Premier League preview: Blackburn v Fulham

Blackburn will be aiming to haul themselves off the bottom of the English Premier League on Saturday when they host Fulham at Ewood Park.

Steve Kean’s team have 14 points, one behind Wigan and two adrift of Bolton, but they have a better goal difference than their fellow relegation strugglers.

Blackburn have lost eight times at home in the league this season, while 14th-placed Fulham have won only once and drawn five of their 10 away games.

In their most recent match Blackburn were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle in the third round of the FA Cup, while they lost 2-1 at home to Stoke in their last league game.

Defender Chris Samba is doubtful after missing the Newcastle game with hamstring and ankle problems while Junior Hoilett has been in the treatment room with a hamstring injury.

Also missing on Saturday will be New Zealand international Ryan Nelsen, goalkeeper Paul Robinson and Scott Dann, but Kean can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

“We have found ourselves in the last couple of weeks in a difficult position about the amount of defenders we have got injured,” Kean told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“Scott Dann has now resumed full training, Martin Olsson and Gael Givet have played. All of a sudden we can start to look at defenders and see competition for places and we haven’t had that for a long time.”

Fulham have 23 points and their form has steadied in recent weeks after a lean spell throughout November and December.

They enjoyed a 4-0 FA Cup win over League One side Charlton on Saturday, and upset Arsenal at Craven Cottage in their most recent league fixture.

Manager Martin Jol has some selection headaches ahead of Saturday’s clash, while goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is nearing a return from a back injury.

Welsh midfielder Simon Davies is also nursing a back complaint, while Czech defender Zdenek Grygera is a long-term casualty with a knee injury.