Blackburn V Bristol City at Ewood Park : Match Preview

01 February 2013 12:31
Blackburn V Bristol City - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Appleton faces defensive dilemma

Blackburn manager Michael Appleton has a decision to make at right-back ahead of the npower Championship clash with Bristol City.

Todd Kane was cup-tied for last weekend's impressive 3-0 win at Derby and is available to return, but the on-loan Chelsea youngster must contest a place on the right-hand side of Appleton's defence with Bradley Orr, who has returned from a loan spell at Ipswich.

Former Manchester United forward Josh King suffered a recurrence of his hamstring problem during the opening stages at Pride Park and Rovers are slightly light on attacking options following a frustrating transfer deadline day.

Playmaker Ruben Rochina departed on loan to Real Zaragoza in his native Spain, winger Diogo Rosado did likewise in joining Benfica, while attacking midfielder Simon Vukcevic was released by mutual agreement.

However, deals to bring in QPR striker DJ Campbell and West Brom winger Jerome Thomas fell foul of the 11pm cut-off point.

Full-back Adam Henley (hamstring), goalkeeper Paul Robinson (back) and midfielder Dickson Etuhu (knee) remain sidelined.

City captain Cole Skuse is a doubt for the trip.

Skuse had to be withdrawn after just 21 minutes of the midweek win over Watford with a knee injury and the club's medical staff are awaiting the results of a scan.

When the opening goalscorer Greg Cunningham limped off with a minute to go there were fears he could be set for a spell on the sidelines but he just took a kick to the leg and will be fine.

Australia international Neil Kilkenny is ruled out for the next two or three weeks with his ankle injury while Ryan Taylor is sidelined with dislocated shoulder.

In-demand winger Albert Adomah remains on African Nations Cup duty with Ghana.

Source: PA