Match Pack: Blackburn Rovers vs Ipswich Town

Blackburn Rovers host Ipswich Town at Ewood Park on November 22, 2025, in an EFL Championship Matchweek 16 clash that pits a playoff-chasing side against a newly promoted team brimming with ambition. Under John Eustace, Blackburn Rovers are building on a solid 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’ high-pressing, transition-based style. Ipswich Town, managed by Kieran McKenna, secured promotion from League One in 2024–25 and now target survival with confidence, featuring Conor Chaplin’s creativity and George Hirst’s physical presence. The Tractor Boys’ away form has been fearless, but Ewood Park’s intensity poses a significant test. This matchup contrasts Blackburn Rovers’ fluid 4-2-3-1, which thrives on quick counters and set pieces, against Ipswich Town’s disciplined 4-2-3-1, designed to absorb pressure and exploit transitions. The 31,367-capacity Ewood Park will be electric, with Blackburn Rovers’ fans creating a wall of noise to unsettle Ipswich Town. With Blackburn Rovers aiming for top-six and Ipswich Town fighting for stability, this encounter will hinge on tactical discipline and individual battles, promising a fiercely contested, high-energy battle.

Insights:

• Blackburn Rovers 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.
• Ipswich Town won 12 away games in 2024–25 League One, averaging 1.8 goals per game, but face a step-up against Championship opposition.
• Blackburn Rovers’ 4-2-3-1 under Eustace emphasizes high pressing and rapid transitions, while Ipswich Town’s 4-2-3-1 focuses on defensive solidity and quick counters.
• Sammie Szmodics (22 goals in 2024–25) versus Ipswich Town’s Luke Woolfenden (2.3 tackles per game) will be pivotal, with Szmodics’ movement testing Woolfenden’s positioning.
• Blackburn Rovers lead the series 10–8–6 since 2000, including a 2–1 home win in 2023–24, boosting their confidence.
• Blackburn Rovers aim for a playoff push, while Ipswich Town target mid-table stability in their return season, making points crucial.
• Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Hedges is fit after a minor knock, but Ipswich Town’s Conor Chaplin is questionable with a calf strain, potentially limiting their creativity.
• Ewood Park’s passionate Darwen End contrasts with Ipswich Town’s vocal away supporters, creating a charged atmosphere.
• Eustace’s use of overlapping fullbacks could exploit Ipswich Town’s wide defending, while McKenna’s emphasis on set-piece defending aims to frustrate Blackburn Rovers’ rhythm.
• Historical clashes at Ewood Park average 2.5 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 Ipswich Town’s high line with his runs and finishing.
• George Hirst (12 goals in 2024–25 League One) could trouble Blackburn Rovers’ defense on the counter, targeting Dominic Hyam’s positioning with his physicality.
• Blackburn Rovers’ Sondre Tronstad (87% passing accuracy) will battle Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo, who averaged 2.2 tackles per game, with midfield control shaping the tempo.
• Blackburn Rovers converted 13% of corners into shots in 2024–25, with Hyam a aerial threat; Ipswich Town’s Woolfenden is strong defending set pieces.
• Blackburn Rovers’ Tyrhys Dolan could provide a late spark off the bench, while Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson offers flair in the final 20 minutes.
• Ipswich Town’s backline allowed 1.3 goals per away game in League One 2024–25, vulnerable to Blackburn Rovers’ quick transitions, which averaged 1.6 successful dribbles per game.
• The game may start with Blackburn Rovers’ high press, but 60% of their recent home games featured goals after the 75th minute, suggesting late drama.
• Tactical battle hinges on Blackburn Rovers’ possession (54% average) versus Ipswich Town’s counterattacking threat (1.7 counters per game), with turnovers likely decisive.

Blackburn Rovers 2–1 Ipswich Town Blackburn Rovers’ 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. Ipswich Town’s counterattacking threat, driven by Hirst, could see them pull one back, but Blackburn’s tactical discipline and Eustace’s adjustments will clinch the points in a competitive, high-energy clash.

Match Facts:

• Blackburn Rovers lead the series 10–8–6 since 2000, with 58 goals scored in those matches (2.0 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 Suffolk.
• 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 win would mark their 125th Championship home victory since 2010, strengthening their playoff push.
• Sammie Szmodics is two goals shy of 50 Championship goals; George Hirst could reach 20 career goals with a strike.
• Blackburn Rovers have won 65% of home games against Ipswich Town since 2010, often capitalizing on early pressure to secure results.