Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Sheffield United - prediction, team news, lineups

Blackburn Rovers play host to Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon looking to bounce back from their demoralising 7-0 defeat to Fulham earlier this week.

The Blades travel to their 12th-placed opponents on the back of claiming a point at Nottingham Forest, a result which has left them in 16th position in the Championship standings.

Match preview

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Having witnessed Rovers record their heaviest home league defeat in their entire history, Tony Mowbray knows that he has work to do in order to lift the mood at Ewood Park.

Rovers were already two goals behind against Fulham when Jan Paul van Hecke was deservedly sent off for a high challenge on the halfway line, a rush of blood which played its part in five goals being shipped during the second half.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding their capitulation, Mowbray will be aware that his players need a response on Saturday to avoid the frustration of their most recent defeat lingering during the international break.

There have been more positives than negatives of late, too, with Rovers still collecting 12 points from their last six Championship fixtures.

Despite dropping down to mid-table, Blackburn only sit two points adrift of fifth-placed Queens Park Rangers.

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Slavisa Jokanovic will no doubt be disappointed with Sheffield United's recent form, the Blades picking up five fewer points than their hosts over the same period.

The Serbian will not be glancing down at the teams below them while Sheffield United remain eight points above the relegation zone, but there is an urgency about needing to reduce the gap to the playoffs.

Six points in a league such as the Championship is nothing in the grand scheme of things, although Jokanovic will argue that the Yorkshire club need to build momentum having only recorded successive victories on one occasion this season.

Morgan Gibbs-White continues to prove to be an inspired loan addition, the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder netting his fourth goal of the campaign during the 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.

Team News

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If Daniel Ayala fails to shake off a calf injury, Hayden Carter is expected to deputise for Van Hecke in the Blackburn defence.

Further alterations are expected with Sam Gallagher potentially being in a position to return in attack after a knock.

Leighton Clarkson is an alternative in midfield with Mowbray likely to consider introducing fresh legs.

Billy Sharp could return to the Sheffield United XI, taking the place of Lys Mousset in attack.

Iliman Ndiaye may also come back into the side, Rhian Brewster the most likely to drop out with Gibbs-White moving back out wide.

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:
Kaminski; Nyambe, Lenihan, Carter, Edun; Travis, Clarkson, Rothwell; Dolan, Gallagher, Brereton Diaz

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Olsen; Bogle, Basham, Egan, Stevens; Norwood, Fleck; Gibbs-White, Ndiaye, Osborn; Sharp

We say: Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Sheffield United

Neither team will want to head into the international break on the back of another defeat, and that could lead to a low-scoring game. While the visitors are more in need of maximum points, we expect Blackburn to claim a share of the spoils.

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