Aston Villa against Blackburn Rovers

McEveley challenged by De la Cruz as the Villa press for a corner.

Vassell is sent clean through but he fails to get the better of Friedel one on one.

Blackurn are not being allowed time on the ball with Villa competeing for everything.

Another chance for Villa as Johnsen connects with Hitzlsperger's free kick but the header is over the crossbar.

Yet another booking this time for Flitcroft.

Rovers have the ball but are being forced back to the edge of their own area as Villa press for the fourth.

The Villa crowd find their voice and give the team the praise they deserve as Delaney is forced off through injury to be replaced by Steve Staunton.

Souness looks very displeased with his team who failed to cope with a ball across the box which Barry dispatched comfortably after turning a defender.

Barry nets Villa's third! But Delaney is down injured.

A good ball in finds Vassell but Fridel races out to clear.

Ulises De la Cruz replaces Stefan Moore for Villa.

Jansen takes the place of Gresko who despite playing in a game in which Blackburn have failed to fire can be pleased with his debut.

Neat passing from Gresko and Ostenstad leads to a rasping shot which Enckelman turns outs for a corner.

Matt Jansen appears to be getting ready to join the fray as Souness looks to get something out of the game.

Blackburn look to Tugay to create something, but despite having the ball at his feet in space he fails to find a probing ball.

Sloppy passing by Rovers lets in Hitzlsperger but he in turn gets his pass to Dublin all wrong and Friedel gathers.

Dublin is shouting encouragement to his team as he looks for a hatrick.

Samuel tries to get an early ball into Dublin, but a corner is the result.

Confusion between Mellberg and Dealney allows Yorke through but the striker has no luck.

Thompson makes way for Gillespie after a spirited but ultimately fruitless afternoon.

Hitzlsperger has another shot, the low drive is initially spilled by Friedel, but he gathers before Dublin can get the ball.

Keith Gillespe is poised to join the game, getting his orders from the Rovers bench.

The Villa defence are coping with Rovers' efforts and keep clearing the danger.

Thompson attempts a shot but his poor effort sums up Blackburn's form so far today.

Mellberg forces a corner from the free kick and clever play between Johnsen and Dublin nearly brings a third Villa goal.

Taylor takes out Hitzlsperger and its another yellow card.

A long throw from Jlloyd Samuel lets in Vassell who wins the ball after it appeared that Dublin was blocked.

Martin Taylor loses control of the ball following a bright run from Tugay. Frustration bulidng now for Blackburn.

A Vassell cross is aimed at Dublin but turned out for a corner. The resulting kick though is disappoiting and Rovers take it forward looking to get back into the game with 30 minutes left.

Rovers pressing with some neat passing on the edge of the Villa box, but a lack of pentration means the attack is soon stopped.

A long goal kick for Villa is met by Barry, but his ball fail to find Vassell.

A neat pass from Thompson is cut out and cleared, but Gresko builds again and a deft ball to Yorke is just too long.

Tugay trys his luck from distance but 'keeper Enckelman is untroubled.

Hitzlsperger lets one fly from just outside the penalty area after being step up by Dublin, but the German's shot is too high.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is present today and will be boosted by Vassell's lively showing today.

Ostenstad is up in the box and his presence helps force Rovers' first corner of the game.

Rovers are pumping in hopefull balls but Johnsen and Mellberg are dealing with the challenge comfortably.

Vassell fires in a fierce shot and Friedel can only parry, but the ball is cleared.

A looping cross from Thompson at first appeared testing for Enckelman, but the referee's assistant flags that the ball was out of play.

Moore is looking really bright and is unlucky not to get a corner after chasing down a lose ball.

Tugay is down after getting the ball in an uncomfortable area.

Early pressure this half as Villa go for the jugular.

Moore feeds Delaney down the right hand side, but his cross is cleared.

Moore turns a half chance into a clearer shooting opportunity, but the volley is lashed just wide of Friedel's post.

Dublin in an early charge into the penalty area goes to ground looking for a spot kick, but referee Mike Dean is unimpressed and waves play on.

Substitution for Rovers at half time, right back Curtis is off for forward, Egil Ostenstad.

Two goals for Dion Dublin in this mid-table clash. Rovers got off to shocking start conceding early, with Dublin heading in. Despite some good passing and possession Blackburn's efforts to make ammends were cancelled out by Dublin, who bagged a second with a low drive into the bottom corner of the goal.

