Blackburn City preview

TEAM NEWS

Junior Hoilett should be back for Blackburn after missing the defeat at Everton with a hamstring problem. Ryan Nelsen and Vince Grella are injured and Steven Nzonzi serves the last match of a three-game suspension. Roque Santa Cruz, meanwhile, is unavailable against his parent club.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini could be tempted to name an unchanged line-up. Italian striker Mario Balotelli looks set to retain his place following the FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester United as Carlos Tevez has a hamstring injury. With defender Micah Richards also absent with a similar problem, Pablo Zabaleta is set to stay in the team following the Wembley triumph.

MATCH FACTS

Manchester City haven’t won away in the Premier League since Boxing Day.

The away team hasn’t scored in any of City’s last eight games in all competitions.

Despite out shooting their opponents by 10 attempts on target to three, the reverse fixture ended 1-1 between Blackburn and City.

After going nine games without a win in all competitions against Rovers, City have gone six unbeaten.

Only Blackpool (8) have picked up fewer Premier League points in 2011 than Rovers (10).

Blackburn are unbeaten in four North West derbies at Ewood Park this season, winning three and drawing the other.

The Citizens have been awarded (nine), and scored (eight), more penalties than any other Premier League side this season.

Rovers have made more substitutions than any other side this season, 94.

Jermaine Jones has been booked five times in his last nine Premier League appearances.

Blackburn have only one player with five or more league goals this season (Kalinic 5)