Source: SKY_Sports
Blackburn v Coventry preview
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. 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.Elliott Ward could be recalled in place of Wright which means new-boy James McPake may revert to full-back.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.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.