Time for the real Blackburn to stand up. Steve Kean may have been a managerial novice when he took over midway through the previous campaign from Sam Allardyce, but the Scot has endured a crash course since.

Fan protests, new owners, poor results, more fan protests, players bailing out for pastures new, other players not in the right frame of mind, more fan protests. You get the picture. Yet, remarkably, given the levels of strife in Lancashire, Rovers retain a fighting chance of survival.

To stand any real prospect you sense they need maximum points from their remaining two home league games against Norwich and Wigan.

Rovers will count themselves unfortunate not to have the chance to complete a league double over the Canaries. Yakubu's power and the trickery of Junior Hoilett stood out at Carrow Road. Supplemented by the midfield urgings of Mauro Formica and Ruben Rochina. Blackburn have good players. But the key to their survival is whether they can produce as one cohesive unit over the run-in.

Manchester City cracked that formula last weekend. Lambert's side have responded admirably to adversity in the past. With safety all but assured, a pressure-free trip to Ewood Park is an opportunity to get the Blues out of their system.

Rovers need to attack; Norwich are built to attack so goals look a cast-iron certainty. The Canaries appeared far better when Wes Hoolahan and Andrew Surman were introduced at the interval last weekend. Which defence holds sway should be the defining factor. Blackburn's confidence must be wafer-thin after five consecutive league defeats and the prospect of further off-field distractions from disgruntled home fans. The away support will travel in party mood.

• Blackburn Rovers 2, Norwich City 2