Curtis deflects the ball behind for a corner. A scramble in the box from the kick is cleared, but Rovers are looking vulnerable in the air.

Another booking, this time its James McEvely rightly yellow-carded for a strong challenge.

The game is approaching half time, and Villa pressing forward Souness will have plenty to say in the break.

Delaney tries a cross but the Rovers defence are up to the challenge and Gresko clears.

Not much support for Yorke and Cole up front who are being asked to hold up the ball and create chances for themselves. Cole lets a shot fly, but it's over the bar.

Villa clearly out to build on their midweek win at 'Boro and keen to avenge their 4-1 defeat in the Cup against Rovers four weeks ago.

Goal! A snap shot from Dublin from a square ball. Dwight Yorke caught napping ball and the resulting ball leads to Dublin's second goal.

More neat play by Vassell and a good ball across the box is met by Stefan Moore. The angle is too acute and his shot is turned out by Friedel for a corner.

Vassell is brought down by Nils-Eric Johansson and the defender gets a booking. He was foxed by Vassell's speed and a quick change of direction.

Hitzlsperger tries to unleash a trademark 30 yard drive, but the Rovers defence close him down and the pile driver is averted.

Cole tries to latch on to a ball from deep, but again the wet pitch has made the ball very quick and he fails to contect.

Tugay plays the ball into Thompson, but Johnsen is on hand and the latest Rovers attack is thwarted.

Another booking. Gareth Barry in the book this time.

A searching ball for Yorke from Mellberg, but it is too much for the striker and it runs out for a goal kick.

Rovers build from the back and use Yorke to hold up the ball, but he fails to keep possesion.

The game is very open and competitive, with both teams pressing forward, but faiing to find the killer ball.

Great work from Vassell, who is looking lively. He backs the Rovers defence back into the penalty area.

Cole wins a throw for Rovers, Mellberg did well to prevent a corner.

Barry is on a run down the left but the conditions are difficult and his ball is too quick for Dublin to control and possession goes back to Blackburn.

Vassell latches on to a throw and gets round the back of Curtis but his pull back fails to find a striker.

Hitzlsperger wins a free kick on the left hand side of the pitch. His delievery is similar to the ball that led to the goal but the ball is cleared.

Andy Cole takes the ball on his chest and lays the ball off to Thompson. Rovers are holding the ball well despite pressure from the home team.

Gresko conceds a free kick after a foul on Delaney. Gudjonsson then fouls as well, the game is being contested hottly in the centre of the pitch.

Gudjonsson sends a good ball through on the deck but Friedel is out to smother the ball. A sign there that Villa are not prepared to sit back despite their early lead.

Gresko unleashes a shot from 30 yards but it flies just over. The Slovak looks like a good acquisitoin for Rovers boss Souness.

A Villa free kick into the box is handled well by Rovers, unlike the earlier ball that lead to Dublin's opener.

Cole gets the ball to Flitcroft despite pressure from Villa defenders.

Darius Vassell is given offside from a pass from Dublin, a tight call but the correct decision from the referee's assistant.

Good spell for Rovers who are getting a feel of the game after a terrible opening.

Tugay spreads the ball to Dwight Yorke who is greeted with jeers from the Villa faithful.

Friedel clears the ball the length of the pitch and his opposite number Enckleman takes control of the ball.

Andy Cole playing deep feeds the ball to Curtis but his pass is mis-timed and Villa break forward.

Decent spell of pressure for Rovers but the Villa defence snub it out.

Blackburn are looking to get control of the game and have strong some passes together. Flitcroft is working hard down the left but his cross is blocked.

David Thompson is in the referee's book for a rash sliding tackle on Gudjonsson.

Gareth Barry is forward for Villa, but his touch lets him down and it's out for a Rover's free kick.

Rovers getting a grip of the game in midfield with debutant Gresko getting a feel of the ball.

Difficult playing conditions here with heavy rain in the Midlands saturating the pitch. David Thompson crosses in looking for Yorke, but Enckelman gathers.

Dublin is looking lively, clearly lifted by netting his eigth goal of the season.

Villa pressing forward forcing winning a corner, which is taken by Hitzlsperger, but Rovers clear.

Dublin gets some treatment following a knock to the head.

A Thomas Hitzlsperger free-kick for Villa comes to naught.

What a start for Villa who are out for revenge after being beaten 4-1 at home by Rovers in the FA Cup last month.

