Chelsea face a test of their title credentials as they look to bounce back from European disappointment.
Title chasers make difficult trip to Ewood Park
Chelsea face a stern test of their title credentials as they look to bounce back from European disappointment.
Blackburn have an impressive record at Ewood Park this season, losing just two games in the Premier League, and their home form has kept them away from the relegation battle.
Rovers are currently 10 points clear of the bottom three and will feel they can push into the top half of the table if they enjoy a strong finish to the campaign.
Having knocked Chelsea out of the Carling Cup in December, prevailing on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, Blackburn will go into the clash in confident mood.
But Sam Allardyce will be without Paul Robinson for around a month after the goalkeeper was substituted with a torn calf muscle in the defeat to Tottenham.
Jason Brown came on at White Hart Lane and could start against Chelsea, although Mark Bunn has been recalled from his loan spell with Sheffield United to provide an extra option.
Ryan Nelsen (knee) and Lars Jacobsen (hernia) are still sidelined, while Gael Givet (groin) is also out and on-loan striker Franco di Santo cannot play against his parent club.
However, David Dunn came through the encounter against Spurs unscathed and should start again.
Chelsea news
Chelsea bowed out of the UEFA Champions League in midweek after losing 1-0 at home to Inter Milan, coached by former manager Jose Mourinho.
The onus had been on the Blues to attack after Inter won the first leg 2-1 and Carlo Ancelotti will have been disappointed by how rarely they threatened the Italians' goal.
But Ancelotti must now focus on domestic matters as Chelsea continue to fight for silverware in the Premier League and FA Cup.
Chelsea are currently two points behind league leaders Manchester United but have control of their own destiny with a game in hand.
Third-choice goalkeeper Ross Turnbull has played between the posts in the absence of injured No.1 Petr Cech and also Hilario, who are both still doubtful.
Michael Essien, Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa are still sidelined, so there are unlikely to be many changes from the side beaten by Inter.
Joe Cole will hope to start as time runs out for him to impress England manager Fabio Capello ahead of the World Cup.
Possible starting XIs
Blackburn: Brown, Salgado, Chimbonda, Samba, Olsson, Andrews, Dunn, Emerton, N'Zonzi, Pedersen, Kalinic.
Chelsea: Turnbull, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, Zhirkov, Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.
