The Blackburn board must have the patience of saints, but it has been pushed to its limit by the Carling Cup defeat against Cardiff.

Surely with the Rovers fans calling for manager Steve Kean’s head already, a home defeat to newly promoted Swansea would be the straw that breaks the camel’s back? Kean himself admitted effectively forfeiting the quarter-final on Tuesday to concentrate on league fixtures, but surely a semi-final spot would have boosted confidence amongst players and fans alike?

If you think Kean played a master stroke in resting Yakubu and co on Tuesday and that they’ll bounce back from their latest defeat with a victory against Swansea, back them at best odds of 5/4 (Boylesports – £40 free bets). Bear in mind though, Blackburn last won a league match back in September when they unexpectedly triumphed over Arsenal 4-3. Since then they have lost five and drawn three in the Premier League.

Having said that, for all Swansea’s fine home form, on the road they have been a little shaky and are yet to get a win when playing away in the league. They did manage draws at both Liverpool and Wolves, so the draw could be the way to go here at a top price of 12/5 (bet365 – £200 free betting).

We think this will be a tight game, with Blackburn especially hoping to avoid defeat. Swansea do not conceded many either, so backing under 2.5 goals could prove profitable at odds of 11/12 (188bet). You might also consider backing the correct score of 0-0, which is available at a cracking 11/1 (Stan James). Four of Swansea’s matches have ended with that score line so far this season, including two of the last three, so it could be worth a pop.

Overall though, we quite fancy Swansea to nick this one by the odd goal, so either back them outright at 23/10 (Paddy Power) or go for them to win 1-0 at 21/2 (Unibet). Whether or not Blackburn’s hierarchy still keep the faith with Kean if they do lose remains to be seen.