Blackburn will be looking to build on their win at Portsmouth against relegated Derby.
Rovers entertain down-and-out Rams at Ewood
Blackburn Rovers will be looking to build on their win at Portsmouth against relegated Derby County at Ewood Park.
Mark Hughes' side saw off FA Cup finalists Pompey last Sunday thanks to Roque Santa Cruz's crisp finish deep into the second half on the South Coast.
Derby, whose relegation was confirmed some time ago, only have pride to play for with maximum points required from their final two games to avoid being named the worst team in Premier League history.
With Paul Jewell's side having won just one of their 36 league outings to date and none under the former Wigan boss, it seems unlikely The Rams will be able to side-step the unwanted tag.
Striker doubt
Rovers striker Benni McCarthy is doubtful to play in the side's last home game of the season with a hamstring problem.
The South Africa international has been training this week, although Jason Roberts to set to retain his place in their starting line-up alongside Santa Cruz.
However, Hughes is hopeful defender Christopher Samba (thigh) will be okay to slot in at centre-back after being forced out of last Sunday's win following a crunching tackle with Niko Kranjcar.
Experienced Dutch centre-back Andre Ooijer is the prime candidate to fill in should Samba not be ready to return against The Rams.
Stubbs out
Derby will be with vastly experienced defender Alan Stubbs for the remainder of the campaign after his scheduled cartilage knee operation was brought forward to ensure he will be ready for next season.
Jewell will have some defensive decisions to make with Dean Leacock (hamstring) joining Stubbs on the sidelines for their trip to Ewood.
The Pride Park outfit will also definitely be without midfielder David Jones (calf), although both Kenny Miller and Hossam Ghaly have been passed fit.
Wales striker Robert Earnshaw may be given the nod by Jewell after emerging off the bench in Monday's 6-2 thumping by Arsenal to net his first Premier League goal for the club.
| Team |
Blackburn Rovers |
Derby County |
| Games Played |
36 |
36 |
| Goal Attempts |
|
|
| Goals |
46 |
19 |
| Ave Goals per game |
1.28 |
0.53 |
| Shots (excl blocked shots) |
388 |
275 |
| % Shots on Target |
43% |
40% |
| % Goals to Shots |
12% |
7% |
| Passing |
|
|
| Short Passes |
10,821 |
9,133 |
| Long Passes |
2,160 |
2,052 |
| Overall Pass Completion % |
74% |
67% |
| Crossing |
|
|
| Total Crosses |
821 |
758 |
| Cross Completion % |
22% |
21% |
| Defending |
|
|
| Goals Conceded |
43 |
82 |
| Ave goals conceded per game |
1.19 |
2.28 |
| Tackles |
806 |
852 |
| Tackles Won % |
75% |
72% |
| Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions |
2635 |
2574 |
| Discipline |
|
|
| Fouls |
554 |
510 |
| Yellow Cards |
70 |
63 |
| Red Cards |
6 |
1 |
|
