Blackburn vs Portsmouth

Relegation-threatened Portsmouth travel to Ewood Park on Wednesday for a crucial Championship clash against Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn sit seventh in the table, just one point outside the playoff spots, while Pompey hover above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Match Preview

Blackburn Rovers have struggled in the league since their six-game winning streak was snapped by a 1-0 loss to Millwall. Since then, they’ve managed draws against Sunderland and Leeds United, either side of a 1-0 home defeat to Hull City, before suffering another narrow loss to rivals Burnley at Ewood Park.

However, John Eustace’s side responded well in the FA Cup, securing a 1-0 victory over fellow Championship side Middlesbrough thanks to Andreas Weimann’s decisive goal, ending their five-game winless streak.

Now, Blackburn shift their focus back to the league, knowing that a win on Wednesday would propel them into the top six. Rovers haven’t faced Portsmouth since February 2018, but they can take confidence from their strong head-to-head record, having won four of the last five meetings between the sides.

The first goal could be crucial—Blackburn have won 10 of their 12 league matches this season when scoring first (W10, D2).

Portsmouth’s Struggles Continue

Unlike their hosts, Portsmouth endured a disappointing FA Cup third-round exit, losing 2-0 away to League One side Wycombe Wanderers.

Although the early cup exit was a setback, it allows Pompey to fully focus on their Championship survival fight for the remainder of the campaign.

Portsmouth currently sit 21st in the league, having won just five of their 24 matches (W5, D8, L11), with only goals scored keeping them above 22nd-placed Hull City.

Improving their away form will be key to staying up—Pompey have won just one of their 13 Championship away games this season (D4, L8) and have lost six of their last eight on the road, including each of their last four away league matches.

As they head to Ewood Park, Portsmouth will be desperate to halt their poor form and pick up valuable points in their fight for survival.