Mark Hughes will be hoping his side can bounce back from a 2-2 draw against Fulham when Blackburn welcome Newcastle to Ewood Park this weekend. Blackburn have had a fantastic season so far and will hope to convert this showing into a place in Europe next season.

Blackburn meet Aston Villa midweek and fatigue may be a factor for the team. Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy could be back into the side after he limped out in the game against Fulham. David Dunn returns after serving a ban, while Roque Santa Cruz will be hoping to regain a place in the starting eleven.

However worryingly Blackburn have not won their last three Premiership games ever since Mark Hughes was awarded the Manager of the Month in October. Blackburn are ninth on the Premiership table with 23 points from 13 games.

Newcastle on the other hand have a fight on their hands and manager Sam Allardyce is acutely aware of the problem. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has reassured him of his backing, but it is an uncomfortable time for Big Sam. Newcastle lost their last game 3-0 to Liverpool at home and Allardyce was booed by the Toon Army.

The good news for the Magpies is that Damien Duff could make a return after recovering from a foot injury. The former Chelsea winger has returned to full training after spending almost seven months on the sidelines. However striker Michael Owen is out indefinitely after he strained his thigh during England's 1-0 friendly win at Austria.

Newcastle are 11th on the Premiership table with 18 points from 13 games. Last season this fixture was clinched 2-0 by Blackburn Rovers.

Watch Blackburn vs Newcastle live on free-football.tv.