Premier League preview: Blackburn v Newcastle

Blackburn Rovers will be looking for their first win in three matches when they host comeback kings Newcastle United on Saturday.

Blackburn lost 4-3 away to Wigan Athletic last week and went down 1-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur on February 2.

They also exited the FA Cup in the fourth round with a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa late last month.

The three consecutive defeats represent Blackburn’s worst run of form since Steve Kean replaced the sacked Sam Allardyce as manager in December 2010.

They will be keen to return to winning ways at Ewood Park, but are unlikely to have it their own way against a Newcastle team who staged the comeback of the season in their last match.

Trailing 4-0 after just 26 minutes at home to Arsenal on Saturday, two Kevin Nolan penalties, a Leon Best goal and a volley from outside the box by Cheick Tiote helped Newcastle fight back to level terms at St James’ Park.

The extraordinary result was Newcastle’s third draw in their last four matches.

They also lost 1-0 away to Fulham on February 2 in what was their first match after losing the services of crowd favourite Andy Carroll.

With Carroll gone and Shola Ameobi and Best both injured, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has been forced to bring in Finnish veteran Shefki Kuqi on a short-term deal.

The 34-year-old struggled to make an impression in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers five years ago, but may be called upon from the bench against his former club.

Newcastle will be without defenders Steven and Ryan Taylor, as well as midfielders Stephen Ireland, Alan Smith, Ryan Gosling and Hatem Ben Arfa.

Striker Roque Santa Cruz is in doubt for Blackburn, while injury may continue to prevent new signing Mauro Formica from making his debut.

Defenders Gael Givet and Phil Jones remain on the sidelines.