BLACKBURN Rovers boss Gary Bowyer admitted he soon gave up predicting which Manchester City side will run out at Ewood Park today (12.45pm).

City boss Manuel Pellegrini is expected to ring the changes to his starting line-up for this afternoon’s FA Cup third-round clash at Ewood Park.

But his team, who are also chasing Premier League, Champions League and Capital One Cup success, could still include stellar names like David Silva, Samir Nasri, Fernandinho and Edin Dzeko.

Bowyer said: “They are blessed with such an array of talent – world stars.

“It was quite entertaining in the coaches’ office when we wondering who would be playing.

“We were saying, ‘what if he plays and if he doesn’t play then maybe he will play’.

“But in the end we decided to shut up because it was going on a bit too long.”

Rovers have one of the best home records in the Championship, taking 21 points from a possible 36. But they are 9/1 outsiders to claim the scalp of Premier League City.

“It’s going to be a fantastic occasion,” said Bowyer, who would have ‘loved to have seen’ City’s injured Argentine striker Sergio Aguero at ‘close quarters’.

“The FA Cup is special and for our club to be involved in it against one of the world’s best teams at the moment is brilliant.

“It’s going to be a test for our young lads to see how good they are.”

David Dunn returned to training yesterday after missing the last three matches with a hamstring strain.

The midfielder has a chance of playing.

But right back Todd Kane is out after a scan revealed his thigh injury will sideline him for two weeks.

After a hectic festive schedule, Bowyer refused to reveal whether he would rotate his squad.

He joked: “Manchester City are hot favourites so they don’t need me giving you any team news as that might just help them a little bit more.”

City have sold out their allocation of just under 7,500 tickets.

It is believed the Etihad Stadium outfit, whose supporters will take over the entire Darwen End, could have sold double that amount.

Rovers expect to have in excess of 10,000 home fans in attendance.

Bowyer said: “We know the City fans will come in their thousands so it’s up to our supporters to make as much noise as well.”

Young Rovers striker Curtis Haley has signed for Skrill North side Workington on a month’s loan.