Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Nottingham Forest

Gary Bowyer will be after his first league victory since becoming full-time manager of Blackburn Rovers when Nottingham Forest visit Ewood Park on Saturday.

Rovers' season began with a 1-1 draw at Derby on Sunday. However, they were knocked out of the League Cup on penalties by Carlisle on Wednesday following a 3-3 draw.

Bowyer will be without Ruben Rochina, who was bright in the early stages at Pride Park on Sunday but was stretched off with a dislocated shoulder. He's now expected to miss up to three months of action.

Rochina was replaced by Leon Best on the day and it's likely that Best will start in his place after scoring Blackburn's late equaliser.

Meanwhile, visitors Forest have begun their season with two straight wins at home.

Henri Lansbury got their league campaign off to a winning start against Huddersfield Town on Saturday before Hartlepool were seen off in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Billy Davies, who made a number of changes for Hartlepool's visit, has no fresh injury concerns and could start with the same XI that beat Huddersfield.

The last meeting between these two sides was at Ewood on New Year's Day, when Blackburn put three unanswered goals past Forest.

Recent form

Blackburn: DL

Forest: WW

Possible starting lineups

Blackburn: Kean; Kane, Hanley, Dann, Spurr; Judge, Lowe, Marrow, King; Best, Rhodes

Forest: Darlow; Lichaj, Hobbs, Collins, Cohen; Mackie, Lansbury, Guedioura, Reid; Derbyshire, Cox

Sports Mole says: 1-1