FOR many Manchester City fans, Eastlands will only ever be big enough for one south American – maybe two at a push.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that David Dunn will miss the remaining four games of the season after an operation on his Achilles.

IF Sam Allardyce has cut a largely relaxed figure compared to his managerial peers in the relegation scrap, a glance at his team-sheet might explain why.

Blackburn will again be short of strikers for Sunday's visit by Wigan with Roque Santa Cruz and Jason Roberts both still on the injury list.

THERE were no cryptic gestures to vex Sam Allardyce here: just the grim reality that his Blackburn side remain entrenched in the dirtiest of dog-fights at the foot of the table.

El Hadji Diouf and Morten Gamst Pedersen return to the Blackburn side for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.

Liverpool 4 Blackburn 0

Steven Gerrard, as expected, was only named on the bench for today’s home Premier League game against Blackburn.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce faces a headache over his forward line at Liverpool tomorrow with Roque Santa Cruz (knee) a serious doubt and Jason Roberts (foot) definitely out.

SUCH is the congested nature of this year’s Premier League, Harry Redknapp’s heavy-hearted assertion that Tottenham remain deeply embroiled in the relegation squabble cannot be dismissed as mere kidology.

Tottenham striker Darren Bent retained his place in the team against Blackburn at Ewood Park after recovering from a knee problem that caused him to miss England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

THIS is the part of the season when struggling teams have no margin for error, so it was hardly surprising that Sam Allardyce was in such a black mood after this wasteful display from Blackburn.

Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen and fellow defender Gael Givet will both undergo fitness tests ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with West Ham at Ewood Park.

Sam Allardyce will assess the fitness of goalkeepers Paul Robinson and Jason Brown ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Fulham.

Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson is a major doubt for Everton’s visit in the Barclays Premier League tomorrow.

PHIL BROWN always counselled caution, even at the height of Hull’s autumn hey-day, but even he must be shocked at how spectacularly his side’s season has soured.

Midfielders Vince Grella and David Dunn are Blackburn’s two main injury worries ahead of their trip to Hull on Sunday.

Coventry 1 Blackburn 0

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is set to welcome back three players to his squad for tomorrow’s FA Cup fifth-round replay at Coventry.

Defender Chris Samba is suspended for Blackburn’s match against Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow evening.

Blackburn 2 Coventry 2

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will be without El-Hadji Diouf and Aaron Mokoena for the FA Cup tie against Coventry at Ewood Park tomorrow.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce could hand a debut to El-Hadji Diouf against Aston Villa tomorrow at Ewood Park.

BENNI McCarthy stepped off the bench to steer Blackburn into the fifth round of the FA Cup last night.

Blackburn 2 Sunderland 1 (after extra-time)

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce made eight changes for this FA Cup fourth-round replay at Ewood Park.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will rest some first-team regulars for the FA Cup fourth-round replay with Sunderland tomorrow.

GARETH SOUTHGATE insists he is ready to become the fall guy for Middlesbrough’s faltering season if it helps protect his young squad.

El Hadji Diouf will have to wait another week to make his Blackburn debut.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has virtually a full squad to choose from for the visit of his old club Bolton.

Sunderland 0 Blackburn 0

Blyth Spartans 0 Blackburn Rovers 1

Carlos Villanueva insists he does not regret his loan move to Blackburn, despite being told the club will not sign him on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has a major doubt over skipper Ryan Nelsen ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Manchester City.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is likely to select from the same squad which won their first Barclays Premier League match in 12 attempts when the team face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on St Stephen's Day.

New Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has virtually a full-strength squad to choose from for his first Premier League match in charge tomorrow at home to Stoke.

Midfielder David Dunn will be on the bench for Blackburn’s crucial Barclays Premier League clash with Wigan at the JJB Stadium tomorrow.

Blackburn boss Paul Ince is waiting on the fitness of Brett Emerton and Roque Santa Cruz for tomorrow’s meeting with Liverpool after they both picked up knocks in the Carling Cup defeat by Manchester United.

Thick-skinned Blackburn boss Paul Ince is determined to protect his players from the rising negativity surrounding his reign.

PAUL INCE has remained steadfast in backing his Blackburn side during their recent struggles, but yesterday the Guv’nor’s patience finally snapped.

Portsmouth came back to earth from their UEFA Cup glamour tie with AC Milan to scuffle for precious Premier League points – minus both midweek goalscorers in the starting line-up against Blackburn.

Ryan Nelsen and Martin Olsson are back for Blackburn’s trip to Tottenham after recovering from illness.

Blackburn manager Paul Ince made six changes to the side which beat Sunderland in midweek in the Carling Cup for the return league fixture.

Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy has been ruled out of the Barclays Premier League match against Sunderland tomorrow at Ewood Park because of a family bereavement.