Blackburn and Arsenal return to Premier League action on
Sunday after taking part in European competition in
midweek.
Both sides won their opening games last weekend and continued their
good form with victories on the continent.
Blackburn beat MyPa in the first leg of their Uefa Cup match on
Thursday and Mark Hughes has challenged his team to qualify for
Europe again.
They made the perfect start last Saturday with a 2-1 win at
Middlesbrough and will be confident of another good result against
The Gunners, having knocked them out of the FA Cup when they met at
Ewood Park in February.
Last season's leading scorer Benni McCarthy is set to have a late
check-up before being included in the Rovers squad.
The South African suffered concussion after a clash of heads in the
game with Boro, and missed the trip to Finland.
But if McCarthy is not fit Roque Santa Cruz, who has already scored
twice for his new club, will keep his place up front.
Selection
dilemma
Arsenal have had to battle to victories over Fulham and Sparta
Prague this week but Arsene Wenger has lavished praise on his side
for their newly hardened edge.
Eduardo da Silva could make his Arsenal debut after recovering from
a minor ankle problem, but Alexander Hleb has been in fine form in
support of Robin van Persie and Wenger may be reluctant to change a
winning formation.
Emmanuel Eboue, who has played on the right wing so far this
season, is doubtful with an ankle problem, but there were no new
injury concerns following the game in Prague.
Abou Diaby (ankle) and Emmanuel Adebayor (groin) are still out,
along with key midfielder Gilberto.
