Our prediction for this Championship match:
Buoyed by a 3-1 win over Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers will be looking to move closer to the playoffs berth when they take on Preston on Matchday 16. The Seasiders have been in a fine form of late, with the team winning four of their last five league matches and it is no wonder the odds for home triumph have been dropping. Even though defender Scott Wharton misses out through suspension, home win should be considered as Jon Dahl Tomasson’s troops are high on confidence ahead of Friday’s showdown.
The Lilywhites, on the other hand, defeated Coventry at home in their last league match, but given their three-game losing run on the road, home win should definitely be considered this time out. The likes of Greg Cunningham, Jack Whatmough, Alistair McCann, Andrew Hughes, Calvin Ramsay, and Emil Riis Jakobsen should miss out with injuries for the visiting team.
Highlighted Player (Greg Cunningham):
Greg Cunningham is a product of Manchester City football academy. Irish footballer, who was born on January 31, 1991 in Galway, though, made no more than two appearances for Manchester City in the Premier League. After ending his loan spells with Leicester City and Nottingham Forest the defender moved to Bristol City in 2012 and he played for the Robins from 2012 to 2015.
Creg Cunningham did well to win the Football League Trophy with Bristol City in the 2014/2015 season, but at the end of the season he moved to Preston North End. The Irish footballer has established himself as a first-team regular at Preston and it has to be noted that he was appointed captain of the team on July 24, 2017.
Speaking of his international career, Greg Cunningham made his debut for Republic of Ireland on May 28, 2010 in a 3-0 win over Algeria. His main position is left-back, but he is capable of playing as a centre-back if needed as well.
Highlighted Team (Blackburn Rovers):
Blackburn Rovers have been trying to return to the Premier League ever since they dropped to the Championship in 2012. The Riversiders compete in the English second tier and they play their home games at Ewood Park. Blackburn were founded back in 1875 and they are one of the founding members of the Football League (1888).
Burnley are considered Blackburn’s main rivals and the two teams square off against each other in the East Lancashire derby. It has to be noted that Blackburn Burnley 7-1 in their first ever meeting in the East Lancashire Derby on 3 November, 1888. The Riversiders have won three First Division (Premier League) trophies (1911/1912, 1913/1914, 1994/1995).
Blackburn Rovers have clinched six FA Cup titles as well. Speaking of the club’s European success, the Riversiders won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2007. The colour of Blackburn’s home kit is blue and white.