MX23RW : Monday, November 18 11:38:50| >> :600:117137:117137:
[monks data]
Blackburn logo
Championship | Gameweek 7
Sep 20, 2023 at 7.45pm UK
Ewood Park
Sunderland

Blackburn
1 - 3
Sunderland

Leonard (35')
Travis (31'), Wharton (45+3'), Leonard (50'), Garrett (77'), Rankin-Costello (90+6')
FT(HT: 1-2)
Clarke (28' pen., 78'), Neill (45+1')
Mowbray (32'), Pritchard (71'), Ba (86'), Ballard (90+7')

Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Sunderland - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Championship clash between Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Blackburn Rovers play host to Sunderland on Wednesday evening with both clubs sitting just below the top six in the Championship standings.

Having each prevailed in two of their last three fixtures in the second tier, both teams has momentum heading into the contest at Ewood Park.


Match preview

Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson on April 10, 2023© Reuters

When it emerged that cutbacks were being made at Blackburn in the summer, the exit of Jon Dahl Tomasson appeared to be a realistic possibility.

However, the Dane has remained at the helm to lead what is still a young side and everyone associated with Blackburn will be delighted with a return of 10 points from six games.

Letting slip a lead versus Hull City and being beaten 3-0 at Plymouth Argyle means that it has not always been plain-sailing for Tomasson and his players, yet Saturday's 2-1 triumph over Middlesbrough kept them heading in the right direction.

Two goals from Sammie Szmodics either side of half time ensured that they were able to shake off the disappointment of losing so heavily at last season's League One champions.

Goals remain an issue - Blackburn have only netted eight times in the league and never more than twice - but they have shown enough quality and belief in their head coach to suggest that they can stay around the playoff picture for another season.

Sunderland's Luke O'Nien celebrates after their fifth goal scored by Chris Rigg on September 2, 2023© Reuters

In losing 2-1 to each of Ipswich Town and Preston North End at the start of the season, the perception was that Sunderland were suffering a hangover from missing out in the 2022-23 playoffs.

Since then, though, those two opponents sit in first and third place, while Sunderland have put together a four-game undefeated streak in their other fixtures.

Tony Mowbray has witnessed his teams earn wins over Rotherham United, Southampton and Queens Park Rangers, as well as claim a goalless draw at Coventry City.

Most notably, eight goals have been scored in their last two triumphs, although the 3-1 success at QPR on Saturday was aided by an early sending off for the home side.

Nevertheless, the North East outfit now appear to be a team who are well set to challenge for the top six once again, particularly if the contributions in the final third continue to be shared around the squad.

Blackburn Rovers Championship form:


Blackburn Rovers form (all competitions):


Sunderland Championship form:


Sunderland form (all competitions):



Team News

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray before the match on September 2, 2023© Reuters

Barring any fitness issues, Tomasson may be prepared to name the same Blackburn XI, particularly when freshening up his attack just before the hour mark against Boro.

Andrew Moran and Semir Telalovic - for his debut - were introduced at that point, but Tyrhys Dolan and Sam Gallagher will hope to retain their spots.

Joe Rankin-Costello came through 14 minutes on his comeback from a minor injury, although the wide player could stay on the substitutes' bench.

Pierre Ekwah is expected to miss out with a dead leg, which should lead to Alex Pritchard starting in his place in the Sunderland midfield.

Bradley Dack will likely be in contention against his former club, but Mowbray has already acknowledged that defender Dennis Cirkin will be sidelined for at least two more weeks.

Mason Burstow will hope to be handed another opportunity in attack after making his debut at Loftus Road.


Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:
Pears; Brittain, Carter, Hyam, Pickering; Travis, Wharton; Hedges, Szmodics, Dolan; Gallagher

Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Patterson; Hume, O'Nien, Ballard, Huggins; Neil, Pritchard; Ba, Bellingham, Clarke; Burstow


SM words green background

We say: Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Sunderland

This has all the makings of a thrilling contest, particularly given the recent goalscoring exploits of the visitors. Nevertheless, we fancy Rovers to earn a share of the spoils on home territory to continue their solid recovery from the disappointment of last season.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


ID:524319:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect13045:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Blackburn vs Sunderland

Blackburn Rovers
46.8%
Draw
25.5%
Sunderland
27.7%
47
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Sunderland's Chris Rigg in action on February 8, 2023
Read Next:
Man United 'keeping tabs on Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sunderland1594225111431
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1510321971231
3Leeds UnitedLeeds158522491529
4Burnley157621861227
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom15672169725
6Watford158162322125
7Middlesbrough157352317624
8Millwall156541813523
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn156451917222
10Bristol City155732019122
11Swansea CitySwansea155461110119
12Derby CountyDerby155461919019
13Stoke CityStoke155461819-119
14Norwich CityNorwich154652322118
15Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds155371725-818
16Oxford UnitedOxford Utd154561718-117
17Coventry CityCoventry154472021-116
18Plymouth ArgylePlymouth154471526-1116
19Hull City153661620-415
20Preston North EndPreston153661523-815
21Luton TownLuton154381726-915
22Cardiff CityCardiff154381423-915
23Portsmouth152671628-1212
24Queens Park RangersQPR151771225-1310


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!