The Hosts – Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers have finished 17th, 8th and 9th in the Championship since their relegation in 2012. Four managers have come and gone leaving the reins to ex-Villa boss Paul Lambert who is rebuilding the former Premier League champions.

CURRENT FORM

Rovers have won six and lost seven of Lambert`s 18 Championship games in charge leaving them in 17th place, eight points ahead of the drop zone. Their recent form is decent, back-to-back wins against MK Dons and Middlesbrough followed by a narrow derby day defeat to Burnley on Saturday. Rovers have lost on just four occasions at Ewood Park.

In contrary to Rovers, Blues have lost only four away games in the league. Gary Rowett`s men have lost only two out of the last ten Championship games and will be buoyed after their one goal victory over Hull City on Thursday night leaving them just one point off the play-off places with a game in hand.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM BLACKBURN

Losing their star striker Jordan Rhodes in January was a massive blow. The goals have bene shared around the team with Ben Marshall leading their scoring charts with six – but in Craig Conway they have a player capable of unlocking a defence, he has five assists this season.

Lambert will have the team organised and difficult to break down. The Ewood Park crowd will expect three points, a tough game could be in store for Blues who will be backed by just under 600 diehards.

GROUNDS FOR OPTIMISM?

Jonathan Grounds has often been criticised this season, sometimes fairly, sometimes not. But his performance against Hull City was arguably his best performance in a Blues shirt. The left-back made four vital interceptions and was only beaten by his direct opponent on three occasions.

THOUGHTS FROM VITAL BLACKBURN

Blackburn’s Championship season continued with a defeat against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday. It was going to end eventually but for Blackburn that run of supremacy over Burnley at Turf Moor ended this weekend with our Lancashire rivals going top again with a one-nil win. Of course a first win they’ve managed over us on their own patch in 38-years….blackburn.vitalfootball.co.uk

THE FANS VIEWS

@PantherCraig – So Paul Lambert thinks Rovers should have got 3 points against Burnley when they only had 3 shots on target all game #rovers #Clarets

@CharlieeB_x – Reflecting back on yesterday.. I still wouldn’t swap supporting #rovers for anything tbh

@Blackburn85 – no reason why we can’t have a bright future going forward with this management & funds in the summer #believe #rovers

Article written by Rob Wildey – @robwildey123