Blackburn Rovers vs Southampton: Betting Odds & Prediction
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Blackburn Rovers play host to promotion-chasing Southampton at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon.
The home side look to distance themselves from the dreaded relegation zone, while Southampton hope to bounce back from their dramatic 3-2 loss at Ipswich Town on Monday.
Southampton secured a 4-1 home victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Kick-off is set for 3pm UK time.
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Blackburn Rovers
John Eustace's side will be looking to build on a resounding 5-1 victory away at Sunderland last time out. Blackburn have struggled for consistency this season, but boast the division's leading scorer in Sammie Szmodics, who has already bagged 28 goals this term.
They have still struggled for form at home though, winning just 30% of their fixtures at Ewood Park so far. Rovers have averaged just 1.15 points per game at home, and have recorded just one win in their last five there (W1, D3, L1).
Despite Szmodics' contributions, they've only averaged 1.3 goals scored per home game, though they've failed to score in only 15% of those fixtures. Defensively, Rovers have averaged 1.55 goals conceded at home, and have managed a clean sheet in just 5% of their home games.
Southampton
The away side have fared well in away matches, averaging 1.84 points per game heading into this weekend's match. They've won three of their last five on the road, but have been wounded by damaging losses to fellow promotion-chasing Ipswich and relegation-threatened Birmingham City.
They've created a wealth of chances on the road with an average expected goal (xG) tally of 1.82 per game, resulting in an average of 1.52 goals scored. They've also failed to score in just 5% of fixtures, and have bagged at least two in 47%.
Southampton have conceded slightly more in away games (1.37 per match) than at home (1.34), and have conceded in 84% of away fixtures so far. 32% have seen them concede two or more.
Prediction
We expect the away side to continue their push for automatic promotion with a hard-earned victory this weekend. Blackburn have made habit of conceding and face a Southampton side who have scored in practically every away fixture they've played so far.
The home side's attacking output, despite Szmodics' contributions, shouldn't be enough to prevent Russell Martin's side securing the three points.