Blackburn Rovers host Birmingham City in the FA Cup Fourth Round this weekend.
Rovers beat Norwich City 1-0 in the last round, whilst Birmingham City were forced to replay League one side Forest Green Rovers.
Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Blackburn side currently sit in 4th place of the Championship table having just one of their last five league games, with the last being a 1-1 draw away at Bristol City – their first draw in the league this season.
Birmingham City meanwhile sit in 19th. John Eustace’s side have lost their last five in the league and now sit just six points above the drop zone, so they’ll be hoping for a positive performance here to give them confidence going before they return to league duties.
Ahead of the game, a handful of our writers have issued predictions for the clash…
Harry Ware
“This is a match up between two teams who in reality may not have the FA Cup as their priority. Blackburn have aims of the top flight, whilst Birmingham City want to stay in the league, which could make for several changes for both sides.
“With neither team in great form, it could go either way with changes. But I think it will go to a replay – something which neither side will want. Blackburn have the slightly better form right now, but these two sides remain fairly evenly-matched.”
Score prediction: Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Birmingham City
Luke Phelps
“I’m not sure how Blackburn Rovers have managed to hold on to a spot in the top-six for so long now. They’re terribly inconsistent this season and the recent news of Ben Brereton Diaz to Villarreal is a huge blow for them as well.
“As for Blues, their league form is woeful right now. Whether or not Eustace will field a strong side in this one remains to be seen – I’m not sure he will, as he has some really important Championship games coming up in February.
“For this one, I’m going to say Blackburn will just edge it with a narrow win.”
Score prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Birmingham City
