The Rovers edged past Sheffield United 1-0 last Saturday, while the hosts are heading into the match on the back of a dominant 5-1 victory over Sunderland, on the same day.
Blackburn Rovers will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to 12 games across all competitions, when they travel to Bet 365 Stadium to take on Stoke City in an EFL Championship fixture on Friday night. The Rovers edged past Sheffield United 1-0 last Saturday, while the hosts are heading into the match on the back of a dominant 5-1 victory over Sunderland, on the same day. The Potters are currently occupying 16th spot in the English second tier standings, having collected 43 points from 35 games, 11 clear of the relegation zone. The visitors, meanwhile, are sitting at the fourth position, with 58 points to their name, nine adrift of second-placed Sheffield United.
🗣️ Jon Dahl Tomasson is speaking to RoversTV and local media ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to Stoke City.
🧵 Updates to follow…#Rovers 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/PRfiUF8vp4
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) March 9, 2023
The Rovers are in stunning form, having won their last five outings in all competitions. Last time out, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side got the better of the Blades at Ewood Park, thanks to Harry Pickering’s lone goal inside the opening five minutes. The Riversiders have pocketed 16 points from their last eight league-matches, while conceding only four goals during that period. Meanwhile, Blackburn will make a trip to the Blades later this month for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Stoke City, on the other hand, demolished Sunderland last weekend, courtesy of Josh Laurent’s first-half effort and second-half brace from Tyrese Campbell and Dwight Gayle at the Stadium of Light. It was their 12th second tier victory of the season. The Potters are sitting 12 points adrift of the playoffs, therefore head coach Alex Neil might already be casting one eye to the make-up for his squad next season. Meanwhile Stoke City have collected seven points from their most recent four matches at Bet 365 stadium.
Stoke City goalkeeper Matija Sarkichas been ruled out for the season, while defender Ben Wilmot and Ben Pearson are doubtful for Friday’s game having suffered injuries during the win at Sunderland. Gayle might continue to lead the line, with Smallbone operating behind him in a free-role. As for Blackburn, Thomas Kaminski and Daniel Ayala are sidelined with injuries. Gallagher might spearhead the atack, with Thomas, Szmodics and Dolan in support.
Stoke City Probable line-up: Bonham, Hoever, Jagielka, Fox, Sterling, Pearson, Laurent, Brown, Smallbone, Campbell, Gayle
Blackburn Rovers Probable line-up: Pears, Rankin-Costello, Carter, Hyam, Pickering, Travis, Buckley, Thomas, Szmodics, Dolan, Gallagher
Stoke City
Opponents | Score |
Sunderland | 1-5 (W) |
Brighton | 0-1 (L) |
Millwall | 0-1 (L) |
Swansea | 1-3 (W) |
Blackpool | 1-0 (L) |
Blackburn Rovers
Opponents | Score |
Sheffield United | 1-0 (W) |
Leicester | 1-2 (W) |
QPR | 1-3 (W) |
Blackpool | 1-0 (W) |
Swansea | 1-0 (W) |
Last 5 match-results | Score |
Stoke City beat Blackburn | 0-1 |
Stoke City beat Blackburn | 0-1 |
Blackburn beat Stoke City | 0-1 |
Blackburn draw Stoke City | 1-1 |
Stoke City beat Blackburn | 1-0 |
The EFL Championship match between Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers will take place at Bet365 Stadium on Saturday at 1:30 am IST.
Stoke City vs Blackburn Rovers | Key Details |
Date | March 10 (UK) |
Venue | Bet 365 Stadium |
Kickoff time in UK | 8:00 pm (Thursday) |
Kickoff time in India | 1:30 am (Friday) |
The live telecast of the EFL Championship match between Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers can be seen on Sky Go Extra and Sky sports Football in the UK.