Blackburn Rovers vs. Manchester City, 2014 FA Cup: Preview and TV schedule

It was only a couple of seasons ago that Blackburn Rovers were relegated from the Premier League, though they've not shown any sign of bouncing back to the top flight quickly. They're currently down in mid-table in the Championship, and it's hard to see them holding off an on-form Manchester City in the FA Cup third round early on Saturday.

Manuel Pellegrini's side look like they've clicked into top gear, winning 11 of their last 12 matches in all competitions. They're now sitting just a point behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, and even with a healthy dose of squad rotation should have more than enough to secure victory at Ewood Park for the first time since these sides last met in Blackburn over two years ago.

Rovers have no early injury absentees, though City will still be without star man Sergio Agüero and not-star men Martín Demichelis, Stevan Jovetić and Micah Richards. Costel Pantilimon, Dedryck Boyata, Javi García, Jack Rodwell and Edin Džeko could all be handed starts with Pellegrini keen to keep his key players as fresh as possible.

Blackburn Rovers: Jake Kean; Tommy Spurr, Scott Dann, Grant Hanley, Adam Henley; Joshua King, Lee Williamson, Jason Lowe, Ben Marshall; Tom Cairney; Jordan Rhodes

Manchester City: Costel Pantilimon; Gaël Clichy, Joleon Lescott, Matija Nastasić, Dedryck Boyata; Javi García, Jack Rodwell; David Silva, Yaya Touré, James Milner; Edin Džeko