BLACKBURN Rovers have appealed to the Football Association in a bid to have a three-match ban for Marlon Broomes wiped out, following his red card at Chelsea.

The 21-year-old central defender, who was involved in a confrontation with Chelsea player-manager Gianluca Vialli at Stamford Bridge nine days ago, is due to start the automatic suspension after tomorrow's game at West Ham.

But Rovers, who had to wait until yesterday for the referee's report, studied videos of the incident taken from several angles and have now forwarded a copy to the FA along with a written appeal.

"The procedure is that the FA will have a look at the evidence and then make a decision as to whether or not to refer it to the referee," said Ewood secretary Tom Finn.

"If they do, then he has the final decision on whether to change his mind."

Referee was Uriah Rennie, who handed out seven yellow cards on the night, as well as sending off Broomes and Vialli.

It's probably a long shot but they should get a reply early next week.

Broomes seems certain to continue his partnership with Darren Peacock in the centre of defence against West Ham but it will be his last game for some time if the appeal fails.

Stephane Henchoz's injury does not appear too serious but he has a little bit of ligament damage to his knee and will struggle to make tomorrow.

Jeff Kenna's injury has been diagnosed as a torn calf muscle with an inflamed Achilles tendon and he faces two months out of action.

Manager Brian Kidd also looks certain to recall Matt Jansen and Jason McAteer, who were cup tied in midweek, as well as Ashley Ward and David Dunn. It would not be a surprise if all four went straight back into the team. Dunn and Ward were rested for the cup defeat.

Ward could form a strike partnership with Jansen again, following the bitterly disappointing display by the forwards against Newcastle, while McAteer will return either in midfield or possibly right back.

The starting line-up is expected to come from: Filan, Croft, Peacock, Broomes, Davidson, Gillespie, Marcolin, Wilcox, Duff, Blake, Davies, Ward, McAteer, Jansen, Dunn, Flowers.

West Ham boss Harry Redknapp hopes to have Paolo Di Canio and Paul Kitson back to bolster the attack.

Ex-Rover Ian Pearce could miss out after picking up an ankle injury at Anfield, while Ian Wright and Neil Ruddock are long-term absentees.

The Hammers also have a doubt about Rio Ferdinand who has missed training. But he will play if at all possible.

They are set to choose from: Hislop, Potts, Ferdinand, Pearce, Foe, Minto, Lampard, Lomas, Berkovic, Cole, Sinclair, Di Canio, Kitson, Lazaridis, Keller, Holligan, Bullard, Forrest.

Jeff Kenna's injury could force Rovers into the market for a right back but they are not expected to move in for Liverpool's Rob Jones. And Kidd today warned that the club would not be held to ransom in their bid to ease the injury crisis with fresh blood.

He said: "Everybody in football is doubling their prices. Clubs know our situation and we are going in from a weak position. But I am not going to compromise the club."

The West Ham clash is an all-ticket game and seats will not be on sale at Upton Park tomorrow.

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