But let's not get too confident. It's been a season of false dawns, the scoreline at Rovers was rather harsh on them. In fact when we went 1-0 down at the start and when they pulled one back for 3-2 in the second half, it was all looking rather familiar in a bad way, our last 3 goals all coming late in the game including (can't resist the chance to mention it, the one where Cesc Fabregas made a fool out of Robbie Savage). I'm not saying it flattered us: we played well; but it was not a good reflection of Rovers' performance. Since that game, Rovers have won 4 in a row, with Benni McCarthy scoring in all of them, and they'll be feeling like they have a real chance for revenge in the return fixture at Ewood Park tomorrow.

Emmanuel Adebayor returns to the squad and will presumably by vying with Robin van Persie for a starting place along Thierry Henry. That's assuming we play 4-4-2 which is far from certain. In a 4-5-1, probably the favoured formation away from home against a side that wants to win, Adebayor probably goes on the bench with Theo Walcott and Julio Baptista as well as van Persie ahead of him in line for an attacking midfield or supporting striker position. Adebayor's return could mean no place even on the bench for Jeremie Aliadiere, who's more likely to be saved for the forthcoming cup games.

William Gallas has had a set-back in his bid to return from injury and won't be seen for another 2 to 3 weeks at least, so Philippe Senderos or Johan Djourou will partner Kolo Toure in the heart of defence, with Gael Clichy and Justin Hoyte in the full-back positions (Emmanuel Eboue is not ready to return, hopefully he's being given a much-needed crash course in sportsmanship).

The other right back, Lauren, is thought to be on his way out of the club. But while he's over his injury he only returns to full training today so is short of fitness for tomorrow.

Freddie Ljungberg (maybe also going, maybe not) is also not yet fit, but we have an abundance of riches in his position(s) with Walcott, Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky. No reason to expect anything other than 2 of Cesc Fabregas, Gilberto, and Mathieu Flamini in central midfield, although using all 3 of them isn';t out of the question and Abou Diaby could also feature having made his comeback at the end of the League Cup win. One of these days, Denilson's going to start a Premiership game, but not this one we think.

Jens Lehmann is expected to return in goal despite Manuel Almunia's excellent performances against Liverpool in both cup games at Anfield.

Rovers are missing Ryan Nelson (hamstring), Stephen Reid (back) and Jason Roberts (foot).

Several "stars" including McCarthy, Savage and Brett Emerton were rested for their impressive 4-1 FA Cup win at Everton and Lucas Neil returns from a one match ban. But David Bentley is suspended, Francis Jeffers is short of fitness following an injury, and striker Shabani Nonda is a doubt with a groin strain (but could well have recovered in time to partner McCarthy).

Rupe adds...
While you're here... next week Arsenal fan Rob Marsden is off to climb Kilimanjaro for Macmillan Cancer Support. Please visit his site and consider sponsoring him online for this very worthy cause. Every little helps.