Manchester City vs. Blackburn Rovers: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Manchester City will host Blackburn Rovers on Saturday in a match that the Premier League leaders must take seriously despite Rovers' standing in the league table.

Blackburn is just barely above the relegation zone thanks to a better goal difference than Wolverhampton Wanderers.

They do however, have some talented attacking players that can score if the City defense is not focused for 90 minutes. Blackburn defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford back in December, so they are a squad who will be confident on Saturday.

Let's look at everything you need to know about this awesome Premier League matchup.

Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

Watch: Fox Soccer Channel

Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2 Go

When: Saturday, Feb. 25 at 12:30 p.m. ET

Most Important Player to Watch: David Silva

Manchester City midfielder David Silva is a world class player and one of the best playmakers in football.

The Spanish star is a tremendous passer and helps City dominate the possession battle against quality opponents. Silva not only creates fantastic scoring opportunities for his teammates, he also can score goals when presented with the chance to do so.

If Blackburn don't make him work hard for 90 minutes on Saturday, Silva will pick apart their defense with pinpoint passes to the City forwards.

Key Matchup: Manchester City center backs vs. Blackburn forwards

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has become one of the very best defenders in all of European football, not just England, and he will need to play well against Blackburn to ensure his club take all three point from the match.

Blackburn star Yakubu Aiyegbeni has 13 league goals this season, and is one of the better forwards City will play this season. Kompany and the City defense must be aware of Yakubu's presence in the final third because he is capable of scoring multiple goals if not defended well. His size and strength causes problems for opponents.

What They're Saying

City forward Carlos Tevez apologized this week for his behavior toward the club since allegedly refusing to enter a Champions League game as a substitute, and the club responded with a statement this week.

Via AFP:

"

"Carlos Tevez has today apologised to all concerned for his recent conduct.

"Carlos returned to the football club last Tuesday, following a three-month absence from duties, without permission.

"Carlos has also withdrawn his appeal against the club's finding of gross misconduct, which was due to be heard by a Premier League panel in the coming days.

"He has since begun a training programme designed to return him to optimum fitness."

 

"

Prediction: City win 2-1

Blackburn has a lot of quality, especially in their attack, but Manchester City is the better squad and their defense should be able to contain Rovers over the course of the match.

City forwards such as Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko are world class talents that will cause significant problems for the Blackburn defense with their pace and strength.

With midfielders Samir Nasri and David Silva running the show in the midfield, City will defeat Rovers in a close match.