Blackburn Rovers Vs Latics Preview

Roberto Martinez takes his Latics side to Ewood Park tonight looking to carry on from the good away win at Molineux to put his team into mid-table dream land.

The Latics have made a good start to 2010 winning two and drawing one of the three games played since the turn of the year and it is important for the team to carry this form through as they look to secure Premier League football for a sixth year running.

A major blow to the Latics though is news that keeper Chris Kirkland faces a long stretch on the treatment table following a shoulder injury sustained in a training ground collision, new signing Vladimir Stojković could be in line for a Premier League debut in the nets.

Blackburns form as been up and down of late though they did beat Fulham 2-0 at Ewood Park last week, Chris Samba is suspended and his presence will be missed in both the Rovers defence and attack with set pieces a major threat from Allardyce`s team.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez

'Tonight's game is going to be a proper derby, and we'll have to make sure we're ready.

'Blackburn are on the back of a very good result against Fulham, they are a physical side and have the ability to score goals from half-chances.

'They are a big threat from set-pieces as well so we'll have to stay concentrated and make sure we're ready to battle.'

Samba is suspended, Vince Grella and Lars Jacobsen are doubtful, Jason Roberts could be back

Rovers from:

Robinson, Chimbonda, Nelsen, Olsson, Emerton, Salgado, Givet, Hoilett, Reid, Andrews, N'Zonzi, Kalinic, Dunn, Rigters, Di Santo, Brown, Roberts.

Former Latics favourite been linked with a move back to Wigan

Kirkland out amd Melchiot doubtful

Latics from:

Bramble, Caldwell, Scharner, Gomez, Melchiot, Figueroa, N'Zogbia, Diame, McCarthy, Sinclair, Thomas, Rodallega, Watson, Amaya, Scotland, Boyce, Stojkovic, Pollitt

After scoring his first Latics goal last week lets see if the big fella can go on a bit of a streak

Latics and Blackburn have met on 13 previous occasions

Latics have won 2, Blacburn 9, draws 9

Last Five Meetings

26/12/09 - Premier League - Latics 1 Rover 1
26/04/09 - Premier League - Rovers 2 Latics 0
13/12/08 - Premier League - Latics 3 Rovers 0
22/03/08 - Premier League - Rovers 3 Latics 1
15/12/07 - Premier League - Latics 5 Rovers 3

Lee Mason (Bolton)

Meet the ref article can be found here

Heart says 2-1 Latics win

Head says 1-1 draw

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