Blackburn vs Stoke Prediction & Betting Tips (4 October)

Blackburn Rovers welcome Stoke City to Ewood Park on October 4th in what promises to be a compelling Championship clash. Both sides have had mixed fortunes in recent weeks, with Blackburn enduring a rocky patch—losing three of their last five matches, including defeats to Bradford and Birmingham. However, their emphatic 3-0 win over Hull showcased their attacking potential when given space to operate. Stoke, meanwhile, have shown flashes of resilience, picking up wins against Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday, though back-to-back losses to Bradford and West Brom have exposed defensive vulnerabilities.

Injury concerns loom over both camps. Blackburn will be without Adam Forshaw, who is sidelined with a muscle injury until late September, while Stoke are missing Ben Pearson and Sam Gallagher, both nursing similar setbacks. These absences could tilt the midfield battle in Blackburn’s favor, especially with their tendency to press aggressively at home. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side has struggled for consistency but remains capable of producing moments of brilliance, particularly through their wide play and set-piece routines.

Stoke manager Steven Schumacher has been tweaking his tactical setup, favoring a more compact 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes quick transitions. While this has yielded some success, the Potters have conceded 28 goals in 20 games—more than Blackburn’s 24—highlighting a defensive fragility that could be exploited. Blackburn’s average of 1.15 goals per game, slightly edging Stoke’s 1.10, suggests a narrow margin between the sides, but the home advantage and recent head-to-head record (Blackburn have won 6 of their last 20 meetings) could tip the scales.

Expect a tightly contested affair with Blackburn edging it 2-1. Their ability to score first and control tempo at home, combined with Stoke’s inconsistent backline, makes this a plausible outcome. With both teams eager to climb the table and shake off recent setbacks, the match should deliver drama, intensity, and a few tactical surprises. A late goal from Blackburn could seal the deal, sending the home crowd into raptures and reaffirming their push for playoff contention.