Blackburn V Bristol City at Ewood Park : Match Preview

04 January 2013 12:01
Blackburn V Bristol City - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Bowyer keen to build momentum

Caretaker manager Gary Bowyer will resist the urge to make wholesale changes as Blackburn look to carry their npower Championship resurgence into the FA Cup third round against Bristol City.

Rovers' reserve-team boss Bowyer has guided the ailing Lancashire outfit to two consecutive wins alongside head of youth Terry McPhillips in the aftermath of Henning Berg's sacking.

"We've got some momentum going and the players want to keep playing so that's what we'll try and do," said Bowyer.

"If we can get one or two young ones involved in the squad then that would be great experience for them, but we've got a big squad so we'll be looking to make sure that we keep the momentum going."

The youngsters in question are likely to be midfield duo Hugo Fernandez and Tim Payne, who have been allocated squad numbers ahead of the tie, while Bowyer is still missing a host of senior players

David Dunn is suffering from a niggle having recently returned from a calf injury and is not expected to play until next week along with fellow midfielder Mauro Formica (foot), although Simon Vukcevic (leg) is set to feature having recovered from the effects of a heavy challenge during last weekend's 3-1 triumph at Barnsley.

Winger Fabio Nunes (hamstring), goalkeeper Paul Robinson (back) and defender Gael Givet remain absent - with reports suggesting the latter is seeking a move back to his native France due to personal problems.

Bristol City manager Derek McInnes looks certain to give a number of his fringe players the change to impress at Ewood Park.

The Scot will have to find replacements for Neil Danns, who has returned to his parent club Leicester, defender Stephen McManus, who is not allowed to play as part of his loan from Middlesbrough, and Albert Adomah, who has left for the African Nations Cup, in his starting line-up.

The Ghanian, who has been one of the Robins` best players during the first half of the season, could be missing until mid-February if he makes the final squad and the Black Stars do well in South Africa.

McInnes will also be without regular right-back Richard Foster through injury, which could open the door for Joe Edwards, who is back with the club after a successful three-month loan spell at Yeovil.

The City midfield is likely to see a number of changes with Stephen Pearson also missing through injury so Marvin Elliott, Neil Kilkenny and Bobby Reid are all pushing for starts.

Jon Stead could get the chance to partner Sam Baldock in attack after the pair impressed together during a strong second-half at Millwall.

Source: PA