Blackburn Rovers vs. Manchester United: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time & More

Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers face off on Monday with plenty on the line.

After reeling off five straight victories, including a 1-0 squeaker against Fulham, the Red Devils find themselves atop the English Premier League standings, sitting just above rival Manchester City by three points. Any points to pad their lead would be greatly appreciated.

The Blackburn Rovers are fighting for their Premier League lives, as they currently sit two points above Bolton for the final relegation spot, a team they just lost to 2-1. Getting at least a few points against Manchester at home is a must.

Where: Ewood Park, Blackburn

When: Monday, April 2, 3:00 p.m. ET

Watch: skysports1

Betting Odds:  Blackburn Win 15/2; Man Utd Win 2/5; Draw 10/3

Player to Watch for Manchester United: Wayne Rooney

Rooney and the Red Devils are the hottest team in the Premier League after a 1-0 win against Fulham helped United open up a three-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the rankings.

Rooney had the lone goal in that match and is currently second in goals scored in the Premier League. Don't be looking for him to cool down any time soon, as Queens Park and Wigan are up next, giving him many opportunities to score and help United pad their lead on Manchester City. 

Player to Watch for Blackburn: Yakubu Aiyegbeni

Yakubu has clearly been the Rovers' best player, scoring 14 goals in Premier League play. He surely chipped in and showed his worth last time against United, scoring two goals in the 3-2 Blackburn victory.

He has been able to cause fits for opposing defenses and is one of the bright spots on a team that is fighting for its life in the Premier League, as they are currently out of the relegation zone.

Key Matchup: Junior Hoilett vs. Javier Hernandez

Two budding young Premier League wingers will face off against each other. Hoilett, whose contract expires in the summer, has been gaining interest in other suitors, and Hernandez has been having a great season as one of the League's exiting young scorers.

A plethora of goals would be nice to see, even if it is wishful thinking.

What They're Saying

Blackburn boss Steve Kean talked to BBC Sport about how his club has been performing with the possible fear of relegation, and how supportive the club's fans have been.

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"There's been times this season when [the atmosphere] has been a bit fragmented," the 44-year-old Scot stated." But, of late, over the last 11 games the amount of points we have picked up, all the way back to Liverpool away and Manchester United away, the traveling fans and the atmosphere inside the ground has been exceptional. That gives us a platform to go and perform." Kean added: "The partnership of Yakubu and Junior Hoilett at Wolves caused them problems, so we decided to stick with that but probably more impressive was the way we are playing off the ball and defending." To get back-to-back wins and also back-to-back clean sheets at a time when we have to produce some performances and results, I'm delighted for everybody."

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Alex Ferguson talking to The Guardian about teams at the bottom that are fighting in fear of relegation, and what kind of possible threat they can pose. 

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"At this time of year some of the teams at the bottom of the league know they have to start winning games too, because if they don't they will be relegated. That's a fact of life, and that's why you never know quite what to expect when you get to the run-in. Some games might look easy on paper, but they rarely turn out that way."

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Prediction: Manchester United 4, Blackburn 1