Roy Keane`s men travel to Ewood Park for the fixture against Blackburn. Sunderland who got their first win of the festive period against Bolton will be hoping to start 2008 the way they finished 2007.
Steven Reid is doubtful as he is still recovering from the calf injury that kept him out against Derby.
Defender Christopher Samba is likely to still be sidelined as he waits on the birth of his first child.
The ex Arsenal player has proved himself to be a class act for Rovers this season. He was their star performer against Sunderland earlier in the season and they will need to contain him.
Nyron Nosworthy, Russell Anderson and Carlos Edwards are out injured.
Ross Wallace is a doubt as he is recovering for a hamstring problem.
Jones has been in great form lately if we are going to have any chance against Blackburn he will have to be at his best.
In our last six league games away to Blackburn we have Won 1, Draw 3 and Lost 2
Rob Styles
It will be a tough game but I think we will just sneak it so I`ll go for a 0-1 win to Sunderland
Sunderland v Wigan (FA Cup)
Kick off 15:00
Saturday 5th of January 2008