Our prediction for this Championship match:
Middlesbrough will be aiming to build on a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest when they host Blackburn Rovers at Riverside Stadium on Matchday 26. The Boro quickly bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Birmingham City, with the team recording their fifth away win of the season at the weekend. Middlesbrough aim to regain their spot in top six, but they will have to do it without injured trio Browne – Fletcher – Hall.
A man to keep an eye on in the home team will be experienced attacker Britt Assombalonga, who scored the winner in the midweek clash. The Riversiders did well to beat Birmingham City in their last away game, but they generally struggle on the travels. Since Middlesbrough produced a fine display in the triumph over Forest, we predict that the visitors are going to return home empty-handed. The likes of Bennett, Evans, Rankin-Costello, Wharton, and Williams are all out of contention through injuries.
Highlighted Player (Britt Assombalonga):
Over the years Britt Assombalonga has established himself as one of the best attackers in the Championship. If it wasn’t for injuries, Assombalonga would be producing much better showings in the English second tier, but he still makes life difficult for the opposition defenders at this level.
The DR Congo international, who was born in Kinshasa on December 6, 1992, starting his youth career at Watford. The pacey forward made only 4 appearances for the Hornets in the league before spending a couple of seasons on loan at Wealdstone, Braintree Town and Southend United. In July, 2013 Assombalonga joined Peterborough United, breaking the club’s previous transfer record (£1.1 million).
After scoring 23 goals in 43 appearances for the Posh, Britt Assombalonga moved to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2014, signing a five-year contract with the Reds for an undisclosed fee. Three years later Assombalonga moved to Middlesbrough and he has been playing for the Riverside Stadium ever since.
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.