It was Blackburn Rovers who interfered in Newcastle United’s brilliant winning streak in late November, and although it didn’t topple the Magpies off the summit of the Championship, it definitely threw them off gear.
Benitez’s men, who had won all their eight previous matches till then, have been defeated thrice in the following seven games and stand a chance of dropping out of the first position if Brighton win their game in hand. Newcastle would be looking to end their curse when they visit in the reverse fixture on Monday.
Blackburn, on the other hand, haven’t managed to win a since match since their surprising away win against Newcastle. In fact, they have lost four of their six league matches since then. They are currently dwelling in the 22nd position, at the bottom end of the Championship table.
Team News
Blackburn Rovers- Owen Coyle will get a huge boost with the return of Jason Lowe. He missed Blackburn’s away trips to Huddersfield and Barnsley after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season against Reading, which triggered an automatic two-match ban. He was booked 10 times in 24 appearances and Coyle missed his skipper.
With Lowe’s return, the void left by latest red carded Darragh Lenihan should get filled.
Newcastle United- Apart from Jonjo Shelvey, who is serving his five-match suspension, Benitez will have a strong team to play Blackburn. In long term injuries, Newcastle continue to miss Massadio Haidara, Daryl Murphy and Rolando Aarons.
Predicted line-ups
Blackburn Rovers- Steele; Mulgrew, Williams, Brown, Nyambe; Akpan, Lowe, Ennes, Conway; Graham, Gallagher
Newcastle United- Darlow; Dummett, Clark, Lascelles, Anita; Gouffran, Hayden, Colback, Ritchie; Perez; Mitrovic
Key Players
Blackburn Rovers- Blackburn’s two centre-forwards Sam Gallagher and Danny Graham have been a rare positive in a somewhat gloomy season. They will be a major threat for Newcastle United.
Newcastle United- Benitez is definitely going for a squad rotation as he has enjoyed a rare luxury of all his players playing well. Hence, we expect Aleksandar Mitrovic to replace Dwight Gayle up front. Gayle’s tremendous form hasn’t allowed the Serbian striker to play much but he has sparked whenever given the chance.
Gouffran should start to the left wing and replace Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu for the visit to Blackburn. The French international has been quite effective this season so far with 4 goal and 4 assists.
Odds
Blackburn Rovers@ 5.75
Draw @ 4.00
Newcastle United@ 1.65
