Blackburn vs Plymouth predictions: Patient approach could pay off for Rovers

- Eight of Blackburn's last 12 league matches were level at half-time
- Plymouth have lost four of their last five league games to nil
- Recommended bet: Tie/Blackburn Half Time/Full Time

Blackburn and Plymouth are two of the clubs involved in a compelling battle to avoid Championship relegation this season and the pair meet at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Both clubs are level on 40 points after 36 matches, leaving them just two points above the relegation zone at the start of the latest round of fixtures.

Rovers have found wins hard to come by under new manager John Eustace but they face an Argyle side who have lost four of their last five league games without scoring a goal.

Team news

Blackburn's Ryan Hedges and Sondre Tronstad face fitness tests and Callum Brittain is likely to join Hayden Carter, John Fleck, Harry Leonard and Joe Rankin-Costello on the sidelines.

Goalkeeper Aynsley Pears is expected to return after missing the midweek draw with Millwall due to illness.

Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie overcame a knock to play in Tuesday's defeat at Sheffield Wednesday so the visitors have no fresh injury concerns. Midfielder Jordan Houghton and wing-back Bali Mumba are hoping for recalls.

The stats

Blackburn have drawn four of their last five Championship matches.

Both teams have scored in 15 of Rovers' 18 home league games this season.

Eight of Blackburn's last 12 league matches were level at half-time.

Plymouth have lost four of their last five league games to nil.

Only two of Argyle's 10 Championship victories this season have come away from home.

Four of Plymouth's last six league matches were goalless at half-time.

Prediction

Just two points cover the eight teams immediately above bottom club Rotherham in the Championship so Saturday's clash between Blackburn and Plymouth is a crucial game for both sides.

The Pilgrims, last season's League One champions, enjoyed a solid run of midwinter form, losing only once in nine games – a 2-1 defeat away to promotion-chasing Southampton.

Manager Steven Schumacher's departure to Stoke was always going to have an impact on Plymouth, however, and they have been dragged into trouble by a poor run of form.

Three of their last four defeats came against top-six clubs Leeds, West Brom and Ipswich but they went down 1-0 at lowly Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

Blackburn have drawn four of their last five league games, also losing on penalties to Newcastle after a tight FA Cup tie at Ewood Park, and they may need to be patient before breaking down their visitors.

Plymouth's last three league defeats have been goalless at half-time so the tie-Blackburn selection looks a good bet in the Half Time/Full Time market.

Back Tie/Blackburn Half Time/Full Time at 7/2 with LiveScore Bet

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