Manchester United are without John O'Shea for the clash, though Wayne Rooney and Rafael are in line for starts. Evergreen Ryan Giggs is back in contention for a start.
Blackburn miss Christopher Samba through suspension and Danny Simpson is ineligible against his parent club.
If Blackburn are to halt United's charge, they will have to be the first of 14 teams to breech their ever-changing defence. It may be said that United's only weaknesses lie in the occasional lack of pace in the midfield - though this is often taken care of by back-tracking Tevez/Rooney. The inexperience of Rafael may provide an avenue of attack for Rovers, although the young Brazilian has taken well to life at Old Trafford. I'd advise Sam Allardyce to set his side out to be difficult to break down and then look for a goal on the break. Cristiano Ronaldo has been unconvincing for me on the left - leaving his attacking threat slightly tamed. This has resulted in unconventional right-sided play from Ji-Sung Park, or whoever else is told to play there. The longer United's defensive run goes on for, the more pressure and importance their is on it's breaking. It is therefore important for United to score early to lessen the importance of any defensive breach.
Sir Alex Ferguson may opt to rest one or two regulars with an eye on an upcoming grudge-match with Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan. We may therefore see Vidic earn a well deserved break in exchange for Johnny Evans getting match practice (Evans will play against Inter Milan due to Vidic's European suspension).
A win would put United 8 points clear (Liverpool play Sunday vs Man City) and I feel the Red Devils are on too great a run to be halted at home to Blackburn. I do however think United's defensive record is in more danger than ever.
Prediction
Manchester United 3 : 1 Blackburn
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