Having thrashed Harrogate Town 8-0 in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers travel to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle in the Championship on Saturday.
Key Takeaways
- Blackburn recorded the biggest away win in their 148-year history on Wednesday
- Meanwhile, Plymouth were beaten 4-2 by Premier League side Crystal Palace
- Rovers lead the Pilgrims by three points in the Championship table
Blackburn were expected to get past League Two Harrogate in the EFL Cup, but nobody expected Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men to score eight goals in a single game for the first time since Boxing Day 1963. Naturally, Plymouth will be eager to keep Rovers quiet on Saturday.
Plymouth Argyle Form
Leading 2-0 midway through the second half, Plymouth were on course to claim a Premier League scalp in the EFL Cup on Tuesday. However, Steven Schumacher’s side ended up conceding four goals, with Jean-Philippe Mateta netting a hat-trick for Crystal Palace.
The Pilgrims kicked off their campaign with a run of two wins and a draw, but they have since suffered three consecutive defeats. Having taken four points from a possible 12 since gaining promotion, last season’s League One champions will need to adapt quickly.
Blackburn Rovers Form
It is no exaggeration to say that Blackburn ripped Harrogate to shreds in midweek, racking up 71% possession and 27 shots at Wetherby Road. Remarkably, seven different players found the back of the net in the rout, with John Buckley bagging a brace.
Rovers have now won four of their six games across all competitions this season, suffering a solitary defeat in the process. Better still, Tomasson’s side have scored at least two goals on four occasions, underlining their attacking threat.
Head-to-Head
Plymouth and Blackburn last faced each other during the 2017-18 League One campaign, with the Pilgrims taking four points from Rovers that season.
In terms of the overall head-to-head record, the two sides have faced each other 50 times over the years – and there is very little between them. Blackburn have registered 19 wins in this fixture, while Plymouth have triumphed on 20 occasions.
Team News
Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher made 10 changes to his starting XI in midweek, although Brendan Galloway and Michael Cooper missed out through injury.
As for Blackburn, they are still without forward Jack Vale and midfielder Arnor Sigurdsson due to injury.
Key Players
Kiwi forward Ben Waine has netted three goals in five appearances for Plymouth this season, with Scottish striker Ryan Hardie matching Waine’s tally in six appearances.
Blackburn midfielder has already chalked up three goals and two assists in three outings this term, while Jake Garrett, Sammie Szmodics, Sam Gallagher and Zak Gilsenan have all contributed two goals and one assist.
Final Thoughts
Fresh from crushing Harrogate Town, Blackburn will be confident of extending their hot streak this weekend. Still, Plymouth will fancy their chances of halting Rovers’ progress in front of an expectant crowd at Home Park.
Championship