MAURO Formica starts in attack for Blackburn Rovers this morning for their Premier League Asia Trophy opener against Aston Villa in Hong Kong.

The Argentine will play just off strike partner Jason Roberts, with boss Steve Kean having little other options in attack.

Chris Samba partners Gael Givet in the heart of the defence, with Michel Salgado and Martin Olsson flanking them.

David Dunn partners Steve Nzonzi in central midfield, with Brett Emerton and Morten Gamst Pedersen either side of them.

ROVERS: Paul Robinson, Michel Salgado, Martin Olsson, Chris Samba, Gael Givet, Brett Emerton, David Dunn, Steven Nzonzi, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Jason Roberts, Mauro Formica

SUBS: Mark Bunn, Grant Hanley, Zac Aley, Myles Anderson, Adam Henley, Jake Kean, Nick Blackman, Ryan Nelsen, Keith Andrews, Ruben Rochina, Junior Hoilett

VILLA: Shay Given, Luke Young, Stephen Warnock, Richard Dunne, Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Jean Makoun, Emile Heskey, Stiliyan Petrov, Barry Bannan, James Collins

SUBS: Brad Guzan, Marc Albrighton, Nathan Defouneso, Fabian Delph, Ciaran Clark, Habib Beye, Erich Lichaj, Chris Herd, Andrew Marshall, Shane Lowry, Gary Gardner, Stephen Ireland, Jonathan Hogg