Source: SKY_Sports
Blackburn v Everton preview
Relegation-threatened Blackburn welcome European hopefuls Everton to Ewood Park on Wednesday night in a crucial Premier League encounter, live on Sky Sports 2 and HD2.[LNB] Rovers edged themselves out of the drop zone on Sunday courtesy of a 2-1 success at Hull City, Sam Allardyce's first victory on the road since taking charge at the end of last year.[LNB]That victory was their first in five matches and only goal difference is keeping them above Middlesbrough and Stoke, although four more clubs - Portsmouth, Newcastle, Tottenham and the Tigers - are within striking distance above them.[LNB]Everton remain in contention to secure European football next season via their league placing but fifth-placed Arsenal now hold a five-point cushion on David Moyes' men following the Gunners' 3-1 success at West Brom on Tuesday night, with Aston Villa three further ahead.[LNB]The Toffees have been in impressive form on their travels this season, with seven wins from their 13 outings, while Blackburn have claimed victory at home just three times.[LNB]Team newsAllardyce could be without England international Paul Robinson after the goalkeeper was forced off at half-time during the victory over Hull City.[LNB]Goalkeeper Robinson suffered a shoulder injury at the KC Stadium and is a major doubt for Wednesday night's clash with Jason Brown ready to deputise once again.[LNB]Morten Gamst Pedersen is ruled out through suspension after his red card against the Tigers, with David Dunn a contender to replace him in midfield after returning to training following his hamstring problem.[LNB]Everton boss Moyes will have to make do without full-back Tony Hibbert for the next month after he sustained a thigh strain in Saturday's 2-0 win over West Brom.[LNB]Midfielder Leon Osman came on for Hibbert at the weekend with Phil Neville dropping back into defence, while fit-again Lars Jacobsen provides another option.[LNB]Teenager Jack Rodwell missed the victory over the Baggies due to a thigh injury but is back in the squad.[LNB]Possible starting XIsBlackburn: Brown, Ooijer, Nelsen, Samba, Givet, Diouf, Grella, Andrews, Warnock, Dunn, Santa Cruz.[LNB]Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Baines, Gosling, Osman, Fellaini, Pienaar, Cahill, Jo.[LNB]
