TONY Parkes fired the first salvo in the psychological war against Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson today.

Blackburn Rovers' caretaker-boss aims to keep Fergie - acknowledged as the Premiership's master of mind games - guessing right up to kick-off time not only over the personnel but also the playing style he intends to use at Ewood tomorrow.

And Parkes threw out a broad hint that he might just have a surprise or two up his sleeve for the reigning champions.

With skipper Tim Sherwood set to return to the side after serving a one-match suspension, and Garry Flitcroft back in training after a knee injury, the selection possibilities are almost endless.

Parkes has employed three different formations during his time in charge, and he's keeping mum over which one will be on view tomorrow.

Minus the midfield duo of Sherwood and Flitcroft at Elland Road on Monday night, Rovers switched to using a sweeper and wing backs, with Parkes admitting he wanted to "freshen things up" in the wake of two sucessive defeats.

It worked in the sense that Rovers rarely looked like losing the game, but they might well feel a different approach is necessary against far more accomplished opposition.

"We'll let them worry about what we are going to do," said Parkes.

"There are a number of options, especially if everyone is fit, and we look like we are going to have a strong squad available. "That's good for the club, even though it means more players are going to be disappointed at being left out.

"But, hopefully, we will be able to spring a surprise on United."

Parkes will stress to his players the importance of getting that vital but elusive victory, which would all but assure Premiership status, as quickly as possible.

Flitcroft, who suffered knee ligament damage last week, was able to return to training yesterday and is expected to be fit.

Parkes can also now count on Ian Pearce as being back in the squad on a full-time basis.

The central defender emerged from his injury nightmare to make his first senior start in nearly six months against Leeds.

Rovers seem likely to add Sherwood and Flitcroft to the squad on duty at Elland Road.

That means the starting line-up will come from: Flowers, Kenna, Berg, Hendry, Le Saux, Pearce, McKinlay, Marker, Bohinen, Gallacher, Sutton, Wilcox, Pedersen, Donis, Warhurst, Sherwood, Flitcroft, Given.

There will be no late opening for the Ewood ticket office tonight as all seats for the game went long ago. It was closing at 4-30pm.

Tony Whealing's goal which gave Rovers Reserves a 1-0 win over Oldham at Ewood on Wednesday leaves Rovers and United battling it out for the Pontin's League Premier Division title.

Rovers A team are at home to Manchester Utd tomorrow, with the B team at Rochdale.

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