Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Bournemouth

Bournemouth's dream start to the season came to an end on Tuesday, but they will be looking to make a swift return to winning ways when they face Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park this weekend.

Having won all three of their matches in league and cup without conceding a goal, the Cherries were finally pipped by much-fancied Nottingham Forest in midweek after surrendering a second-half lead.

That result saw Eddie Howe's side lose their place at the top of the league, but they will still be pleased with how they have started the season overall, with a commanding victory over Huddersfield Town on the opening day setting the tone.

Whether they can sustain their form and make a strong push for the playoffs this season remains to be seen, but Saturday's match away to a side that is also expected to be challenging for the top six could give some clues as to how serious a contender Bournemouth are.

It is looking increasingly like new signing Callum Wilson will be crucial to any success the Cherries do have this season, with the striker having netted three times in three starts since his summer move.

He is expected to be joined by Yann Kermorgant up front once more, with Eddie Howe able to name an unchanged side with no new injury concerns.

Blackburn also tasted defeat in the league for the first time this season on Tuesday, losing 3-1 to Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Like Bournemouth, Rovers actually took the lead in their match, although Tom Cairney's strike in the very first minute left Gary Bowyer's side with a long time to hold out.

It has been a mixed start for Blackburn on the whole, with an impressive draw against recently-relegated Cardiff City to kick off the campaign before an away win over troubled Blackpool.

However, they were also stunned by Scunthorpe United in the first round of the League Cup and will know that improvement is needed if they are to reach the playoffs this season.

Much of their success could depend on whether they keep Jordan Rhodes at the club, with Hull City said to be lining up a move for the striker.

However, Rudy Gestede is quickly establishing himself as every bit as important to the team as his strike partner having scored 10 goals in his last 10 games stretching back to the previous campaign.

That duo are once again expected to lead the way for the hosts this weekend, with Bowyer having no new fitness concerns to worry about.

Recent form

Blackburn: DLWL

Bournemouth: WWWL

Possible starting lineups

Blackburn: Robinson; Lowe, Baptiste, Hanley, Olsson; Cairney, Evans, Williamson, Conway; Gestede, Rhodes

Bournemouth: Camp; Smith, Elphick, Cook, Daniels; Ritchie, O'Kane, Arter, Stanislas; Wilson, Kermorgant

Sports Mole says: 2-1