A look ahead to Town’s clash with Blackburn
It will be a battle of the roses this Saturday when Mark Robins’ men take on Gary Bowyer’s Blackburn side at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The Terriers, who find themselves 14th in the Championship, come off the back of a tough point earned away at Charlton on Wednesday night.
Blackburn, who are in 10th place, are currently enduring a dip in form after suffering a third straight defeat against Bournemouth, losing 0-1.
In the corresponding fixture earlier in the season, both teams shared the spoils in a goalless draw.
Referee: Mick Russell
Assistants: Shaun Hudson and William Smallwood
Fourth Official: Ross Joyce
Bournemouth (H) 0-1 (L)
Burnley (H) 1-2 (L)
Bolton (A) 4-0 (L)
Reading (A) 0-1 (W)
Middlesbrough (A) 0-0 (D)
TOWN
Anthony Gerrard is a big doubt with a fractured toe.
On a positive note, leading goal scorer James Vaughan could return to face Blackburn.
BLACKBURN
Grant Hanley is doubtful after injuring his hamstring alongside Matt Kilgallon (groin), Josh King (hamstring), and Tom Cairney (ankle).
Ben Marshall (ankle) and Dickson Etuhu (ankle) are both long-term absentees.
The Blackburn boss took the top job at Ewood Park after impressing whilst taking charge as caretaker twice, following the sackings of previous managers Henning Berg and Michael Appleton.
Bowyer joined Rovers as a youth coach before being promoted in 2009 as Reserve Team Manager. He was appointed Caretaker Manager following the dismissal of Berg in December 2012, and in his first game he managed to steer Blackburn to a 3-1 victory against Barnsley.
He remained in charge until January and was reappointed as Caretaker Manager when Appleton left. Following a meeting with the Venky’s, he was given the management job full-time in May 2013, on a 12-month rolling contract.
As a player, the 42-year-old was a full-back, but his career was cut short due to injury. He played for three clubs running out for Hereford United, Nottingham Forest and Rotherham United.
Since last meeting
IN
Connor Mahoney – Accrington Stanley – Signed
Rudy Gestede – Cardiff City – Signed
Craig Conway – Cardiff – Signed
Michael Keane – Man Utd – Loaned
Liam Feeney – Millwall – Loaned
Bryan Dabo – Montpellier – Loaned
OUT
Bruno Ribeiro – Clube Atletico – Free
Scott Dann – Crystal Palace – Signed
Josh Morris – Fleetwood – Loaned
Yann Songo’o – Ross County – Loaned
Anthony O’Connor – Torquay – Loaned
Alan Judge – Brentford – Loaned
John O’Sullivan – Southport – Loaned
Ruben Rochina – R.Vallecano – Loaned
DJ Campbell – Millwall – Loaned
David Goodwillie – Blackpool – Loaned
Jordan Slew – Ross County – Loaned
Leon Best – Sheff Wed – Loaned
Alex Marrow – Fleetwood – Loaned
PAUL ROBINSON
The former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper is a firm favourite among the Rovers’ faithful thanks to his consistent displays between the sticks.
The 35 year-old, who returned to First Team action at the turn of the year after recovering from a blood clot suffered last year, has made 11 appearances so far this season, producing 30 saves.
GRANT HANLEY
The virtual ever-present, Scottish defender has been a rock at the back since coming through the Rovers Academy. He has featured 31 times this season, making 177 clearances and 36 blocks.
The no-nonsense centre-back made his debut in the 2009/10 season whilst Blackburn were in the Premier League.
JORDAN RHODES
The former Huddersfield Town talisman is among the top scorers in the Championship, netting 17 times in 36 appearances.
The Scottish international signed for an £8M fee in a record-breaking deal move across the Pennines. During his three years at Town he scored 87 goals, making him the eighth highest goal scorer in the history of the Club.
RUDY GESTEDE
The 25 year-old striker signed a three-and-a-half-year deal in January, following a successful loan move from Cardiff.
Gestede has strengthened the striking department at Ewood Park with his pace, power and experience at this level. The French-born forward played his part in Cardiff’s promotion campaign into the Premier League last season, scoring five goals.
This season Gestede has featured 17 times with a goal return of four.
