Match Preview :

Both sides will have different agendas when they meet at Ewood Park in this clash.

Blackburn will hope to get out of the bottom three with a win while Newcastle can close to within three points of the top four should they managed to pick up maximum points here.

In recent weeks Blackburn have made vast improvements iving them hope of Premiership survival. That has helped to ease some of the pressure of Steve Kean with the Blackburn boss having spent much of the season fending off criticism directed against him.

Blackburn have taken as many points from their last 10 top flight outings (10) as their midweek opponents as they are battling at the bottom end.

Their biggest problem is in defence where they have a tough time keeping clean sheets, with 25 games having come and gone since Blackburn last secured a clean sheet.

That record means they are the first side in Premier League history to go 22 games from the start of a season without keeping a clean sheet!

Nevertheless, Blackburn have won six and lost only one of their last eight meetings with Newcastle.

Newcastle on the other hand, know that they can move to within touching distance of the UEFA Champions League places with a victory in this match.

However, they have to shake off a bout of travel sickness if they are to close on the leading pack. For the record, Newcastle have won only one of their last six Premier League away games, and have come unstuck in four of those encounters.

Team News :

Blackburn Team News :
Blackburn manager Kean has no new injury worries to contend with ahead of this clash. Centre-back Chris Samba could return to the starting line-up after Rovers managed to keep him in the side in the January transfer window.

Striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni is suspended, meaning David Goodwillie is likely to lead the attack once again.

Newcastle Team News :
Newcastle's Senegal due Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse will not be involved in this match. Pardew had hoped to have his 15-goal hitman and his January signing available following their country's exit from the African Cup of Nations, but they will not be back in time for this clash.

Meanwhile, central defender Fabricio Coloccini will be available after shaking off the groin injury which kept him out of Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup fourth round defeat at Brighton. On the other hand, the club's decision to contest midfielder Yohan Cabaye's FA charge for violent conduct means he will not start this clash.

Possible lineups

Blackburn : Robinson, Martin Olsson, Dann, Samba, Givet, Hoilett, Dunn, N'Zonzi, Pedersen, Modeste, Goodwillie.

Newcastle : Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Santon, Guthrie, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Ameobi, Best.

Predictions

Go for Newcastle to win and move their challenge closer to the European spot.

The Pick :

Blackburn 0-2 Newcastle

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Go for Newcastle to win here.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Main Bet :
Take Newcastle to bounce back with a win and accept the 1/4 ball here.