Blackburn Rovers - Newcastle United predictions and free betting tips [27/02/2024]

On Tuesday, 27th February within the framework of the 1/8 finals of the English Cup, Blackburn will host Newcastle United on its home pitch. The visitors suffered a crushing 4:1 defeat to Arsenal last Saturday, while Blackburn marked the third consecutive draw – 1:1 with Norwich.

Predicted Lineups

Blackburn: Pears; Hyam, McFadzean, Wharton; Brittain, Garrett, Tronstad, Sigurdsson; Moran, Szmodics, Gallagher.
Newcastle: Karius; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Bruno, S Longstaff; Barnes, Isak, J Murphy.   

Stadium

The match will take place in Blackburn at Ewood Park Stadium. 

Blackburn

In the English Cup, backed by their fans, Blackburn defeated Cambridge United (5:2) and Wrexham (4:1) in the previous rounds. However, a much more challenging task awaits the white-and-greens on Tuesday - taking on a Premier League team. The Rovers have not played in the elite of English football since 2012 and are languishing in the bottom half of the Championship table this season. Occupying 16th place, the hosts are just 4 points above the relegation zone.

In recent weeks, Blackburn has shown sluggish form: only one victory in the last 13 rounds, five draws, and seven defeats. Moreover, Jon Justas' charges shared points thrice in a row in February: with Preston (2:2), Cardiff (0:0), and Norwich last weekend (1:1). It should be noted that the club is six-time English Cup champion, capturing the trophy in 1884, 1885, 1886, 1890, 1891, and 1928, and reaching the final in 1882 and 1960. 

Newcastle

In the initial rounds of the English Cup, Newcastle defeated Sunderland (0:3) and Fulham (0:2), both times away. It was expected that the Magpies would fight for a European zone in the current season, but they disappointed and currently occupy only the ninth place in the Premier League, seven points behind the top six. After a four-match unbeaten streak in the league (2 wins and 2 draws), Eddie Howe's side suffered a disaster against Arsenal last weekend, losing 4:1.

Depending on who wins the English Cup, the 7th place in the Premier League may also be a European position - meaning that guests cannot afford to slacken. Newcastle has won the English Cup six times: in 1910, 1924, 1932, 1951, 1952, and 1955, and last participated in the final in 1999, losing to Manchester United. Magpies' lineup still misses injured goalie Pope, key midfielders Joelinton and Wilson, Anderson, and reserve defender Targett. 

Head-to-Head

Blackburn lost the last two matches against Newcastle in the League Cup and English Cup, with the white-and-greens' previous victory over the Magpies dating back to distant 2017.

Blackburn vs. Newcastle Match Forecast

Blackburn is not up for cup battles right now: the team is in a profound crisis and risks falling into the Championship's relegation zone. Meanwhile, triumphing in the Cup may be Newcastle's only opportunity to secure a ticket to the European leagues. Considering that Eddie Howe put out almost an optimal lineup in the previous rounds, there's no doubt about the visitors' determination - expect a confident victory from the favourite.

Total Goals Forecast

Newcastle, even considering the injured players, significantly surpasses the rival in class and is likely to score a couple or more goals.

Corners Forecast

The visitors will keep the initiative throughout the match, whereas Blackburn counts exclusively on counterattacks. My bet is on a Newcastle victory in corners.

Yellow Cards Forecast

Both teams receive slightly more than 2 yellow cards per match. Given the cup nature of the duel, it makes sense to bet on the total warnings over 3.5.

Score forecast

I'll bet on the accurate score being 0:2 in favour of Newcastle.