Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United meet in the Championship on Tuesday night with both sides in need of all three points.
Blackburn Rovers welcome Sheffield United to Ewood Park as they go in search of a much-needed win.
Pressure is growing on manager Valerien Ismael amid a poor 2025/26 campaign to date. The momentum of a solid end to last season quickly waned and despite being backed with a squad revamp over the summer transfer window, results have been hard to come by for Rovers.
After losing 2-0 to high-flying Coventry City on Saturday afternoon, Ismael’s side have slipped into the bottom three. Two wins in nine games is a real cause for concern in Lancashire.
Image courtesy of: LEE SMITH/REUTERS.
As for Sheffield United, they’re below Blackburn Rovers in the Championship table. However, after a crucial win on Saturday, they’ll be out to maintain some momentum in this one.
Chris Wilder oversaw his second win since returning to the club as his side defeated Javi Gracia’s Watford 1-0. A second-half goal from Callum O’Hare was enough to claim a vital three points.
Callum O’Hare’s 2025/26 stats – via Transfermarkt
The Blades are 23rd after eight defeats in 10 games, but they’ll hope Saturday’s win marks the start of an upward turn.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“In all honesty, it’s looking pretty bleak for Blackburn Rovers.
“They can rue that abandoned game against Ipswich Town all they want, but they’ve been unconvincing all season. Barring the odd bright display – often inspired by Todd Cantwell – they’ve been really poor this campaign, and I struggle to see where an improved run of form comes from.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
“Despite their own hardship, it means this marks a big opportunity for Sheffield United and Chris Wilder. They weren’t able to follow up their first Championship win with a result, but they have a great chance to do so after their second.
“I think this is going to be a game of pretty low attacking quality, so one moment could make the difference. In that scenario, I’ve got more faith it comes from the visitors.”
Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Sheffield United
Harry Mail
“Blackburn Rovers are struggling for results at the moment. Rovers need to turn their fortunes around quick or pressure could start to grow on Valerien Ismael.
“They saw key players like Tyrhys Dolan, Lewis Travis and Dom Hyam leave in the summer. The Lancashire outfit don’t seem to have replaced them adequately.
“Sheffield United will be relieved to have beaten Watford last time out. SUFC will want to make it two wins on the spin now.
“The Blades have endured a tough start to the season and will be hoping to have turned a corner now. I think they may get the three points here at Ewood Park.”
Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Sheffield United