Plymouth vs Blackburn: Match Preview, Prediction, Team News, and Lineups

Blackburn Rovers face a long journey to Plymouth Argyle, aiming to rebound after suffering their first Championship defeat of the season. While the visitors currently sit in sixth place in the standings, Plymouth are positioned in 18th as they prepare for Saturday’s clash.

Match Preview

Before their midweek 3-0 loss to Coventry City, Blackburn had not tasted defeat in the Championship since April 21, creating an impression of invincibility under John Eustace. However, the Coventry setback was a reminder of the competitive nature of the second tier, where any team can win on their day.

Prior to that defeat, Blackburn had kept three consecutive clean sheets and were pushing for the top spot in the table. Despite that solid defensive run, they now return to the drawing board after missing an opportunity to climb to first place. The Rovers have only failed to score in three of their last 12 Championship games, with two of those shutouts coming against Coventry.

That said, Blackburn have yet to secure an away win this season, having scored just three goals across four road games.

Plymouth, meanwhile, endured their fourth loss in eight Championship games under Wayne Rooney, falling 1-0 at Burnley in midweek. While the result was disappointing, there’s a sense of progress under Rooney at Home Park. Three of their defeats have been by 1-0 margins, with their other losses coming against Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion. However, they’ve also posted home victories over Sunderland and Luton Town.

Plymouth’s home form will be crucial to their campaign, and they have lost just once in their last seven Championship games on familiar ground.

Team News

Rooney may rotate his full-backs for Plymouth, potentially reinstating Joe Edwards and Bali Mumba to the starting lineup. Despite the loss at Burnley, Rooney might keep the rest of the lineup unchanged, feeling that his side has made enough progress to justify that decision.

For Blackburn, changes are expected following the loss at Coventry. Makhtar Gueye could return to the attack, while Lewis Baker and Ryan Hedges are in contention for starting roles. Yuki Ohashi might be among those to drop out of the lineup. Blackburn will be without Owen Beck, who is still serving a suspension for the red card he received against Preston North End.

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:
Grimshaw; Edwards, Szucs, Gibson, Mumba; Whittaker, Gyabi, Randell, Hajj, Cissoko; Hardie

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:
Pears; Carter, Batth, Hyam, Pickering; Tronstad, Travis; Hedges, Baker, Dolan; Gueye

Prediction: Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Blackburn Rovers
Plymouth’s strong home form under Rooney will make this a tough challenge for Blackburn. However, we predict that Rovers will grind out a hard-fought victory, possibly netting a late goal when Plymouth push forward in search of a winner.