Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
In the previous round, the clubs achieved exactly opposite results, both winning 1:0, but one played at home while the other was away. The home advantage often plays a significant role in the Championship. Does this mean Blackburn Rovers will prevail?
Blackburn Rovers
In the 27th round, the Lancashire side were defeated by Oxford United, who were placed noticeably lower (17th). It seemed they might at least manage a draw, but John Eustace does not have many options in such a demanding schedule. Additionally, six players from the main squad are already sidelined. Most recently, one of their key attacking players, Yuki Ohashi, was injured at the start of January after the clash with Leeds United, and now, following half an hour against Oxford, defensive midfielder Sondre Tronstad picked up an injury. Before this, the Norwegian had played almost every match from start to finish. Following his loss, the number of attacks from Oxford increased significantly, leading to a home goal in the 67th minute. He won't be back until at least mid-February, and there is no equivalent replacement.
Coventry City
Coventry City have secured points in only two of their last five away matches (one win and one draw with three losses), but they scored in four of those, netting one goal each time. It's understood that a single goal doesn't guarantee points, but do Blackburn Rovers score more than once in every home game? Only three times in their last 10. Injured players were still featuring in at least half of these matches. Over those 900 minutes, Blackburn Rovers have only conceded eight goals, but they now lack a crucial link with Sondre Tronstad's absence.
Blackburn Rovers vs Coventry City Prediction
Therefore, the hosts' chances of winning are no more than 40%. A new player in the midfield will take some time to adapt, leading to disruptions both defensively and somewhat offensively. The probability that Coventry City will score and earn points increases significantly. It's worth noting that in four 2020s meetings between them at Ewood Park, each ended in a draw.
