FA CUP
Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United
February 19, 2017 • 16:15
Ewood Park, Blackburn, Lancashire
Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United Preview
Another fixture for Manchester United in their hectic schedule see’s them travel to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers, who lie 23rd in the Championship. The Red Devils played on Thursday against Saint-Etienne and now face another opposition that they haven’t played in years. These two sides last met at Ewood Park, in 2012, when United emerged 2-0 victors.
Recent form:
Blackburn are currently in the relegation zone in the Championship and are three points from safety. Owen Coyle’s men come into this FA Cup tie having won only one of their last five league games, suffering defeats to Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday. Coyle’s men can take comfort in how they dispatched Blackpool 2-0 at home in the last round of the competition, but United represent a much bigger task than the League Two side.
In contrast to Blackburn’s form, United have not lost in four games and are unbeaten since October in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho’s men beat Saint-Etienne and have also comfortably overcame Watford, 2-0, and Leicester, 3-0, in recent weeks.
Injuries and suspensions:
Southampton loanee Sam Gallagher could be missing for Blackburn after suffering a gashed knee during the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday that has required stitches. Other than the 21-year-old striker, Blackburn have no injury worries but are missing Hope Akpan due to a suspension.
With United’s games coming thick and fast, many players may be tired, come the tie at Blackburn. Phil Jones, Wayne Rooney, and Michael Carrick are all sat out of the clash against Saint-Etienne and are expected to be fully fit for the trip to Ewood Park. Marcus Rojo is also back from a calf injury he sustained in the last FA Cup tie against Wigan. Meanwhile, Henrik Mkhitaryan missed United’s game against Saint-Etienne but could feature on Sunday.
Our prediction:
Blackburn 1-3 Manchester United.
