Eighth placed Blackburn Rovers host 16th placed Blackpool on Saturday 9th April 2022 in the EFL Championship. In the reverse fixture back in October 2021, it was Blackpool who came out on top with a 2-1 win. In that game, goals from Shayne Lavery and Jerry Yates were enough for Blackpool. Coming into this game, Blackburn drew 2-2 with Coventry City, and Blackpool lost 0-1 away at Preston.
Blackburn come into this game back off a 2-2 draw with Coventry City. Bradley Dack and Scott Wharton scored for Blackburn in that game. This draw means Blackburn have a record of 17 wins, 11 draws, and 12 losses with a goal difference of +11. Blackburn have overperformed defensively, as xGA shows that Blackburn were expected to let in 44 goals, but they have let in three fewer. This defensive overperformance is why Blackburn still have a chance to make the promotion play-offs mathematically.
Seen above is the shot map of Blackburn Rovers this season. The team has a shot accuracy of 39.1%. Blackburn have rarely missed big chances close to the six-yard box. However, they have relied on Diaz to score the goals for them as he has scored nearly 40% of the team’s goals. With him out injured, the rest of the team must see this as an opportunity to score many goals and help Blackburn to the play-off spots.
This season, Joe Rothwell is Blackburn’s most successful threat creator from set-pieces, particularly with his corners. Unsurprisingly, he is the team’s leading assist provider this season. From open play, John Buckley has taken charge of creating threats for Blackburn this season.
Blackpool lost 0-1 away at Preston coming into this game. It was their second consecutive loss. This defeat leaves Blackpool with a record of 14 wins, 10 draws, and 15 losses to their name. xG predicted Blackpool to score 50 goals so far this season, but actually, they have netted only 43 goals this season.
This underperformance in attack from Blackpool can be seen in the above chart. Blackpool have scored 0.99 goals per game against an xG of 1.18 per game. In the former, they rank in the bottom half and in the latter, they are ranked just above average. Creatively, Blackpool have struggled this season, ranking in the 53rd percentile or below in key passes per game, smart passes per game, and through balls per game.
This match is between an overachieving defence of Blackburn and an underperforming attack of Blackpool. Blackburn will want to win this game to give themselves a bigger chance to compete in the promotion play-offs, and Blackpool will look to solidify their mid-table status with a win.
