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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
CARDIFF CITY  Marshall McNaughton, Gerrard, Turner, Taylor Cowie, McPhail, Gunnarson, Whittingham Earnshaw, Mason | MANCHESTER UNITED  Robinson Lowe, Hanley, Dann, Givet Hoilett, N’Zonzi, Dunn, Rochina Roberts, Goodwillie |
Joe Mason may be rewarded for his winner at the weekend with a starting place as both sides think about resting players due to their current positions in their respective league tables.
Blackburn players Chris Samba, Martin Olsson and Michel Salgado all have hamstring problems, although the Spaniard could be available. Ryan Nelson is fit again and is being lined up for a place on the bench should he come through training unscathed. David Dunn returns after serving his one-match suspension for his red card against Wigan.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Blackburn have not kept a clean sheet in the league.
- They have conceded at least three goals in half their Premier League matches.
- They haven’t registered an away victory all season and haven’t won in eight matches.
- Their only league win this year came against Arsenal.
- Rovers got into the fifth round of the League Cup with a dramatic 4-3 win over Newcastle where they conceded twice in injury time only to win in extra time.
- They won this competition in 2002 with a 2-1 win over Tottenham.
- Cardiff are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions.
- They average two goals at home in the Championship.
- City are third in the league (although they have played a game more than most other teams) and have the third best home record, losing only once.
- These two sides have met five times in cup competitions, with Cardiff winning two matches, including the 1925 FA Cup semi-final although they lost the final 1-0 to Sheffield United. Blackburn have one win.
Prediction
Cardiff are flying high in the league and are in a great run of form, but Blackburn need the win much more so I’m expecting them to edge a thriller due to the attacking talent they undoubtedly have in their squad.
Editor's Prediction
Cardiff City 2-3 Blackburn 
