Blackburn Rovers vs Walsall Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in the EFL Cup. The hosts are favourite to prevail at Ewood Park and progress further in the tournament. Read on for our predictions and tips.
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Match Live Tuesday, 8th August at 7:45 pm In:
Blackburn Rovers vs Walsall Predictions
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EFL Cup Showdown: Blackburn Rovers Prepare for Walsall’s Challenge
Key Stats
– Walsall’s recent League Two rankings have consistently been between 12th and 19th.
– Blackburn started their Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory, showcasing their impressive form.
Blackburn Rovers, still on a high from their recent 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion, are preparing to host the League Two team, Walsall, in the inaugural round of the EFL Cup. As Rovers reminisce about their last year’s remarkable journey to the FA Cup quarter-finals, they are bound to face some challenges. Notably, their significant players, Ben Brereton Diaz and Bradley Dack, have moved on to new horizons. However, rising stars like Dilan Markanday and Harry Leonard have already proven their mettle, scoring against West Bromwich.
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On the other hand, Walsall are seeking some form of redemption. Their decline from a third-place finish in the 2015-16 League One campaign has been palpable, consistently ranking between 12th and 19th in their subsequent five League Two seasons. With Mat Sadler now captaining the ship, there’s a glimmer of hope for a fresher and more focused Walsall side.
Recent Performance and Form
Blackburn Rovers: It seems that Jon Dahl Tomasson’s team is riding a wave of confidence. Their preseason performance against teams like Barnsley and Stockport County has been commendable. And if that wasn’t enough, they began their Championship campaign on a winning note. A special mention goes to their striking duo, Markanday and Leonard, who’ve taken the responsibility on their young shoulders.
Walsall: Contrary to Rovers, Walsall’s start to the League Two campaign has been a bit shaky. Their recent encounter with Morecambe ended in heartbreak after a 92nd-minute goal. However, it’s essential to note that Walsall’s history in the EFL Cup is not to be disregarded; they reached the semi-finals in 1984.
Expected Line-ups and Strategy
For Blackburn, while there is a likelihood of key players resting, Sondre Tronstad may be seen in action. The Wharton brothers, Adam and Scott, are also likely to take center stage. Up front, Niall Ennis might just be the man leading the attack.
Walsall, too, will undergo some changes. Douglas James-Taylor and Jamille Matt are on the cards for their first season’s competitive starts.
Blackburn Rovers Starting XI: Hilton; Brittain, S Wharton, Hyam, Pickering; A Wharton, Tronstad, Markanday, Hedges, Buckley; Ennis
Walsall Starting XI: Jackson; Williams, Foulkes, Hussey; Riley, McEntee, Stirk, Gordon; Hutchinson; James-Taylor, Matt
1. Blackburn to Win to nil
Historical Significance:
Blackburn’s recent history, especially their home record, is hard to overlook. The Rovers started their Championship campaign with a convincing victory over West Bromwich Albion, showing their prowess on home turf. This recent form combined with Walsall’s struggles paints a clear picture of the disparity between the two sides.
Match Dynamics:
Ewood Park has been a fortress for Blackburn Rovers. With the team not only starting their campaign on a winning note but also having a penchant for performing well against lower-tier teams – evident from their victories against Barnsley and Stockport County – the momentum is in their favour.
Moreover, the depth of Blackburn’s roster allows them to rest some of their key players and still maintain a competitive edge. This is not just a testament to their strength but also an indication of Walsall’s uphill task.
Walsall’s Challenges:
Walsall’s inability to start their League Two campaign on a positive note, combined with their history of stagnation in the fourth tier, might impact the team’s morale and confidence going into this tie. Their away form, especially the recent defeat at Morecambe, hints at potential struggles at Ewood Park.
2. Correct Score: 3-0 in favour of Blackburn
Blackburn’s Offensive Abilities:
With Blackburn opening their season with a win and two goals, it’s evident that they have a proactive attacking unit. The departures of Ben Brereton Diaz and Bradley Dack, while significant, did not deter young guns like Dilan Markanday and Harry Leonard from finding the back of the net. With a potential introduction of Niall Ennis in the upcoming match, Blackburn’s offence looks potent.
Walsall’s Defensive Gaps:
Walsall conceded two goals in their opening game, showcasing vulnerabilities in their defence. Blackburn’s attackers could exploit this, especially given Walsall’s less than stellar record against Championship sides.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Dilan Markanday
Rising Star:
Dilan Markanday’s recent performance against West Bromwich Albion cannot be ignored. Scoring a goal in such a crucial tie showcases not just his skill but also his temperament. As a forward, his agility and knack for finding spaces are noteworthy.
Match Setup:
With Blackburn likely to dominate possession and control the pace of the game, Markanday will have multiple opportunities to capitalise. Given Walsall’s potential defensive reshuffles and the anticipated gaps, Markanday, with his pace and precision, could be a constant threat.
The Stage is Set:
Matches like these often become a platform for emerging talents to solidify their place and make a statement. With the spotlight on him after his recent goal, this tie could be another stepping stone for Markanday.
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