Resurgent Blackburn Rovers are looking to keep their heads above water and create some sort of advantage over their relegation rivals, but that will be no easy task.

Steve Kean’s side are up against high-flying Manchester United, a team that can extend their lead at the top to five points with seventh straight Premier League victory, although after the 3-2 victory at Old Trafford Rovers certainly have something to hope for.

Blackburn Rovers have been everyone’s favourites for the drop after their slow start to the season, but the Ewood Park outfit managed to turn things around and they now have a realistic chance of staying alive.

Back to back victories over Wolverhampton and Sunderland acted as a major boost to team’s survival hopes, but the 2-1 defeat to Bolton was seen as a small setback.

Taking into account a difficult fixture list and the fact that Rovers have yet to face United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea, odds of 2.75 (7/4) offered by Ladbrokes on Blackburn to get relegated look too good to pass.

With Gael Givet still doubtful with a hamstring problem, Steve Kean is unlikely to make any changes to the side that started last three games.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Robinson – Lowe, Dann, Hanley, Martin Olsson – Formica, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Marcus Olsson – Hoilett – Yakubu.

Manchester United may have been eliminated from every Cup competition they entered this season, but the Premier League title can erase all the disappointments and turn this season into a success.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have been under constant pressure from the very start to the season as they had to make sure City do not create a big advantage at the top of the standings.

The team showed a lot of character in the process and they are finally getting rewarded for their efforts, seeing they can make a giant step towards the Premiership title with a win over Blackburn.

Such an experienced side are highly unlikely to miss the opportunity to create a five-point cushion at the top, so no wonder United are 1.40 (2/5) with Bodog to claim maximum points at Ewood Park.

Rio Ferdinand returns to the side after recovering from a back injury, but Nani, Vidic, Fletcher, Anderson and Owen continue to miss out.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): De Gea – Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra – Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Young – Rooney – Hernandez.