Recent Form & Head-to-Head
Blackburn has been struggling of late, especially under their new head coach, Valérien Ismaël. The team has failed to win in their last six matches, including all five matches under Ismaël’s tenure. Their most recent defeat was a 1-0 loss to Portsmouth, which has further complicated their playoff aspirations. Despite these challenges, Blackburn’s form at home has been relatively better compared to their overall record this season, with 10 wins, three draws, and six losses from 19 matches at Ewood Park.
In contrast, Middlesbrough has shown much more resilience recently, with manager Michael Carrick guiding the team to a solid run of form. They have won four of their last six matches, including a 2-1 victory over Oxford United last time out. Despite struggling on the road in 2025, with just two wins from their last eight away matches, they remain in a strong position to challenge for the playoffs. Middlesbrough sit five points above Blackburn in the standings, but a defeat could significantly dampen their chances of securing promotion.
When it comes to the head-to-head between these two sides, Blackburn has had the upper hand recently. They are unbeaten in their last four encounters with Middlesbrough and have won three of the last five meetings. The most recent clash, in January 2025, saw Blackburn claim a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough, with Dominic Hyam scoring the only goal of the match.
Player News
Blackburn has a number of injuries that will affect their team selection. Andreas Weimann, who scored the winner in their FA Cup encounter against Middlesbrough earlier this year, is out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. Additionally, Augustus Kargbo and Emmanuel Dennis are sidelined with hamstring injuries. There are also concerns over several other players, with Callum Brittain (calf), Harry Leonard, Zak Gilsenan, and Scott Wharton all out for extended periods. Owen Beck and Hayden Carter are further doubts for this match due to fresh injuries sustained in their last defeat to Portsmouth, with both facing late fitness tests ahead of the game.
Middlesbrough, too, has a list of absentees heading into this match. Goalkeepers Sol Brynn and Seny Dieng are both unavailable, while Dael Fry and George Edmundson are doubtful due to injuries to their calves and ankles, respectively. The visitors will also be missing Luke Ayling, Darragh Lenihan, Alex Bangura, and Ben Doak, who are all sidelined for this fixture.
Stats Watch
The stats reveal an intriguing contrast between these two teams. Blackburn’s offensive record is modest, with only 42 goals scored this season, which ranks them in the lower half of the league. Their defensive record, however, is solid, with 41 goals conceded, which places them 7th in the Championship for defensive strength.
Middlesbrough, on the other hand, boasts one of the most potent attacks in the league, having scored 59 goals so far—only Leeds United and Norwich City have scored more. However, their defensive record is not as strong as Blackburn’s, with 49 goals conceded, ranking them 11th in the league.
In terms of discipline, Blackburn has been one of the most aggressive teams this season, committing the most fouls in the league, with an average of 11.3 fouls per match. In contrast, Middlesbrough is the least disciplined team in terms of yellow cards, having received just 56 yellow cards in the season, an average of 1.2 per match.
Conclusion
This match represents a critical opportunity for both teams to solidify their position in the playoff race. For Blackburn, a victory is vital to keeping their slim promotion hopes alive. After a series of disappointing results, Ismaël’s side must find a way to halt their poor run of form and capitalize on their home advantage. However, with key injuries and the recent lack of form, their task will not be easy.
For Middlesbrough, this game presents a chance to secure a vital three points and further strengthen their playoff position. Although they have struggled on the road this year, their attacking prowess—led by players like Samuel Iling Junior and Kelechi Iheanacho—means they can still pose a significant threat. A win here would not only boost their confidence but also apply pressure on West Bromwich Albion, who are just ahead in the standings.
Given the recent form and Blackburn’s strong head-to-head record against Middlesbrough, this encounter is shaping up to be a hard-fought contest, with both teams desperate for a win. The absence of key players on both sides makes predicting the outcome even more difficult, but one thing is for sure—this is a must-win game for both clubs in their pursuit of a playoff spot.