RESPECT - but no fear - is the Roy Hodgson war cry that Blackburn Rovers will carry into Old Trafford tomorrow.

Rovers are bidding to become Premiership top dogs by unseating leaders and championship favourites Manchester United.

It is biggest challenge yet for the great Rovers revival.

But the mood around the Rovers training camp suggests: We're ready for it.

"We're looking forward to the game, we're not frightened of going there," said the manager.

"We are very respectful. We know it will be a very tough task to go there and win. But that makes it all the more enjoyable and all the more interesting.

"If we were to win it would be a fantastic achievement and if we don't win we'll just have to get ourselves straightened out for the following game."

Hodgson stresses that nothing, either way, will be settled by tomorrow's game whatever the result.

"It's a big clash and one which has excited a lot of attention and, if we can get something out of it, great.

"But that doesn't make us more of a title contender than if we were to draw or lose," he said.

The manager, with experience of San Siro derbies and games against Juventus etc, is taking the match in his stride and his composure and realistic attitude is reflected by the players.

Chris Sutton, who can expect to find himself in direct conflict with former Ewood team-mate Henning Berg, has missed the last three Premiership clashes with United.

But he acknowledges the size of the task facing Rovers, while hinting that they will certainly not be daunted at the prospect of going into the lion's den. "They are the side by which everyone else measures themselves," he said.

"It's going to be a tough game and we are under no illusions that we will do well to get something from it.

"But we have been unbeaten away from home this season and, hopefully, we will get something."

While Berg bids to keep out Sutton, Rovers expect to be able to field their usual - in the continuing absence of Colin Hendry - pairing of Tore Pedersen and Stephane Henchoz against the likes of Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham.

Pedersen and Berg are good friends, having attended the same school in Lillestrom for a year together. They also played at different levels for Norway.

"Yes, he's a friend, we stay in touch," said Berg. "He has done well and so has Stephane Henchoz. Blackburn have made a couple of good signings."

Hodgson might well say same again for the team but, even if he does make a change, don't expect any dramatic alterations in style.

"We are going to try and play the football we have been playing so far and has stood us in good stead up to now," he said.

"And I don't see any reason why it should not stand us in good stead in the future." Rovers will choose from: Flowers, Kenna, Henchoz, Pedersen, Croft, Ripley, Sherwood, McKinlay, Flitcroft, Gallacher, Sutton, Wilcox, Duff, Bohinen, Broomes, Valery, Andersson, Coleman, Fettis.

United have no fresh injury worries as they prepare for the game but Paul Scholes will miss out as he starts a three-match suspension. The England midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season when United lost to Arsenal three weeks ago so Ronny Johnsen is set to start in midfield after coming back from injury last weekend.

Phil Neville is the only doubt after suffering from double vision from a knock in the face during the 3-0 win over Kosice in the Champions' League but is expected to be fit.

They will choose from: Schmeichel, Van Der Gouwe, G Neville, P Neville, Pallister, Berg, Curtis, Johnsen, Butt, Beckham, Giggs, McClair, Poborsky, Cole, Sheringham, Solskjaer, Mulryne, Twiss.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.