Our prediction for this Championship match:
Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers face each other in a highly-anticipated Championship game at Bet365 Stadium. The Potters aim to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to Bristol City, and they are likely to fight tooth and nail against the Riversiders. Sam Surridge misses out through suspension, while all Harry Souttar, Abdallah Sima, Sam Clucas, and Nick Powell are out of contention with injuries.
Blackburn, on the other hand, aim to build on a thrilling 4-0 win over Peterborough. Given the Riversiders’ attacking potential, we believe that punters from all four corners of the world can find value in betting on both teams to score. In their last meeting in the English second tier the two teams played out a 1-1 draw, which is yet another reason why this betting option should be considered. Jan Paul van Hecke is banned, while both Ian Poveda and Bradley Dack are sidelined with injuries.
Highlighted Player (Steven Fletcher):
Steven Fletcher is a professional footballer who plays for Sheffield Wednesday. After ending his loan spell with Marseille, he joined the Owls on a free transfer in July 2016. Steven Fletcher was born in Shrewsbury, England on 26 March, 1987 and he began his youth career at Hibernian.
He made his debut for the Scottish outfit on 10 April, 2004 in a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock. After spending three years at Burnley and Wolverhampton Fletcher signed a four-year deal with Sunderland for a fee of £12 million. The left-footed attacker scored 11 goals in 28 appearances for the Black Cats in the 2012/2013 Premier League campaign and he was struggling in front of goal in the 2013/2014 season, scoring no more than three league goals.
Steven Fletcher was eligible to play for both England and Scotland, but he decided to represent his mother’s home country. Fletcher made his Scotland debut in March 2008, in a friendly against Croatia. He did well to provide an assist for Kenny Miller, who scored the equaliser for the Scotts (1-1).
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.