Manchester City visit Ewood Park to take on Blackburn Rovers in the third round fixture of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 12:45pm GMT. Live coverage is on BT Sport 1. Radio commentary of the game will be on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Overview

Rovers have been inconsistent this season, winning only nine of their 24 matches in the Championship. Gary Bowyer's side lost 2-3 to Birmingham City in their last league fixture at home, but bounced back with a 2-1 away victory at Leeds United on New Year's Day.

Since their relegation from the Premier League in 2012, Rovers have struggled with life in the Championship and are currently 10<sup>th in the table, 17 points behind leaders Leicester City after 24 matches. But striker Jordan Rhodes has been in excellent form, scoring 16 times in the league.

Meanwhile, City come into this game on an excellent run of seven consecutive victories, extending their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions. Manuel Pellegrini's side began 2014 by beating Swansea City 2-3 away from home and are in second place in the Premier League with 44 points, just one point behind league leaders Arsenal.

The Chilean manager will be keen to avoid a giant-kill when they travel to Ewood Park on Saturday. City won the FA Cup in the 2010/11 season, but lost 0-1 to Wigan Athletic in the final in May 2013. The Citizens will be keen to build on their winning streak in their quest for silverware.

What Managers Say

Gary Bowyer: "Everybody wants to be available for it and we are really looking forward to it. The players had the day off yesterday because it has been a busy period, but when they all came in today, they came in with a skip to their step and they've all enjoyed training. We've prepared properly but we know it isn't a normal game."

Manuel Pellegrini: "We are going to try to have a good squad and try to win our first FA Cup game, because for our team it is an important competition. I just talked with the players that it is an important test for us, not only for the team but also for individual performances - maybe for some players that have the chance to play now in the FA Cup."

Team Form

Blackburn Rovers

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W L D W W
  • Last Result: Leeds United 1-2 Blackburn Rovers

Manchester City

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W W W W W
  • Last Result: Swansea City 2-3 Manchester City

Team News

Blackburn Rovers

  • Injured: Paul Robinson (back), Dickson Etuhu (ankle), Todd Kane (thigh), Corry Evans (ankle)
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A

Probable Line-Up: Eastwood; Henley, Dann, Hanley, Spurr; Marshall, Dunn, Cairney, Taylor; Rhodes, Gestede

Manchester City

  • Injured: Stevan Jovetic (hamstring), Martin Demichelis (hamstring), Micah Richards (hamstring), Jack Rodwell (hamstring), Sergio Aguero (calf)
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A

Probable Line-Up: Pantilimon; Boyata, Nastasic, Lescott, Clichy; Navas, Garcia, Milner, Silva; Dzeko, Guidetti

Manchester City FC FA Cup