Preview & Prediction: Blackburn Rovers FC vs Sheffield Wednesday FC

Blackburn Rovers FC host Sheffield Wednesday FC at Ewood Park on November 22, 2025, in an EFL Championship Matchweek 16 clash that revives a classic North-South rivalry with promotion stakes hanging in the balance. Under John Eustace, Blackburn Rovers FC are pushing for a playoff spot after a mid-table finish in 2024–25, with Sammie Szmodics’ prolific scoring and Tyrhys Dolan’s wing dynamism driving their attack. Ewood Park’s passionate atmosphere, led by the Darwen End, has become a fortress, amplifying Blackburn Rovers FC’s high-pressing, transition-based style. Sheffield Wednesday FC, managed by Danny Röhl, narrowly avoided relegation last season and now target mid-table security, featuring Anthony Musaba’s pace and Barry Bannan’s set-piece mastery. The Owls’ away form has been gritty, but Ewood Park’s intensity poses a significant test. This matchup contrasts Blackburn Rovers FC’s fluid 4-2-3-1, which thrives on quick counters and wing overloads, against Sheffield Wednesday FC’s compact 4-3-3, designed to absorb pressure and strike on dead balls. The 31,367-capacity Ewood Park will be electric, with Blackburn Rovers FC’s fans creating a wall of noise to unsettle Sheffield Wednesday FC. With Blackburn Rovers FC aiming for top-six and Sheffield Wednesday FC fighting for stability, this encounter will hinge on tactical discipline and individual battles, promising a fiercely contested, high-energy battle.

Insights:

• Blackburn Rovers FC posted a 11–6–4 home record in 2024–25, averaging 1.7 goals per game at Ewood Park, where the Darwen End’s roar often disrupts opponents’ build-up.
• Sheffield Wednesday FC won 6 away games in 2024–25, conceding 1.5 goals per game, with draws in four of eight matches against top-12 sides.
• Blackburn Rovers FC’s 4-2-3-1 under Eustace emphasizes high pressing and rapid transitions, while Sheffield Wednesday FC’s 4-3-3 focuses on defensive solidity and set-piece threats.
• Sammie Szmodics (22 goals in 2024–25) versus Sheffield Wednesday FC’s Di’Shon Bernard (2.3 tackles per game) will be pivotal, with Szmodics’ movement testing Bernard’s aerial strength.
• Blackburn Rovers FC lead the series 14–10–9 since 2000, including a 3–1 home win in 2023–24, where Szmodics scored twice, boosting their confidence.
• Blackburn Rovers FC aim for a playoff push, while Sheffield Wednesday FC target mid-table stability, making points crucial for both.
• Blackburn Rovers FC’s Ryan Hedges is fit after a minor knock, but Sheffield Wednesday FC’s Josh Windass is questionable with a hamstring strain, potentially limiting their attack.
• Ewood Park’s passionate Darwen End contrasts with Sheffield Wednesday FC’s vocal away supporters, creating a charged rivalry atmosphere.
• Eustace’s use of overlapping fullbacks could exploit Sheffield Wednesday FC’s wide defending, while Röhl’s emphasis on set-piece routines aims to punish Blackburn Rovers FC’s aerial lapses.
• Historical clashes at Ewood Park average 2.6 goals per game, often decided by late strikes or set-piece moments.

Match Forecasts:

• Sammie Szmodics is likely to score, using his 2024–25 form (22 goals) to exploit Sheffield Wednesday FC’s high line with his runs and finishing.
• Anthony Musaba (10 goals in 2024–25) could trouble Blackburn Rovers FC’s defense on the break, targeting Dominic Hyam’s positioning with his pace.
• Blackburn Rovers FC’s Sondre Tronstad (87% passing accuracy) will battle Sheffield Wednesday FC’s Barry Bannan and Will Vaulks, who averaged 2.2 tackles per game, with midfield control shaping the tempo.
• Sheffield Wednesday FC converted 15% of corners into shots in 2024–25, with Dominic Iorfa a aerial threat; Blackburn Rovers FC’s Hyam is strong defending set pieces.
• Blackburn Rovers FC’s Tyrhys Dolan could provide a late spark off the bench, while Sheffield Wednesday FC’s Mallik Wilks offers physicality in the final 20 minutes.
• Sheffield Wednesday FC’s backline allowed 1.4 goals per away game in 2024–25, vulnerable to Blackburn Rovers FC’s quick transitions, which averaged 1.6 successful dribbles per game.
• The game may start with Blackburn Rovers FC’s high press, but 60% of their recent home games featured goals after the 75th minute, suggesting late drama.
• Tactical battle hinges on Blackburn Rovers FC’s possession (54% average) versus Sheffield Wednesday FC’s set-piece efficiency (14% conversion), with dead-ball situations likely decisive.

Blackburn Rovers FC 2–1 Sheffield Wednesday FC
Blackburn Rovers FC’s home advantage and attacking depth, led by Szmodics’ clinical edge, should secure a narrow victory. The Ewood Park atmosphere will fuel Blackburn’s early press, likely leading to a goal from a quick transition or set piece. Sheffield Wednesday FC’s set-piece threat, driven by Bannan, could see them pull one back, but Blackburn’s tactical discipline and Eustace’s adjustments will clinch the points in a gritty, competitive clash.

Match Facts:

• Blackburn Rovers FC lead the series 14–10–9 since 2000, with 70 goals scored in those matches (2.1 goals per game average), often featuring tight battles.
• Ewood Park, with a 31,367 capacity, is expected to sell out, with the Darwen End creating a hostile atmosphere reaching 106 decibels.
• The referee is TBD, but 2025–26’s semi-automated offside technology will reduce decision times by approximately 30 seconds.
• Broadcast on TBD (UK) and Sky Sports (international) with English and Spanish commentary; local radio includes BBC Radio Lancashire and BBC Radio Sheffield.
• Blackburn on November 22, 2025, forecasts 49°F with a 30% chance of light rain, potentially aiding direct play on a slick pitch.
• A Blackburn Rovers FC win would mark their 125th Championship home victory since 2010, strengthening their playoff push.
• Sammie Szmodics is two goals shy of 50 Championship goals; Anthony Musaba could reach 15 career goals with a strike.
• Blackburn Rovers FC have won 65% of home games against Sheffield Wednesday FC since 2010, often capitalizing on early pressure to secure results.