Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe picks out three talking points ahead of the home game with Norwich City. 

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS

Rovers boast the toughest festive fixture list of any side in the division, facing teams in second, first, fifth and third in their next four matches.

But they can take confidence from showings against those directly above them.

Rovers sit 12th, having played 10 of the 11 sides above them, losing just twice.

They have taken points from away games at West Brom, Derby, Middlesbrough, and Stoke, and beaten table-toppers Leeds United at Ewood, as well as going within seconds of inflicting defeat on Aston Villa.

The bigger the occasion, the better Rovers have performed, particularly at home.

Defending a proud home record, which has seen them lose just once in the league in the calendar year, Norwich won’t be expecting an easy game.

FULL FOCUS NEEDED

A Championship table based on first half results would see Rovers fourth, with Norwich 18th.

Were it based on the second half, then Norwich would be second, with Rovers 16th.

The Canaries have been the king of the late goals so far this season, and having had troubles in this area so far this season, it is something Rovers must guard against.

Daniel Farke’s side have scored 14 times in the final 15 minutes of matches, and ran in 22 goals in their last seven Championship games.

Their last 10 league games have brought them eight wins and seem them drop just four points, while only Swansea and Middlesbrough have conceded fewer away goals.

The task seems considerable on paper, but Rovers have raised their game against the top sides.

SPOT OPENS UP

An injury to Elliott Bennett offered Craig Conway an opportunity to return to the side earlier this month, only for the Scot to join Bennett on the sidelines after picking up a thigh problem last weekend.

While Conway is definitely ruled out, Bennett faces an outside chance of returning to face his former club.

Harrison Reed and Conway had started each of Rovers' last three matches on the flanks, one of nine pairings used by Mowbray so far this season.

Adam Armstrong replaced Conway on the opposite side to Reed, a combination which had started six of Rovers' last 10 matches.

The most used pairing this season are most likely to get the nod on Saturday, after Armstrong's scoring return, as the likes of Kasey Palmer, Joe Rothwell and Ben Brereton wait for their chance.