swearing but there was no racist abuse at all,\" said the 24-year-old Mijailovic. Wisla said they had investigated the incident and found nothing to substantiate the claims. South African McCarthy apparently approached Johannesson at half-time but alleged that the taunts continued. However, Uefa has already warned it may be difficult to find any \"hard evidence\" to back up McCarthy's claims.

Blackburn v Chelsea
Blackburn's Robbie Savage looks certain to miss the Carling Cup tie after complaining of a knee problem. David Bentley (hamstring) and Andre Ooijer (bruised ribs) are both doubtful for the match at Ewood Park. Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini (head injury) is back in training but is not yet considered ready to return so Hilario continues in goal. Joe Cole could get a first start of the season, while Mikel Jon Obi is available after a one-match ban. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blackburn (from): Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Tugay, Emerton, Bentley, Nonda, McCarthy, Pedersen, Mokoena, Jeffers, Gallagher, Ooijer, Brown, Gray, Peter, McEveley, Todd, Roberts. Chelsea (from): Hilario, Ferreira, Boulahrouz, Carvalho, Terry, Bridge, A Cole, Geremi, Mikel, Makelele, Essien, Lampard, Ballack, Diarra, J Cole, Wright-Phillips, Robben, Kalou, Drogba, Shevchenko, Ma-Kalambay.

Blackburn 0-2 Chelsea
Two second-half goals were enough to see Chelsea into the fourth round of the Carling Cup at Blackburn's expense. Joe Cole celebrated his first start of the season by converting Salomon Kalou's cross after 53 minutes. Kalou tapped in the second after Brad Friedel had parried substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips' shot. Blackburn had their chances in an entertaining tie, with Shabani Nonda looking particularly lively, but Chelsea were too strong.

West Ham v Blackburn
West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham should shake off a knee injury in time for the visit of Blackburn. James Collins, Tyrone Mears, Yossi Benayoun and Lee Bowyer should make the squad but Carlos Tevez (knee) is out. Striker Shabani Nonda is Blackburn's biggest injury doubt with a shin injury he picked up in midweek. Morten Gamst Pedersen will have a late fitness test after sustaining an ankle injury in the same game while Robbie Savage serves a one-game suspension. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Ham (from): Carroll, Green, Walker, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Konchesky, Spector, Dailly, Pantsil, Mears, McCartney, Benayoun, Mullins, Mascherano, Reo-Coker, Sheringham, Cole, Harewood, Zamora. Blackburn (from): Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Tugay, Emerton, Savage, Bentley, Nonda, McCarthy, Pedersen, Mokoena, Jeffers, Gallagher, Ooijer, Brown, Gray, Peter, McEveley, Roberts.

Mijailovic contests racism charge
Wisla Krakow defender Nikola Mijailovic has appealed against his five-match European ban for racially abusing Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy. The 24-year-old's case will be heard by Uefa on Wednesday. Serbian Mijailovic was punished following the incident in Wisla's Uefa Cup game against Rovers on 19 October. French outfit Nancy are planning to wear anti-racism slogans on their shirts when they play a home game against Wisla on Thursday.

Uefa rejects Mijailovic ban plea
Uefa has rejected an appeal from Wisla Krakow's Nikola Mijailovic against the ban he received for racially abusing Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy. The 24-year-old Serbia international was punished following the incident in Wisla's Uefa Cup game against Rovers on 19 October. Wisla challenged the verdict but an appeals body upheld the original ban. French side Nancy are planning to wear anti-racism slogans when they play against Wisla on Thursday. \"This is the first case to be heard since Uefa changed its disciplinary statutes in line with Fifa's new guidelines on racism in football,\" Uefa spokesman William Gaillard said on Wednesday. \"Any player found guilty of racial abuse will be banned for five matches in the case of a first offence, unless they can offer a credible defence such as, for example, not being able to speak the language that they are accused of having abused the other person in. \"We are determined to eradicate racism. \"We still have to see what it will take to do that, but we are determined to go all the way.\"

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