Blackburn's challenging festive season run continues as they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Boxing Day.
After losing to the English Premier League's bottom side Bolton 2-1 on Wednesday, Rovers head to Liverpool knowing that a trip to powerhouse Manchester United awaits them on New Year's Eve.
Blackburn manager Steve Kean has been under enormous pressure from the club's disgruntled fans after presiding over just two wins from 17 matches so far this season, and it may go a long way to saving his job if he can take a point or even three against a top-six team.
That may not sound as far-fetched as it seems against Liverpool, who - despite being unbeaten at home this season - have drawn five of their eight matches at Anfield.
Sunderland and newly promoted duo Norwich and Swansea have all left Anfield with a share of the points, while Liverpool were also unable to break down lowly Wigan in their most recent fixture, on Wednesday.
If Blackburn are to come away with a point, they will most likely need to break down the team with the best defensive record in the Premier League; Liverpool have conceded just 13 goals in 17 matches.
Liverpool's problem this season has come at the other end, with front men Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt failing to provide enough goals to make the Reds a genuine title threat.
On the injury front, Kenny Dalglish has no fresh concerns, and was again coy about the availability of skipper Steven Gerrard, who is recovering from an ankle infection.
"Everything he's (Gerrard) done he's done very well. He's been training, but whether that means he's ready or not, we'll have to wait and see," Dalglish said.
Midfielder Jay Spearing has been included in the Liverpool squad after serving his mandatory suspension following his red card against Fulham.
An injury to Scott Dann is the latest blow for Blackburn, with the centre-back set to miss six weeks after having and operation on his groin.
Dann joins Ryan Nelsen, Gael Givet and Martin Olsson on the sidelines for Rovers.
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