Blackburn Rovers FC vs Stoke City FC Prediction: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals

Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City will square off in the Championship on Saturday afternoon at Ewood Park with both teams trying to get out of the relegation zone in the second division. The Potters were destroyed by league leaders Leicester City, while Rovers lost their most recent game 2-1 to relegation opponents Queens Park Rangers.

The 47-year-old Dane's time as Blackburn Rovers manager looks to be coming to an end. He allegedly submitted his resignation following the team's appalling on-field circumstances and a disastrous end to the January transfer window. Duncan McGuire, an Orlando City striker, flew from America to England a few days before the deadline, spending his 21st birthday in Lancashire trying to push a deal to join Rovers over the line. However, Saturday's hosts were unable to obtain a much-needed centre forward owing to an administrative blunder.

After Stoke City's hard-earned 1-0 victory against basement-dwelling Rotherham United on January 13, the team has lost three straight Championship games, marring Steven Schumacher's otherwise successful first season as head coach of the Staffordshire side. Since February 2015, the Potters have not lost in their previous five trips to Ewood Park. In the 2022 - 23 season, a goal in the first half from Lewis Baker, a former Chelsea player, was sufficient to give Alex Neil's team victory at Blackburn's home.

Can Stoke return to winning ways?

With 17 games remaining, Blackburn Rovers are only five points above the relegation spots in 18th position with 33 points. Blackburn's winless run now stands at eight (Wins 0 Draws 2 Losses 6), as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Queens Park Rangers in their most recent Championship game. This season, Szmodics' performances have been crucial for Blackburn. With 16 goals, tied for the highest in the league in 2023–2024, the offensive midfielder leads the team in scoring. In fifteen Championship games at Ewood Park this season, Blackburn has five victories, two draws, and eight defeats. Blackburn has lost four games and drew two.

In their most recent Championship game, Stoke City suffered their third straight defeat at the hands of Leicester City, losing 5-0 at bet365 Stadium. With 32 points, they are now ranked 20th. With 16 games left, the Potters are only four points above the relegation zone. Stoke City's top scorers so far this season are André Vidigal with five, Ryan Mmaee with three, and Luke Cundle with three goals. This season, Stoke had four wins, four ties, and seven losses in its travel league games. In contrast, Stoke has had six games in which they have won one, drawn two, and lost three.

In their most recent Championship game, Stoke City suffered their third straight defeat at the hands of Leicester City, losing 5-0 at bet365 Stadium. With 32 points, they are now ranked 20th. With 16 games left, the Potters are only four points above the relegation zone. Stoke City's top scorers so far this season are André Vidigal with five, Ryan Mmaee with three, and Luke Cundle with three goals. This season, Stoke had four wins, four ties, and seven losses in its travel league games. 

Due to their recent struggles with results, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City will be looking for a boost going into the weekend. On paper, though, both teams are evenly matched, and we predict that both teams will score.