Blackburn v Rochdale preview
Sunday 24 December 2017 14:19, UK
Blackburn captain Charlie Mulgrew is a doubt for the visit of Rochdale after injury forced him off in the warm-up before Saturday's draw at Northampton.
Forward Dominic Samuel could be fit to return after missing that game through illness but Corry Evans (ankle) remains doubtful. Elliott Bennett returns after serving a four-match suspension and defender Darragh Lenihan is nearing a return following a foot problem.
Forward Harry Chapman remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Joe Thompson made his first appearance since beating cancer for a second time when Rochdale drew 1-1 with Walsall. The 28-year-old, who came close to scoring, is likely to start on the bench once again.
Jordan Williams came in for Steven Davies against the Saddlers and it remains to be seen if the latter makes the squad at Ewood Park. Bradden Inman is pushing for a start after coming on to replace Matty Done for the start of the second half against Walsall.
Opta stats
Blackburn have only lost once in all of the seven league meetings between these two sides (W5 D1), winning each of the last four.
In fact, the Dale have never beaten Blackburn away from home in the league (D1 L2), although this is their first visit since April 1974.
Blackburn have not celebrated victory on Boxing Day since a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Premier League in 2006, eight games ago (D4 L4 since).
Rochdale's last Boxing Day away win played on English soil came back in 2004 versus Darlington.
