Valerien Ismael is facing a midfield challenge as Blackburn Rovers gear up for their bid to secure back-to-back wins, a feat they have yet to achieve under his management. The team’s morale has been lifted by their comeback victory against Southampton, and they are looking to build on that momentum.
Currently, there are no new injury concerns affecting the squad, but the absence of Todd Cantwell, who remains unfit to return, means there will not be significant changes to the lineup. Ismael is expected to rely on the same defensive setup that has served the team well in recent matches. Balazs Toth will continue in goal, supported by defenders Lewis Miller, Scott Wharton, and Sean McLoughlin, with Ryan Alebiosu and Dion De Neve occupying the flanks.
In midfield, Sondre Tronstad and Taylor Gardner-Hickman are likely to retain their positions for the seventh consecutive game, while Axel Henriksson may join the fray in place of Ryoya Morishita to mirror the effective setup seen during their match at Coventry City.
Upfront, the pairing of Yuki Ohashi and Andri Gudjohnsen is anticipated to lead the attack once again, as they look to capitalize on the team’s recent form.
The predicted starting XI for Blackburn Rovers includes Toth; Miller, Wharton, McLoughlin; Alebiosu, Henriksson, Tronstad, Gardner-Hickman, De Neve; Ohashi, and Gudjohnsen. With the right strategy and continuity, Rovers aim to maintain their winning ways and enhance their performance as the season progresses.