Blackburn Rovers Vs. Manchester United Match Preview

Blackburn expect striker Jason Roberts to be fit to face leaders Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League.

The striker had been the club's only serious injury doubt with a groin strain ahead of the sell-out Ewood Park clash.

Midfielder David Dunn is fit after overcoming a knee problem to feature as a second-half substitute in last week's defeat at Liverpool.

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is plotting to beat former club Manchester United - but feels it would only delay their title celebrations.

With just four games to go, United are close to completing a successful defence of their Barclays Premier League crown and Hughes cannot see another of his previous teams, Chelsea, overhauling them.

Hughes, who won two league titles as a player with United, said: "I think over the length of the season they have been the most consistent side and the most attractive to watch.

"The combination of those two things has enabled them to have the points they have at this stage.

"I think they won't lose it because they have the knowledge of being in this position before and they get the job done.

"Nobody in managerial terms has more experience than Sir Alex and he has been in this situation time and time again and he will just get the job done, I am sure.''

Hughes, however, is pleased with the efforts of his own squad this season and feels they have held their own in the top half of the table.

Sitting ninth, they still have much work to do overhaul Aston Villa and Manchester City in the race for an Intertoto Cup spot but neither Hughes nor his players are giving up.

He added: "We have bumps and bruises and people not 100% but we're not in bad shape considering we're four games from the end.

"There are guys who will put their hands up and say they are fit and well, which is always good.

"Sometimes you have to make decisions for them but I am pleased that everyone is throwing their hats into the ring and I've got a big squad to pick from.

"It's just about making sure I've got the right bodies in the right physical shape to go up against United.

"We have got four games left. Aston Villa and Man City are in and around us - Villa have had a good run of late but have got a difficult game at the weekend, where they may slip up.

"We have got to try to do the best we can.''

Nemanja Vidic and Nani are both back in the Manchester United squad.

Vidic has missed three games since injuring his knee against Roma, while Nani has been out with a thigh problem picked up against Liverpool at Old Trafford last month.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful Owen Hargreaves and Anderson will shake off minor knocks but Louis Saha's season could be over after the injury-plagued Frenchman suffered another hamstring strain.

Ferguson does not believe Manchester United could be in any better shape heading into the "hugely significant'' encounter.

The Scot is happy in the knowledge his side will be just four points from the league title should they emerge victorious against Blackburn, with just a win at Chelsea next weekend being enough.

It is just what Ferguson was looking for heading into the Champions League semi-final meeting with Barcelona.

And while the Scot is refusing to discuss Grant's antics, he admits his own side could not be in better shape.

"This game is hugely significant for us,'' said the Red Devils chief.

"We got the bonus we were looking for when Chelsea dropped two points on Monday and we could not have asked for anything more.

"Ewood Park is not the easiest place to go but we are looking for top performances from our players.

"It is in our hands. We are two points in front with a game in hand, so hopefully we will make it count.''

While United have often encountered difficulty at Blackburn, they have enough happy memories of their trips to Lancashire, both during Mark Hughes' time and beyond, to feel confident of gaining a positive result.

Even a draw would represent a major milestone so close to the climax of the campaign and, having come so far, Ferguson feels his players should trust each other to get the results required.

"Your players are the ones who have to go out and do it on the pitch,'' he said.

"They are carrying the burden of pressure.

"Blackburn play attractive, attacking football. They have some exciting

players and we have to bear that in mind.

"But the players also need to trust each other because our form is good and we are not searching for anything.''