West Bromwich Albion travel to Ewood Park to face a rejuvenated Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
Revived Blackburn Rovers Welcome West Bromwich Albion
Blackburn Inconsistencies But Three Points Last Time Out
The home side have had an indifferent restart to the season. A win in their first game back against Bristol City was followed up by three straight defeats. A run that has also hampered Rovers’ chances of sneaking into the play-offs.
But in truth that has been the story of Blackburn Rovers’ season, when you start to write off the East-Lancashire side, they write another chapter to their unpredictable season.
And that was most evident away at Cardiff City on Tuesday night, a team who have been on a real hot streak since the season’s break. Going into the game as underdogs, a spirited display from Rovers saw them come away from South Wales with all three points.
With four games left, it leaves Tony Mowbray’s side just five points off the top six. With the Bluebirds away at Fulham on Friday night, there’s still optimism they could break-in.
But Saturday is arguably their most testing fixture left this season, West Bromwich Albion are the visitors to Ewood Park.
Bounce-Back Baggies
After no wins in June, the Baggies have won three out of three in July, including a 2-0 win over Derby County in midweek. That result has got their automatic promotion hopes back up and running.
It leaves Slaven Bilic’s men needing three more wins to secure promotion to the Premier League. But, with Brentford breathing down their necks and Fulham to come on Tuesday, they cannot afford any slip-ups.
Match Facts
Adam Armstrong has been in good form since the restart. The former Newcastle United striker has netted three times, twice at Ewood, and scored a stunning 45-yard effort at Cardiff on Tuesday.
Matheus Pereira has also maintained his form too. The on-loan Sporting Lisbon star has made 20 assists this season, including four in his last two games. There’s also an honourable mention for Grady Diangana, who has netted in the previous two games.
The last time these two met was in August. First-half goals from Matt Phillips, Diangana and Jake Livermore secured the Baggies a 3-2 win at the Hawthorns.
Team News
Blackburn’s Bradley Dack is still out following cruciate ligament damage. Rovers will also be without Ben Brereton, who is suspended.
West Brom are also missing Jonathan Leko, he too has a cruciate ligament injury.
Thoughts on Ewood Clash
Although West Brom have been on a roll in recent weeks, this game at Ewood Park is going to be no walkover, especially after Rovers’ win in South Wales.
It was a real battle when promotion rivals Leeds had come here last Saturday. Even though they came away with the points.
Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Bromwich Albion
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