Blackburn Rovers return to Ewood Park this afternoon when Sheffield Wednesday become our latest opponents as we seek to extend The Championship unbeaten run.
The never say die attitude of Rovers saw us claim a dramatic injury-time point in the 1-1 draw at The Riverside Stadium against Middlesbrough last Saturday afternoon but Gary Bowyer (and we’ll all) be hopeful of a little something more this afternoon, however, extending the unbeaten run to ten matches would be the main thing.
Rovers are very much the team in form over most recent matches with Sheffield Wednesday as their win against us (3-2 at Hillsborough) in April 2013 was the only time they’ve beaten us in a competitive match since 1999 (that’s just one win in nine matches) and we’ve won four or the last five at Ewood Park last losing against The Owls in The Premier League (February 1999) 4-1. The last meeting was another of our thrilling end of season matches, however, this 3-3 draw (a number of high scoring draws) was one of those that just stopped us from succeeding in our late surge towards the play-offs.
Unbeaten since the 2-0 defeat to Rotherham United on the 30th of September (stretching nine matches) and with three wins from our last five at Ewood Park (last losing at home against Derby County on the 17th of September) it’s looking good for Rovers.
Sheffield Wednesday on the other hand won for only the first time in twelve competitive matches when they beat Wigan Athletic (2-1) at Hillsborough last weekend with their last away win (2-0 at Birmingham City) coming on the 16th of September. They’ve not won any of their last six away matches, however, they’ve drawn four of them!!
Grant Hanley had to go off against Middlesbrough, however, the skipper will be given the best possible chance by Bowyer to prove that he’ll be fit enough to be involved. Tom Cairney’s served his suspension so will be hoping for an instant recall. Tommy Spurr’s injury problems go on with a “minor operation” taking place on his groin problem so his comeback is delayed again with Jason Lowe (foot) and Josh King (back) still unavailable along with Matt Kilgallon (knee).
Bowyer’s biggest call will could be the one on Simon Eastwood in goal (after his superb performance) after he filled in for Jason Steele against Middlesbrough when Steele couldn’t face the side he’s on loan from, does he return or not?? Almost a damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t moment!!
Sheffield Wednesday defender Joe Mattock could be back after a month out with an ankle injury but he’ll have to dislodge Jeremy Helan. Caolan Lavery (after a knee injury) made his first appearance of the season against Wigan Athletic last week. Jose Semedo (suspended), Giles Coke (Achilles), Sam Hutchinson (knee), Lewis Buxton and Kamil Zayatte (hamstring) will all miss out due to suspension, or mainly injury.
If Rovers are going to make The Championship play-offs this season (at least) we’ll need extended unbeaten runs like this up to ten (or more) and will also need to win home matches like this one. Past history shouldn’t cloud the judgement, however, I’m going to be bold and say we’ll extend the run to ten matches.
I’m not going to say if I think it’ll be done with a draw or a win as I’m worried about jinxing it!!
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