Switch article view:Match preview Blackburn seek another Manchester miracle to stop leaders City
By Julian Shea.
Kick off Saturday 25 February 2012 at 17:30, Etihad Stadium.
Carlos Tevez has come back to Manchester City and said sorry - so miracles do happen after all.
Blackburn manager Steve Kean will be hoping for another one on Saturday as he takes his side to the Etihad Stadium seeking to continue their progress away from the foot of the table and towards what would be one of the most remarkable escapes from relegation in Premier League history.
But City's home record this season of played 12, won 12 suggests Rovers will have their work cut out on Saturday - especially when you consider who is returning to the side.
Kolo and Yaya Toure are both back after the African Cup of Nations, and maverick striker Mario Balotelli is available after his suspension.
Defender Micah Richards should be fit, despite having treatment on his knee during the Europa League win over Porto, with Pablo Zabaleta on stand-by if needed, and midfielder Gareth Barry, who came off with a muscle injury, is not seriously injured.
Rovers will be hoping for a repeat of their last trip to Manchester, when they ruined Sir Alex Ferguson's 70th birthday with a shock 3-2 win at United on New Year's Eve.
But it seems they will have to try and do that without the services of key central defender Chris Samba, whose stay at Ewood Park looks to be at an end, with a move to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala expected to go through soon.
Midfielder David Dunn (thigh) is an injury doubt and Jason Lowe and fellow defeder Gael Givet are both suspenede, but dangerous winger Junior Hoilett should be fit to start.
Listen to our football experts Russ Williams, Jim Proudfoot and Ian Wright for a look ahead to the weekend's games in Friday's edition of Ian Wright's podcast.
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