Phoney War Prelude To Sunderland's Trip To Ince's Blackburn Battleground

Roy Keane will lock managerial horns with his former Manchester United midfield partner, Paul Ince, for the second time this week when Blackburn Rovers host Sunderland on Saturday, 3pm GMT.

Kenwyne Jones made an unexpected appearance on Wednesday night against Saturday's opponents and manager, Keane expressed his delight at seeing Jones scoring goals again after a lay off for a knee injury.

Whilst his appearance and goal was not enough to save Sunderland's Carling Cup campaign and, arguably, best chance of silverware this season, his appearance next to Djibril Cisse for only the second time will be hugely welcome considering Sunderland's abysmal run of form since a sensational victory over arch rivals Newcatle last month.

The League Cup is the one competition in club fooball that eluded Keane and one for which he, at times in the past, showed contempt. Not so these days as the manager fielded a relatively full strength 11 which Ince was keen to point out seemed threatening against his rotated line up which could be strengthened for Saturday, particularly with the inclusion of fit again Rocque Santa Cruz for the full 90 minutes.

Whilst coincidental manager profiles and both clubs' top scorers from last season returning from injury, other similarities can be referred to also. Only one Premiership point separates these two sides, however, this end of the league is far more congested and vibrantly changing than the other end.

The managers even both went out of their way to live up to the stereotypes in the last week or so, becoming embroiled with referees in tunnels at half time, in the case of Keane, or savaging Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins' assertion that Blackburn were 'physical', in the case of Ince.

The self announced 'Guv'nor' was outraged at the label following a gritty, if comprehensive, 2-0 defeat at he hands of Wilkins' superior Chelsea, aggrieved, apparently, at the notion they couldn't play ball with the big boys.

Sustenance, in hearty helpings, came with the progress in the Carling Cup against Sunderland midweek, but both of these upwardly mobile clubs will target three points at the weekend and sleep contented at a good weeks work if they are attained. Blackburn may have a potential Wembley appearance in February to make the winter seem that little bit brighter.

As Juande Ramos found out to his peril at Tottenham Hotspur, such 'daytrips' do not pay the bills and Sunderland and Rovers, Keane and Ince, would take far greater comfort from an ascent up the table before and throughout the Christmas period than such glittering decorations. Such progress by either side is probably going to have a lot to do with their respective top scorers from last season.

Santa Cruz grabbed all of the headlines a minute into his return from the bench with the winner to send Blackburn into the quarters but they had already been written for the 'yes he's back' 'no, he's not back yet' Kenwyne Jones.

The Trinidad and Tobago striker, signed from Southampton for over £6m in 2007 had complicated his return with a slip five minutes before the end of training on Tuesday. Fears were allayed by his knee surgeon and will be much hoped for by Sunderland in terms of the effect his partnership with 2005 Champions League Winner, Djibril Cisse.

Likewise, Rocque Santa Cruz came from the bench and reminded everyone just how vital he was to Blackburn's cause last season. Not to mention reminding the rare and exotic lights of almost any European footballing city with the requisite means how viable the Paraguayan could be as a top class striker. Ince will be hoping for a peaceful New Year, indeed, throughout January and the storm which the transfer window brings.

Keane has been mourning recent defeats as being 'like Groundhog Day', symptoms for which won't be helped by this second meeting in four days but will be hoping that 90 minutes of Cisse and Jones can break a spell of four games, four losses, countless missed chances and just two goals. If groundhog day continues Keane's labrador, Triggs, will be clocking up the miles.

Fifteenth in the Premier League plays relegation zone 19th, thirteen points plays 12 points, Ince vs. Keane, Santa Cruz and Jones.

After Wednesdays appetizer, very tasty.

Blackburn Rovers vs. Sunderland, Ewood Park

Saturday 15 November 2008 1500GMT

POSSIBLE STARTING XIs

Blackburn: Robinson, OOijer, Simpson, Samba, Nelsen, Emerton, Warnock, Andrews, Pedersen, Villanueva, Santa Cruz

Sunderand: Fulop, Bardsley, ferdinand, Nosworthy, Collins, Richardson, Whitehead, Reid, Malbranque, Jones, Cisse