Free kick to Villa floated in by Joey Gudjonsson, met by Dioan Dublin and it's a goal!

Yorke charges down the 'keeper in the opening minute, with Enckelman taking too long to clear his lines.

Villa are back at home after their first away win of the season at Middlesbrough on Wednesday when they ran out 5-2 winners. Darius Vassell and Dion Dublin line up with promising teenager Stefan Moore.

Slovakian Vratislav Gresko makes his debut for Rovers after siging on loan until the end of the seaon from Parma. A start for John Curtis who comes in to replace the suspended Lucas Neill.

All the action as Villa aim to bring some of their goalscoring success from Middlesbrough in midweek back to Villa Park. Kick-off at 16.05 GMT

Dublin is shouting encouragement to his team as he looks for a hatrick.

Samuel tries to get an early ball into Dublin, but a corner is the result.

Confusion between Mellberg and Dealney allows Yorke through but the striker has no luck.

Thompson makes way for Gillespie after a spirited but ultimately fruitless afternoon.

Hitzlsperger has another shot, the low drive is initially spilled by Friedel, but he gathers before Dublin can get the ball.

Keith Gillespe is poised to join the game, getting his orders from the Rovers bench.

The Villa defence are coping with Rovers' efforts and keep clearing the danger.

Thompson attempts a shot but his poor effort sums up Blackburn's form so far today.

Mellberg forces a corner from the free kick and clever play between Johnsen and Dublin nearly brings a third Villa goal.

Taylor takes out Hitzlsperger and its another yellow card.

A long throw from Jlloyd Samuel lets in Vassell who wins the ball after it appeared that Dublin was blocked.

Martin Taylor loses control of the ball following a bright run from Tugay. Frustration bulidng now for Blackburn.

A Vassell cross is aimed at Dublin but turned out for a corner. The resulting kick though is disappoiting and Rovers take it forward looking to get back into the game with 30 minutes left.

Rovers pressing with some neat passing on the edge of the Villa box, but a lack of pentration means the attack is soon stopped.

A long goal kick for Villa is met by Barry, but his ball fail to find Vassell.

A neat pass from Thompson is cut out and cleared, but Gresko builds again and a deft ball to Yorke is just too long.

Tugay trys his luck from distance but 'keeper Enckelman is untroubled.

Hitzlsperger lets one fly from just outside the penalty area after being step up by Dublin, but the German's shot is too high.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is present today and will be boosted by Vassell's lively showing today.

Ostenstad is up in the box and his presence helps force Rovers' first corner of the game.

Rovers are pumping in hopefull balls but Johnsen and Mellberg are dealing with the challenge comfortably.

Vassell fires in a fierce shot and Friedel can only parry, but the ball is cleared.

A looping cross from Thompson at first appeared testing for Enckelman, but the referee's assistant flags that the ball was out of play.

Moore is looking really bright and is unlucky not to get a corner after chasing down a lose ball.

Tugay is down after getting the ball in an uncomfortable area.

Early pressure this half as Villa go for the jugular.

Moore feeds Delaney down the right hand side, but his cross is cleared.

Moore turns a half chance into a clearer shooting opportunity, but the volley is lashed just wide of Friedel's post.

Dublin in an early charge into the penalty area goes to ground looking for a spot kick, but referee Mike Dean is unimpressed and waves play on.

Substitution for Rovers at half time, right back Curtis is off for forward, Egil Ostenstad.

Two goals for Dion Dublin in this mid-table clash. Rovers got off to shocking start conceding early, with Dublin heading in. Despite some good passing and possession Blackburn's efforts to make ammends were cancelled out by Dublin, who bagged a second with a low drive into the bottom corner of the goal.

Curtis deflects the ball behind for a corner. A scramble in the box from the kick is cleared, but Rovers are looking vulnerable in the air.

Another booking, this time its James McEvely rightly yellow-carded for a strong challenge.

The game is approaching half time, and Villa pressing forward Souness will have plenty to say in the break.

Delaney tries a cross but the Rovers defence are up to the challenge and Gresko clears.

Not much support for Yorke and Cole up front who are being asked to hold up the ball and create chances for themselves. Cole lets a shot fly, but it's over the bar.

Villa clearly out to build on their midweek win at 'Boro and keen to avenge their 4-1 defeat in the Cup against Rovers four weeks ago.

