PREVIEW: BLACKBURN VS CARDIFF CITY

Blackburn Rovers vs Cardiff City
Venue: Ewood Park
Date: Tuesday 18th August, 2015, 7:45pm kick-off

The Bluebirds travel to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers this evening, looking to continue their unbeaten start to the 2015/16 campaign.


THE OPPOSITION
Gary Bowyer’s Blackburn Rovers have been frustrated in recent seasons whilst competing for a play-off berth. They couldn’t have come much closer in 2013/14, missing out on the top six by just two points. However, Rovers were unable to continue any upwards momentum last time out as they finished eleven points below sixth-place Ipswich Town.

The departure of former Bluebird Rudy Gestede, Norway international Josh King and star midfielder Tom Cairney could make their quest to compete at the top more difficult this year. However, they can of course rely upon the guaranteed goals of Jordan Rhodes, who is still at the Club despite plenty of interest.

Rhodes may miss out on tonight’s match with a knock, which could lead to a new-look strike partnership of Nathan Delfouneso and Fodé Koita. The forwards are two of six summer recruits, along with former Reading duo Hope Akpan and Danny Guthrie, loanee Modou Barrow and imposing French midfielder Sacha Petshi.

Rovers will be looking to add to their point gained against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, following an opening day defeat to Wolves.



CLUB CONNECTIONS

Of course, former City front man Rudy Gestede has recently made the switch to Premier League side Aston Villa. The Benin international scored 33 goals in 66 games while with the Rovers, but he leaves another former Bluebird still within the ranks at Ewood Park.

Craig Conway is playing in his third season at the Club this year, and has been every bit as popular in Lancashire as he was in South Wales. The winger has racked up 57 League appearances for Bowyer’s men, netting eight goals.

Other recent City heroes to pull on the Blackburn shirt include Craig Bellamy, who had a terrific Premier League campaign there in 2005/06, and Jay Bothroyd, who played for the Club on loan early in his career.

MEMORABLE MEETING

Friday 7th December 2012, Ewood Park