Burnley vs Blackburn predictions: Rovers could get one over bitter rivals

William Maxwell
Spotlight
John Eustace's Blackburn have made a fantastic start to the Championship season
John Eustace's Blackburn have made a fantastic start to the Championship season

- Burnley have lost their last two in all competitions
- Blackburn have lost just one of their last six Championship away games
- Recommended bet:
Blackburn to win

Burnley and Blackburn both exited the Carabao Cup in midweek and the two East Lancashire rivals will be looking to bounce back with victory in the derby on Saturday.

The Clarets bowed out to Premier League opposition as they lost 2-0 at Wolves, a result that came on the back of a 1- defeat to Sunderland in the Championship last weekend in what was their first loss of the season.

Blackburn meanwhile were on the receiving end of a cup upset as second-half strikes from Jake Beesley and Hayden Coulson saw League One Blackpool win 2-1 at Ewood Park.

However, Rovers have been far more impressive in the Championship with seven points taken from a possible nine to start the campaign and they will be a force to be reckoned with at Turf Moor.

Team news

Luca Koleosho and Josh Cullen are unlikely to recover in time from knocks to feature in the derby for Scott Parker’s men, while the likes of Nathan Redmond, Aaron Ramsey and Hjalmar Ekdal also remain in the treatment room.

Striker Wout Weghorst is also on the verge of joining Ajax in a permanent deal, so Lyle Foster and Jay Rodriguez are expected to lead the line.

Blackburn boss John Eustace is unlikely to make too many changes to the side that beat Oxford 2-1 in their last Championship fixture.

Arnor Sigurdsson will be hoping to force his way into the starting XI after scoring from the bench in that encounter, while Japanese striker Yuki Ohashi will likely start up top once again for Rovers.

The stats

Blackburn have not beaten Burnley in a league fixture since 2010.

Burnley won just twice at Turf Moor in the Premier League last season.

Only Burnley (nine) have scored more goals in the Championship this season than Blackburn (eight).

The Clarets have conceded just two goals in the league this season — only Sunderland have conceded fewer (zero).

Prediction

After starting the season in impressive fashion — particularly given they lost last season’s top scorer Sammie Szmodics after their opening day win over Derby — Blackburn look good value to claim a first win over Burnley in more than 13 years.

Rovers have scored at least two goals in each Championship fixture this season while they have only lost one of their last six league away matches — a run that includes wins to nil at both Leeds United and last season’s champions Leicester.

Burnley started the season strongly but a number of core first-team players have departed Turf Moor for pastures new over recent weeks - including star midfielder Sander Berge, crucial defender Dara O’Shea and talented winger Wilson Odobert.

The exodus of talent could open the door for Blackburn and the visitors will feel that this is their best chance of a win over their bitter rivals in recent memory.

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