Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Fulham

Delight quickly turned to disappointment as Blackburn Rovers suffered defeat on their return to Championship action earlier this week.

Just a few days after causing a shock by beating Swansea City 3-1 in the FA Cup, Rovers slipped to a 2-0 loss as Darren Bent fired Derby County to victory.

Gary Bowyer will be hopeful that his side can get back to their best this weekend as they welcome Fulham to Ewood Park, but it's not just on-field matters that have been stealing the headlines this week.

As Bowyer looks to keep his squad focused on their Championship form, the Blackburn boss has been forced to accept that both Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes could leave the club before Monday's transfer deadline.

In truth, without the striking duo Blackburn probably wouldn't be sitting in 10th position with an outside chance of reaching the playoffs this season, but a possible promotion bid will receive a huge boost if the club manage to keep hold of them.

Both players were on the bench in the loss to Derby, but they could be recalled as they look to get the better of a Fulham side that are unbeaten in four matches in all competitions.

Fulham head into the weekend just two points behind Blackburn as they jostle for position in mid-table, and they received a boost with the completion of deals off the pitch this week.

Highly-rated centre-back Dan Burn signed a new one-year extension with the club, while Jazz Richards could be set for his debut after joining on loan from Swansea.

A goalless draw with Sunderland in the FA Cup should have kept the squad's confidence high a week a go, but Kit Symons is likely to make changes for the return to league action.

Ross McCormack, Hugo Roallega and Burn are among the names who could return to the starting lineup for the Cottagers, who could be in the top half by the end of the weekend.

Blackburn:

Form in Championship: WLDLDL Form in all competitions: DWLDWL

Possible starting lineup: Steele, Baptiste, Hanley, Kilgallon, Olsson, Marshall, Lowe, Evans, Conway, Rhodes, Gestede

Fulham:

Form in Championship: WLLLWW Form in all competitions: DLDWWD

Possible starting lineup: Bettinelli, Stafylidis, Burn, Bodurov, Richards, Christensen, Dembele, Tunnicliffe, Fofana, McCormack, Rodallega

Sports Mole says: 1-1