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The EFL Championship returns with a fresh set of fixtures as Blackburn Rovers host Sunderland on Thursday. The two sides are separated by six points and one place in the upper echelons of the standings.
Blackburn were guilty of a lethargic display on Saturday, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Millwall at the Den. Before that, John Eustace’s men were on a run of six back-to-back victories in the league, scoring nine goals and keeping five clean sheets.
Despite last weekend’s result, it has been a solid first half of the season for Blackburn, who have picked up 37 points from 21 games to sit fifth in the standings, six points and a place behind Sunderland.
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The visitors continued their quest to reclaim top spot in the standings with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Norwich City last time out. The Black Cats have gone four matches without defeat, winning three, since a 1-0 loss to leaders Sheffield United last month.
Sunderlandm though, have won one of their last six visits to Ewood Park since November 2008.
Blackburn Rovers vs Sunderland Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Sunderland have 64 wins from their last 147 meetings with Blackburn, losing 52, since their first meeting in January 1890.
- Sunderland have lost one of their last seven away matches, picking up three wins.
- Blackburn have seven wins in their last 10 Championship home games this season, losing twice.
Blackburn Rovers vs Sunderland Prediction
Their last seven meetings have produced a combined 23 goals, so anticipate an action-packed Boxing Day clash. After a rough patch, Sunderland have upped the ante in recent weeks, but expect Blackburn to hold out for a share of the spoils.
Prediction: Blackburn 2-2 Sunderland
Blackburn Rovers vs Sunderland Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals - Yes (There have been at least three goals scored in five of their last seven meetings.)
Tip 3: Both sides to score - Yes (Both sides have scored in four of Sunderland’s last five matches.)
