Blackburn Rovers vs Ipswich Predictions

Blackburn vs Ipswich predictions, betting tips and match previews ahead of this Championship clash. Ipswich Town could top the Championship with Good Friday wins, but face a challenge at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers. Read on for our match preview and free betting tips.

Championship | Gameweek 39 – Mar 29, 2024 at 5.30pm UK at Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers vs Ipswich Predictions

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Ewood Park Examination: Ipswich’s Ambitious Surge Meets Blackburn’s Stalemate Specialists

As the Championship season progresses, the battle at both ends of the table intensifies. This weekend, Ipswich Town’s promotion push faces a stern test against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Ipswich, buoyed by a remarkable victory over Sheffield Wednesday, look to leapfrog into the league’s summit, while Blackburn aims to break a concerning winless streak under John Eustace. This clash promises not only a test of Ipswich’s title credentials but also a chance for Blackburn to steer clear of relegation fears.

Tactical Analysis and Key Battles

The encounter between Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town at Ewood Park is set against a backdrop of contrasting fortunes. Blackburn, under John Eustace, have become synonymous with draws, a trait that has seen them slide perilously close to the relegation zone.

Despite a defensive setup, Blackburn’s inability to secure victories has raised questions about their tactical rigidity and lack of cutting edge upfront. On the other hand, Ipswich Town, under Kieran McKenna, have flourished, becoming the Championship’s most formidable attacking force. Their recent demolition of Sheffield Wednesday underscores a side brimming with confidence and attacking verve.

Expected Lineups and Tactical Setup

Blackburn Rovers are expected to line up with Pears in goal, shielded by a backline of McFadzean, Hyam, and Wharton. The wing-backs, Brittain and Pickering, will have crucial roles in both defence and attack, supporting midfielders Tronstad and Ayari. Hedges and Szmodics, positioned behind the lone striker Gallagher, will be pivotal in creating chances.

Ipswich Town’s setup is likely to feature Hladky between the sticks, with a defensive quartet of Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Burgess, and Davis. The midfield battle will be manned by Morsy and Luongo, while Sarmiento, Hutchinson, and Broadhead provide the creative spark behind striker Moore.

Key Duels and Game Deciders

The midfield tussle, especially between Blackburn’s Tronstad and Ipswich’s Morsy, could dictate the game’s pace and control. Szmodics, Blackburn’s leading scorer, against Ipswich’s robust central defender Burgess, represents another fascinating duel, potentially influencing the game’s outcome.

Teams’ Dynamics and Strategies

Blackburn’s recent form highlights a team struggling for identity and efficacy in attack. Despite Szmodics’ goal-scoring exploits, Blackburn’s overall play has been lacklustre, marked by a tendency towards stalemates. Eustace’s defensive mindset has not translated into a secure backline, with Blackburn conceding a worrying number of goals.

Conversely, Ipswich have thrived under McKenna’s guidance. Their fluid attacking football, spearheaded by the likes of Al-Hamadi and Hutchinson, has overwhelmed opponents. However, their defensive record away from home, coupled with a historical inability to secure wins at Ewood Park, poses questions about their consistency.

Opinionated Analysis

John Eustace’s tenure at Blackburn has been underwhelming, with a marked inability to turn draws into victories. His cautious approach has stifled Blackburn’s creativity, making them overly reliant on Szmodics for moments of brilliance. Eustace must rethink his strategy, encouraging a more expansive play to secure the club’s Championship status.

Kieran McKenna, on the other hand, has instilled a belief and style in Ipswich that resonates with success. However, McKenna’s challenge lies in ensuring his team’s defensive solidity matches their offensive prowess, especially in high-stakes matches away from home.

Predictions

Best Bet: Ipswich Town To Win

Given the contrasting forms of both sides leading into this fixture, Ipswich Town’s superior attacking prowess and resilience positions them as the favourites. The Tractor Boys have showcased a remarkable ability to find the back of the net consistently, underlined by their impressive tally of 80 goals this season. Their dynamic and versatile attack, spearheaded by the likes of Kieffer Moore and Omari Hutchinson, has the capability to unlock even the most stubborn defences.

On the other side, Blackburn Rovers have struggled for consistency under John Eustace, with a worrying trend of draws and a notable difficulty in clinching wins. Their defensive frailties, having conceded 64 goals, make them particularly vulnerable against an Ipswich side that thrives on offensive fluidity. Therefore, despite Blackburn’s home advantage and the unpredictable nature of the Championship, Ipswich’s form and firepower render them the best bet for a win.

Correct Score Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-3 Ipswich Town

Predicting a 3-1 victory for Ipswich Town encapsulates the expected open nature of the game, with both teams likely to contribute to the scoreline. Ipswich, with the Championship’s most prolific attack, have demonstrated time and again their ability to outscore opponents in high-scoring affairs. Blackburn, despite their defensive issues, possess the threat in the final third, notably through Sammie Szmodics, the league’s top scorer.

This match-up is poised to be a closely contested battle, reflecting the desperation of Blackburn to pull away from the relegation zone and Ipswich’s ambition to cement their automatic promotion spot. The anticipated end-to-end play and vulnerability of Blackburn’s defence, coupled with Ipswich’s slight defensive lapses on the road, support a high-scoring outcome with Ipswich narrowly edging it.

Goalscorer Prediction: Sammie Szmodics to Score

Amid Blackburn’s turbulent season, Sammie Szmodics has been a shining light, leading the Championship goal-scoring charts with 21 goals. His remarkable knack for finding space and his clinical finishing make him a constant menace. Against an Ipswich side that prioritises attacking football, spaces are likely to open up, offering Szmodics opportunities to add to his tally.

Given the importance of this fixture for Blackburn and Szmodics’ role as their primary offensive weapon, it’s plausible to expect him to be at the heart of their attacking endeavours. His ability to score from open play and set-pieces alike adds an extra layer of threat, making him a prime candidate to find the net in this clash.

Corner Prediction: Total Corners Over 10, Ipswich Town to Earn More

The attacking philosophies of both teams suggest that this encounter will see a significant number of corners. Ipswich Town, with their emphasis on wide play and crossing, alongside Blackburn’s need to press forward in search of crucial points, sets the stage for a game rich in set-piece scenarios. Ipswich, in particular, has the quality from wide areas to force defensive actions that lead to corners.

Anticipating a total of over 10 corners throughout the match reflects the expected dynamic and attacking intent from both sides. Ipswich’s slightly superior technical quality in wide positions and their propensity to attack with volume indicate they are likely to win more corners, capitalising on Blackburn’s defensive vulnerabilities and their own tactical setup that leverages width and crosses.

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