Blackburn Rovers vs Portsmouth Prediction, Match Preview & Betting Tips, January 15, 2025
Get ready for a thrilling Championship clash between Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth on January 15, 2025. This exciting match is set to take place at Ewood Park, with a kickoff time of 20:45. Blackburn Rovers currently hold the 9th position in the league standings with 22 points. They are pushing hard for a top-six finish, which could lead to promotion. Meanwhile, Portsmouth find themselves struggling in 23rd place with just 12 points, making this a crucial match for both teams to seize the moment.
Blackburn enters this game with confidence after securing a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. Their win highlighted disciplined defending and a steady handle on the ball. On the other hand, Portsmouth is recovering from a 2-0 defeat to Wycombe in the FA Cup. They need to revamp their injury-hit lineup and overcome challenges on the road. Blackburn also deals with injuries, missing players like Scott Wharton and Yuki Ohashi. Similarly, Portsmouth’s lineup takes a hit with the absence of Conor Shaughnessy and Regan Poole. Historically, Blackburn has had the upper hand in this matchup, winning four out of the last six games, setting up an intriguing clash once again.
Blackburn Rovers vs Portsmouth Prediction & Betting Tip
Prediction: Blackburn Rovers to win
Odds: 1.73 – 1.83
Suggested Bet: Blackburn Rovers to win
Given Blackburn’s solid home form and their recent win over Middlesbrough, they are the favorites to win against a struggling Portsmouth team. Blackburn’s position in the league, along with their effective new signings, gives them an advantage. A home win looks like an appealing betting choice.
Blackburn Rovers vs Portsmouth Prediction | |
---|---|
Betting tip | Odds |
Blackburn Rovers to Win | 1.73 – 1.83 |
Blackburn Rovers vs Portsmouth Odds
The betting odds are clearly in favor of Blackburn Rovers, with odds ranging from 1.73 to 1.83 for a home victory. With a poor record on the road, Portsmouth enters the game as the clear underdogs. The odds for a draw also suggest Blackburn’s strong form and Portsmouth’s inconsistencies away from home.
Blackburn Rovers vs Portsmouth Betting Odds | |
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Bet | Odds |
Blackburn Rovers Win | 1.73 – 1.83 |
Draw | 3.75 – 4.20 |
Portsmouth Win | 4.60 – 5.10 |
Blackburn Rovers Team Analysis
Blackburn Rovers Recent Performance
Blackburn Rovers have combined wins and draws in their recent matches, with a noteworthy victory over Middlesbrough. They sit in 9th place in the Championship table, aiming for promotion. Their defensive strength is clear, as they’ve secured four clean sheets in their last five games.
Home Team | Away Team | Result |
---|---|---|
Blackburn Rovers | Middlesbrough | 1-0 |
Blackburn Rovers | Cardiff City | 0-0 |
Millwall | Blackburn Rovers | 0-1 |
Blackburn Rovers | Stoke City | 2-2 |
Sheffield Wednesday | Blackburn Rovers | 0-1 |
The team’s task is to keep building on this success under manager John Eustace. They’ve made progress despite early struggles in 2024 and are climbing the standings, managing injuries like Yuki Ohashi’s absence.
Blackburn Rovers Key Players
Blackburn relies on both young talent and experienced players. Star striker Yuki Ohashi, though injured, has played a pivotal role up front. Attacker Bonnie Davies from Newcastle Jets joins to add more firepower. Adam Forshaw balances the midfield with his experience. Dion Sanderson, on loan, strengthens the defense.
Zuian Flemming’s rise in the midfield is promising, while goalkeeper Aynsley Pears’ consistency has produced crucial clean sheets. These key players are expected to make a significant impact in the match.
Blackburn Rovers Suspensions & Injuries
Player | Injury | Expected Return |
---|---|---|
Scott Wharton | Cruciate ligament | Indefinite |
Yuki Ohashi | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
Zak Gilsenan | Muscle injury | Few weeks |
Hayden Carter | Knee injury | Indefinite |
Arnór Sigurdsson | Thigh injury | Indefinite |
Harry Pickering | Knee injury | Few weeks |
Lewis Travis | Hamstring injury | Indefinite |
The injury list includes valuable players like Scott Wharton and Yuki Ohashi, pushing Blackburn to rely on their squad depth and emerging talent. This scenario provides a chance for less-experienced players to shine.