Goal! A snap shot from Dublin from a square ball. Dwight Yorke caught napping ball and the resulting ball leads to Dublin's second goal.

More neat play by Vassell and a good ball across the box is met by Stefan Moore. The angle is too acute and his shot is turned out by Friedel for a corner.

Vassell is brought down by Nils-Eric Johansson and the defender gets a booking. He was foxed by Vassell's speed and a quick change of direction.

Hitzlsperger tries to unleash a trademark 30 yard drive, but the Rovers defence close him down and the pile driver is averted.

Cole tries to latch on to a ball from deep, but again the wet pitch has made the ball very quick and he fails to contect.

Tugay plays the ball into Thompson, but Johnsen is on hand and the latest Rovers attack is thwarted.

Another booking. Gareth Barry in the book this time.

A searching ball for Yorke from Mellberg, but it is too much for the striker and it runs out for a goal kick.

Rovers build from the back and use Yorke to hold up the ball, but he fails to keep possesion.

The game is very open and competitive, with both teams pressing forward, but faiing to find the killer ball.

Great work from Vassell, who is looking lively. He backs the Rovers defence back into the penalty area.

Cole wins a throw for Rovers, Mellberg did well to prevent a corner.

Barry is on a run down the left but the conditions are difficult and his ball is too quick for Dublin to control and possession goes back to Blackburn.

Vassell latches on to a throw and gets round the back of Curtis but his pull back fails to find a striker.

Hitzlsperger wins a free kick on the left hand side of the pitch. His delievery is similar to the ball that led to the goal but the ball is cleared.

Andy Cole takes the ball on his chest and lays the ball off to Thompson. Rovers are holding the ball well despite pressure from the home team.

Gresko conceds a free kick after a foul on Delaney. Gudjonsson then fouls as well, the game is being contested hottly in the centre of the pitch.

Gudjonsson sends a good ball through on the deck but Friedel is out to smother the ball. A sign there that Villa are not prepared to sit back despite their early lead.

Gresko unleashes a shot from 30 yards but it flies just over. The Slovak looks like a good acquisitoin for Rovers boss Souness.

A Villa free kick into the box is handled well by Rovers, unlike the earlier ball that lead to Dublin's opener.

Cole gets the ball to Flitcroft despite pressure from Villa defenders.

Darius Vassell is given offside from a pass from Dublin, a tight call but the correct decision from the referee's assistant.

Good spell for Rovers who are getting a feel of the game after a terrible opening.

Tugay spreads the ball to Dwight Yorke who is greeted with jeers from the Villa faithful.

Friedel clears the ball the length of the pitch and his opposite number Enckleman takes control of the ball.

Andy Cole playing deep feeds the ball to Curtis but his pass is mis-timed and Villa break forward.

Decent spell of pressure for Rovers but the Villa defence snub it out.

Blackburn are looking to get control of the game and have strong some passes together. Flitcroft is working hard down the left but his cross is blocked.

David Thompson is in the referee's book for a rash sliding tackle on Gudjonsson.

Gareth Barry is forward for Villa, but his touch lets him down and it's out for a Rover's free kick.

Rovers getting a grip of the game in midfield with debutant Gresko getting a feel of the ball.

Difficult playing conditions here with heavy rain in the Midlands saturating the pitch. David Thompson crosses in looking for Yorke, but Enckelman gathers.

Dublin is looking lively, clearly lifted by netting his eigth goal of the season.

Villa pressing forward forcing winning a corner, which is taken by Hitzlsperger, but Rovers clear.

Dublin gets some treatment following a knock to the head.

A Thomas Hitzlsperger free-kick for Villa comes to naught.

What a start for Villa who are out for revenge after being beaten 4-1 at home by Rovers in the FA Cup last month.

Free kick to Villa floated in by Joey Gudjonsson, met by Dioan Dublin and it's a goal!

Yorke charges down the 'keeper in the opening minute, with Enckelman taking too long to clear his lines.

Villa are back at home after their first away win of the season at Middlesbrough on Wednesday when they ran out 5-2 winners. Darius Vassell and Dion Dublin line up with promising teenager Stefan Moore.

Slovakian Vratislav Gresko makes his debut for Rovers after siging on loan until the end of the seaon from Parma. A start for John Curtis who comes in to replace the suspended Lucas Neill.

All the action as Villa aim to bring some of their goalscoring success from Middlesbrough in midweek back to Villa Park. Kick-off at 16.05 GMT