At least Mowbray was trying to change it around. His two predecessors would have done nothing.

Stanley up to 5th after a very late winner against Doncaster last night. Cannot argue with w5, d5, l1 and three wins in their last three games.

Huge amount resting on Mulgrew being back for this one. Just watched some Sheffield United match highlights- they really mix up their forward play and have several different corner routines. We are going to have to concentrate the whole match because they have won at least one match scoring in added time at the end. That said, they also switch off at the back and give the opposition chances. A bit nervous by the way Mowbray really bigged them up in his press interview- almost as though he expects to lose tonight.

Three times if I read his profile correctly including a Hull City yo-yo. And he has been most identified with his tenure at Brum over seven seasons which makes him as toxic for several Villa supporters for equivalent local rivalry reasons as Coyle was for us. All pretty toxic at Villa whether Bruce is there or not but I stick with my view he is unlikely to get them up.

I have never rated Steve Bruce except as a player. Will be very happy to see him stay at Villa because I very much doubt if he would ever get them promoted.

I understand the player had his heart set on a big city club and immediate promotion.

Rovers last 3 games yielded 7-7 Sheffield United last 2 games total 6-4 So sod's law it will be 0-0 but given they leak at the back as well, I am expecting the Blades to come to attack.

Again, great stuff!

Wouldn't be surprised to see Henderson have an absolute blinder against us- one of the reasons I am apprehensive about this one.

Going to be a really tough one. Sheffield United and West Brom are the only clubs to have won 6 of their first ten games and the Blades have a horrible habit of getting results at Ewood. Blades are nicely posed to get into the top two and if they are going to make automatic promotion, this is the kind of game they need to win. This game is a huge threat to our long unbeaten home run and I will be happy with a draw, ecstatic with a win for Rovers.

I know this is hyperbolic but I cannot think of a worse thing to have happened within Blackburn Rovers FC in our entire history than Steve Kean. There is much worse about him than became public.

All the top 15 clubs after the first ten games can believe that promotion is within range. Usually one or two clubs come through from the bottom half to get into contention while one or two in he top half will drop off and flirt with relegation. A bad run with injuries and suspensions and we can go into the dropping off the pace category. What is exciting is that having become difficult to beat, it is not going to take very much for Rovers to be changing draws into wins. The top is so congested just a run of back to back wins catapults a team into play off placing.

Looking promising for when he is fully into match fitness and sharpness.

I have seen this pattern before at Rovers. It takes until February/March for the penny to drop with the stayaways then attendances surge when we are having a good season. Make no mistake, one point away from the play-offs after the first ten with only one defeat- this is a good season.

Obviously you are expecting a top two finish. It is possible...

Go back a page and it looks worse and worse- abysmal penalty decision by the ref. Plus the penalty not given when Dack was flattened in the box. But once again, a much fancied expensively assembled opposition looked nothing special and should and could have been beaten. Looking forward to seeing Armstrong's goal again.

Blatant dive for that penalty

Great team goal from Forest- Rovers are still the biggest threat to themselves though. Statement of intent with Armstrong replacing Downing just as Nyambe gets injured.

Our bench looks strong. Just wonder if we get found out today by having too much League 1 experience...

Unconvinced by Palmer, I'd like to see Brereton after gaining more strength, Rodwell and Rothwell could both displace incumbents by Christmas and Davenport has been injured so we have no evidence one way or another. Great to see existing team members kick on when many including me doubted Nyambe, Bell, Evans and Smallwood in particular at this level. The squad depth has improved immensely.

The first is fine.

That 7-0 win is one of the best days ever as a Rovers fan. It ended a 26 game unbeaten run for Forrest too. We won the away game 5-1 which makes it Rovers equal biggest double in our history. We missed a bag full at the City Ground including Shearer scuffing three- unheard of from Shearer in those days. To Saturday and a win for either side puts them right into the play-off mix. Forest have won the last two and will be looking for an Ewood smash and grab. Rovers will need a fast start if this game is going to have entertainment value. Otherwise an attritional 1-0 to either side is on the cards. Expect the stats to be very even so it is whoever creates and grabs a chance.

Mowbray certainly did not play the eleven he'd chose in a clinch game but after this summer's transfer activity that was a dramatically stronger side than faced Lincoln City in he previous round. Many on here had been calling to see the players get game time who were out there last night. A big plus was Rodwell showing that he could become a player for us and will press for a starting place. With Davenport to get back to fitness, the competition for places between players who all have very valid claims to be regular starters is going to be tough.

Good to see the players selected but not expecting us to be still in the competition by the end of the night.

Been looking forwards to reading this one and didn't disappoint.