Blackburn Rovers Tactics and Formation
Blackburn’s game plan often features a 4-3-3 formation focused on pressing and controlling possession. The strategy involves building attacks from the back, using the wings for quick counter-attacks. Britt and Hyam solidify the defense, while Forshaw brings composure to the midfield. Creativity from Buckley and Cantwell is vital to penetrate Portsmouth’s defense.
Eustace may adjust the tactics as the match unfolds, playing to Blackburn’s strengths and reacting to Portsmouth’s strategies.
Portsmouth Team Analysis
Portsmouth Recent Performance
Portsmouth is fighting in the lower half of the Championship. Their recent performances have been mixed, highlighted by a 4-1 win over Coventry but overshadowed by a 3-0 loss to Bristol City. While their victory against Coventry shows promise, they need consistency, especially in away matches.
Home Team | Away Team | Result |
---|---|---|
Portsmouth | Coventry City | 4-1 |
Bristol City | Portsmouth | 3-0 |
Portsmouth | Huddersfield | 1-1 |
Sunderland | Portsmouth | 2-2 |
Portsmouth | Hull City | 2-1 |
Portsmouth must enhance their performances in the Championship to escape the relegation zone. While transfers might disrupt the squad, the focus remains on stability and addressing defensive flaws.
Portsmouth Key Players
Important players for Portsmouth include Callum Lang, who is vital for his goal-scoring ability. Matt Ritchie, experienced in the midfield, plays a key role, supported by players like Lane and Kamara. Nicolas Schmid is crucial in goal, as Lang’s skills need to be used effectively.
Portsmouth is infusing energy into their squad with new players from lower leagues and is linked with Brisbane Roar striker Thomas Waddingham for a potential boost. The focus is on developing young talent and making strategic transfers.
Portsmouth Suspensions & Injuries
Player | Injury | Expected Return |
---|---|---|
Ibane Bowat | Tendon injury | Indefinite |
Conor Shaughnessy | Calf injury | Few weeks |
Jacob Farrell | Leg injury | Indefinite |
Will Norris | Knee injury | Indefinite |
Regan Poole | Hamstring injury | Few weeks |
Mark O’Mahony | Hip injury | Indefinite |
Kusini Yengi | Knee injury | Indefinite |
Portsmouth deals with several injuries that test their depth and lineup flexibility. The team expects younger players to step up and fill the gaps left by absent veterans.
Portsmouth Tactics and Formation
Portsmouth typically employs a 4-5-1 formation, focusing on defensive stability and quick counter-attacks. Their game plan emphasizes a strong midfield to resist pressure while transitioning swiftly to attack.
Wingers are key, creating paths for strategic passes and runs towards the goal. Moxon and Ritchie provide midfield stability and aid the attack alongside Lang. Tactical flexibility is crucial to adjust against Blackburn’s dynamic play.
Blackburn Rovers vs Portsmouth Head-to-Head Statistics
Looking at past encounters, Blackburn holds the advantage, winning four of the last six meetings. Their 3-0 win on October 21, 2017, is a memorable highlight, showcasing Blackburn’s strategic play against Portsmouth.
Home | Away | Result |
---|---|---|
Blackburn | Portsmouth | 3-0 |
Portsmouth | Blackburn | 1-2 |
Blackburn | Portsmouth | 2-0 |
Portsmouth | Blackburn | 2-3 |
Blackburn | Portsmouth | 1-1 |
With Blackburn’s strong form at Ewood Park, they rely on their historical edge and proven tactics to challenge Portsmouth once more. Portsmouth aims to learn from past defeats and translate them into an inspired performance to secure vital points.
Venue and Weather
The showdown unfolds at Ewood Park, Blackburn’s home ground, known for its passionate fans. Weather conditions predict mild temperatures around 6.58°C, with overcast skies expected, setting the stage for an engaging match.
With gentle winds at about 2.05 m/s, minimal weather disruptions are anticipated, creating an ideal setting for competitive play. Such stable conditions let teams concentrate on tactics and gameplay execution.
The favorable climate supports strategies based on quick ball movement and sharp decision-making. This environment promises a spectacle of football where players’ skills take center stage. With little chance of rain, the match is set to thrill fans without the unpredictability of harsh weather.