Leicester City vs Blackburn Rovers: Betting Odds & Prediction

(Featured image: Alamy Images)

Written by: Bradley Walker

Newly-crowned champions Leicester City host a relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers side on the final weekend of the Championship on Saturday. 

The hosts secured the Championship title with a 3-0 win at Preston North End on Monday. Meanwhile, Blackburn's 0-0 home draw with Coventry last weekend leaves them within three points of the dreaded relegation zone. Kick-off is set for 12:30pm UK time at the King Power Stadium. 

Recent Form

Leicester City

A Jamie Vardy double helped seal a record eighth second division title for the Foxes on Monday evening, allowing them to bask in their glory in front of their home fans on Saturday afternoon. 

The Preston win was the fourteenth time Leicester have netted three or more goals in the Championship this season. Eight of these have occurred on home soil, with only two sides scoring more goals at home than Maresca's men this term. 

With a 77% win percentage in front of their home fans, it's difficult to back against the Foxes on Saturday. They have also won their last four at the King Power, netting 12 goals in the process. Averaging an almight expected goals (xG) tally of 1.93 on home turf, Leicester will be looking to add to their 89 goals scored against a Blackburn defence which has made habit of conceding chances on the road. 

Blackburn Rovers

John Eustace's side know a draw will be enough to maintain their Championship status for next season. Blackburn have recorded just one win in their last five though, and their survival prospects were severely dented by a 3-1 home loss to fellow strugglers Sheffield Wednesday two weeks ago. The point earned against Coventry wasn't a bad result when viewed in isolation but given the bigger picture of their position in the table, uncertainty as to whether they will still be in the second division next season is rife. 

Such concerns are only exacerbated by their visit to the league winners this weekend. Blackburn suffered a 4-1 home defeat to the Foxes earlier in the season, and also have one of the worse defensive records on the road; only three sides have conceded more than the 40 goals shipped by Rovers in away fixtures. 

Their tendency to give away chances is largely at fault. With an average expected goals against (xGA) tally of 1.82 on their travels, it's little wonder Rovers find themselves in a relegation dogfight on the final day. 

Prediction

Blackburn could avoid relegation even if they lose this match depending on results elsewhere, but a point will cement their position in the second division next term. Shutting out a rampant Leicester attack won't be easy, though. 

The Foxes' attacking output has been superb, particularly on home soil, evidenced in their 5-0 hammering of promotion-chasing Southampton at the King Power earlier this month. Blackburn have already conceded three or more goals in eight away matches so far this term, and OddsNow anticipate another high-scoring affair for Leicester ahead of their return to the Premier League next season. 

OddsNow's Pick: Leicester to score 2.5+ goals (7/4 @ PaddyPower)

 

Previous Next