Blackburn Rovers v Coventry City - Peter White's big match preview

DION Dublin will be a man with a mission at Ewood Park tomorrow when Sky TV viewers tune into Blackburn Rovers' game against Coventry City banking on another goal rush.

Dublin wouldn't mind if it turns out that way. For the burly striker is not only aware that Coventry have yet to score away from Highfield Road this season, he is also looking for the two goals that will take him to a century in League football.

And he knows he should already have had them by now.

A stunning hat-trick of headers in the opening game of the season against Chelsea sparked Sky Blue hopes that this would be a special season for the big man.

But he didn't score again until Wednesday night against Crystal Palace, despite a host of opportunities created in the intervening games.

"I would like more goals and I have got to get more goals," admitted the man who cost City a £2 million fee from Manchester United before turning into a cult figure with the Highfield Road fans.

"We are playing quite well at the moment but I know I should have been on the scoresheet more often and it's very frustrating. "The boss has said I am playing well and you have to be happy with that. But I still know what the bottom line is.

"Things are not far from clicking. We are playing some very good football but it's about consistency.

"We have to keep creating chances, keep playing well and then myself and anyone else in the front positions has to capitalise."

Dublin's importance to Coventry is vividly illustrated by our exclusive Carling Opta rankings.

And a comparison with Rovers striker Martin Dahlin provides some intriguing figures.

Chris Sutton, of course, has outscored everyone so far but, considering Dahlin's restricted appearances, he stands up well against Dublin.

Dublin has obviously seen a lot more action and possession than Dahlin so he easily outshoots his Ewood rival for goal attempts.

But Dahlin, whose two Coca-Cola Cup goals against Preston are not taken into account, boasts quality rather than quantity.

The Rovers star claims 75 per cent accuracy in front of goal, with just over 30 per cent for Dublin.

With seven of his nine shots on target being saved, Dahlin can consider himself unlucky not to have had more goals.

Both strikers have won 15 tackles apiece which, considering Dahlin has played a lot less than Dublin, gives him the edge again.

The players can't be separated on passing as they both have a success rate of 72 per cent.

But underestimate Dublin at your peril. His contribution to the team in various areas is crucial. Of Coventry's eight goals this season, he has scored four - and created four!

He's also in the mood to shine tomorrow and will be a handful for Rovers' centre backs.

"I'm looking forward to it," he added. "Blackburn have started brilliantly and they are the form team when it comes to scoring goals at home. But they also have a very solid base.

"It's a great place to play football and I think it will be a cracking game whatever happens."

Coventry will not play the same side as in midweek, when they drew 1-1 with Palace.

Gary Breen is expected to start instead of suspended Paul Williams at centre back, while either John Salako or Darren Huckerby should be fit enough to partner Dublin in attack.

Coventry boss Gordon Strachan is also expected to make changes in midfield, leaving out young Sam Shilton. Marcus Hall can move to the left flank to enable either Trond Soltvedt or Willie Boland to step in.

It's a special day for City's 40-year-old keeper Steve Ogrizovic who sets a new League appearances record for the club, beating George Curtis's total of 486.

They are expected to choose from: Ogrizovic, Nilsson, Shaw, Breen, Burrows, Telfer, McAllister, Soltvedt, Boland, Hall, Dublin, Salako, Huckerby, Ducros, Shilton, Lightbourne.

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