Blackburn Rovers - Sunderland Preview: Black Cats unbeaten in five against Steve Kean's men

Martin O'Neill and his team prepare to visit Ewood Park in a game which looks like a hard one to call, with both sides showing glimpses of brilliance amidst disappointing results

Blackburn are still without Michel Salgado (rib) and Vincent Grella (hip) due to their respective long-term injuries but Steve Kean may be able to call upon the services of Bradley Orr, who could be in line for a return from his hamstring complaint.

Sunderland are likely to start with a side similar to that which played in their 1-1 FA Cup draw with Everton.

Centre-backs Titus Bramble (calf) and Wes Brown (knee) are still unavailable but Martin O'Neill will be more than happy to continue the pairing of John O'Shea and Michael Turner, who have been in good form recently.

Keiran Richardson could also be passed fit for the tie but a place on the bench beckons as he nears the end of his rehabilitation from his calf muscle strain.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Blackburn Rovers

Robinson, Martin Olsson, Hanley, Dann, Lowe Pederson, N'Zonzi, Marcus Olsson, Hoilett, Formica, Yakubu  


Sunderland

Mignolet, Bardsley, O'Shea, Turner, Bridge, Larsson, Colback, Gardner, McClean, Campbell, Bendtner

Premier League ‎(EPL)‎	11 Dec 2011	Sunderland 2 - Blackburn Rovers 1
Premier League ‎(EPL)‎	1 Jan 2011	Sunderland 3 - Blackburn Rovers 0
Premier League ‎(EPL)‎	18 Oct 2010	Blackburn Rovers 0 - Sunderland 0
Premier League ‎(EPL)‎	28 Dec 2009	Blackburn Rovers 2 - Sunderland 2
Premier League ‎(EPL)‎	22 Aug 2009	Sunderland 2 - Blackburn Rovers 1

PREDICTION
 

I think that Martin O'Neill's men will be too much for Blackburn leave Ewood Park with a comfortable three points.
However, as we have seen many times this season, Blackburn are capable of pulling a performance off against any side, so O’Neill will be wary of the threat they pose.

Blackburn 0 vs 2  Sunderland