Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers

If Manchester United avoid defeat they will equal their previous best ever unbeaten start to a season, set in the 1985-86 campaign. On that occasion they won 13 and drew two of their opening 15 games in the old First Division, but their form fell away and they went on to finish fourth. Of their 14 unbeaten games this season United have won seven and drawn seven. But at Old Trafford, they have won six and drawn one and last lost at home in April, against Chelsea.

United are at their best in the first-half of games. Of the 15 goals they have conceded, 13 have come in the second half, representing 87 per cent. In the first-half, they have also scored more second-half goals, 15, compared to the 13 in the first half. United need four goals for 100 at home in league football against Blackburn, in the 48th meeting at Old Trafford.

United can go top for the first time since April 24 and they face a side against who they have taken 39 points from a possible 48 at home in the Premier League. In those 16 games, United have won 12 and drawn three with the only defeat coming in September 2005. And in all competitions, home and away, United are unbeaten in their last nine games against Rovers, since the 3-4 Premier League defeat at Ewood Park in February 2006.

Wayne Rooney could return to league action following Wednesday’s 1-0 win at Rangers where he scored the late winning penalty. Blackburn are likely to be without Brett Emerton again while Martin Olsson, Steven Nzonzi, Vince Grella and Keith Andrews are also out.