Blackburn vs Wigan preview, predictions & possible XIs
Blackburn Rovers will be looking to take a step closer to the play-off places when they face Wigan Athletic on Monday.
Tony Mowbray’s side have overcome a tough spell to win five of their past six games, jumping just 18th to ninth in the Championship table. That run included a 2-0 away win over Bristol City, who were fourth at the time.
Meanwhile, their opponents aren’t enjoying this season with Wigan sitting second from bottom, two points behind Luton Town in what would be the final safe spot.
Wigan are without a win in their past 10 games since a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on October 20 and have managed just four wins to date.
Read on for our Blackburn vs Wigan preview, team news, TV coverage information and more.
When is Blackburn vs Wigan and where can I watch live?
Competition: Championship
Venue: Ewood Park
Date: Monday, 23 December 2019
Kick-off: 7:45 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): Sky Sports Football
Last five meetings: Blackburn vs Wigan
12 March 2019: Blackburn 3-0 Wigan (Championship)
28 November 2018: Wigan 3-1 Blackburn (Championship)
04 March 2018: Blackburn 2-2 Wigan (League One)
28 October 2017: Wigan 0-0 Blackburn (League One)
04 March 2017: Blackburn 1-0 Wigan (Championship)
Aggregate Score: Blackburn (WLDDW) 7-5 Wigan (LWDDL)
Ones to watch
Blackburn: Bradley Dack
Very much Blackburn’s man of the past few seasons, Bradley Dack has been back to his best in the Championship.
The Englishman has missed just one game for Rovers across all competitions this season, having served a suspension against Bristol City last weekend.
Dack is Rovers’ top scorer in the Championship this season with nine goals and his performances have seen him linked with a move away.
Key stat: Bradley Dack has been directly involved in 10 Championship goals this season, scoring nine and recording one assist.
Wigan: Jamie Jones
If Wigan are to frustrate Blackburn and at least come away from Ewood Park with a draw, then they need Jamie Jones to perform.
The 30-year-old has come in for David Marshall in recent games, but hasn’t really been able to help turn Wigan’s poor form around so far. In his three Championship appearances, Jones has conceded five goals and is yet to keep a clean sheet.
But with Wigan struggling in front of goal, Jones keeping a first clean sheet is their best chance of a result on Monday.
Key stat: Jamie Jones has averaged 1.7 saves per 90 minutes in the Championship this season.
Team news
Blackburn
Blackburn made six changes ahead of last weekend’s win over Bristol City and Mowbray is likely to alter his starting XI once more, closely mirroring his strongest side.
Stewart Downing is expected to continue at left-back having started four games in a row in that position prior to being rested against Bristol City. Bradley Dack is also back after suspension and will go straight back into the team.
Predicted XI: Walton; Nyambe, Lenihan, Adarabioyo, Downing; Evans, Travis; Armstrong, Dack, Rothwell; Graham.
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Wigan
Paul Cook has a decision to make in defence ahead of Monday’s game with Chey Dunkley returning from suspension. Kai Naismith has started in Dunkley’s place and will be hoping to retain his spot.
Charlie Mulgrew and Danny Fox are out, while David Marshall is a doubt in goal.
Predicted XI: Jones; Byrne, Naismith, Kipre, Robinson; Evans, Morsy; Massey, Windass, Jacobs; Lowe.
Squawka prediction
Two sides in contrasting form, all signs point to a Blackburn win this gameweek. Rovers are on the up and will be keen to get closer to the Premier League after years of struggles, which included relegation to League One.
Dack’s influence will be key in keeping the run going, while Wigan’s poor form in front of goal could also count against them.
Scoreline prediction: Blackburn 2-0 Wigan
Check out more of Squawka’s betting tips here.
