Blackburn v Coventry preview

13 February 2009 10:12
lackburn Rovers put their Premier League relegation battle to one side on Saturday when they entertain Coventry City in the fifth round of the FA Cup.[LNB] Although Rovers are at the wrong of the table they have performed well in England's prestigious cup competition in recent seasons, reaching the semi-final stage twice in the past four years.[LNB]The Sky Blues last reached the quarter-finals of the tournament in the 1997/98 campaign after securing a 1-0 win over Midlands rivals Aston Villa courtesy of Viorel Moldovan's strike.[LNB]Rovers will be out for revenge against the Championship outfit after suffering an embarrassing 4-1 FA Cup exit to the Sky Blues just over a year ago.[LNB]Blackburn needed two attempts and extra time to see off Sunderland in the previous round while Coventry set up the fifth round clash thanks to a 1-0 win over non-leaguers Torquay United.[LNB]Rovers team newsManager Sam Allardyce will be unable to call upon the services of recent signing El-Hadji Diouf as the former Sunderland and Bolton man is cup-tied, while Aaron Mokoena is suspended.[LNB]With Rovers locked in a desperate battle to avoid the drop, Allardyce is likely to ring the changes to protect his key players ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures.[LNB]That means the likes of Danny Simpson, Gael Givet, Zurab Khizanishvili, Carlos Villanueva and Keith Treacy could all be given a run-out after starting their 2-1 replay win over the Black Cats.[LNB]Roque Santa Cruz might be given the nod up front as the Paraguay international is still short of match fitness after a niggling injury kept him on the sidelines during Allardyce's early days at the club.[LNB]Coventry team newsCity boss Chris Coleman has numerous injury problems to contend with as Stephen Wright is suspended, David Bell is cup-tied and Chelsea have not permitted on-loan Lee Sawyer to play.[LNB]Elliott Ward could be recalled in place of Wright which means new-boy James McPake may revert to full-back.[LNB]Another option for Coleman could be to deploy Aron Gunnarsson in the troubled right-back spot, but with other midfield problems to contend with the Iceland international may be required in his normal role.[LNB]Striker Leon McKenzie is a major doubt with a thigh problem while Freddy Eastwood will be given a late fitness test on an ankle problem.[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports