Blackburn vs. Wolverhampton Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 9 February 2025 - bettingexpert
The upcoming FA Cup 4th round clash between Blackburn and Wolverhampton at Ewood Park is set to be an exciting bout. Despite the absence of league standings, form, and referee details, we have a good sense of each team’s recent form and key players.
Blackburn comes into this match struggling, with just one win in their last five games, while Wolverhampton have had mixed results but better form with two wins and three losses in their last five fixtures. Wolverhampton’s fitness and form are demonstrated by their recent triumph over Aston Villa, establishing them as the bookmakers’ favourites.
Significant injuries on both sides might influence the outcome. Blackburn is missing several key players due to injuries, with Scott Wharton and Zak Gilsenan out until late February. For Wolverhampton, Sasa Kalajdzic remains a doubt.
Given Wolverhampton’s better recent form and predictions favouring them, a recommended bet is a Wolverhampton win at odds of 1.8. This tie might contribute crucially to the broader narrative of both teams this season, with Wolverhampton eyeing a significant cup run.
Blackburn vs Wolverhampton Prediction & Betting Tip
| Blackburn vs Wolverhampton Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Wolverhampton to win | 1.8 |
- Wolverhampton have won 2 of their last 5 matches, demonstrating better form.
- Blackburn have struggled recently, securing only 1 victory in their last 5 fixtures.
- Wolverhampton are the bookmaker’s favourites, with superior individual quality and expertise.
Given Wolverhampton’s recent performance and their history of scoring consistently in this tournament, they stand a better chance of winning this match. While Blackburn will be looking to defy the odds, the stats heavily favour an away win. The recommended bet is Wolverhampton to win at odds of 1.8.
Blackburn vs Wolverhampton Odds
| Blackburn vs Wolverhampton Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Blackburn | 4.73 |
| Draw | 3.75 |
| Wolverhampton | 1.70 |
Wolverhampton are the clear bookmakers’ favourites for this FA Cup clash. Blackburn’s recent form has been shaky, having only won once in their last five games.
Wolverhampton have demonstrated better form and overall quality, which aligns with the odds favouring them. With Blackburn struggling and Wolverhampton’s consistent scoring record in the tournament, an away win seems likely.
Blackburn Team Analysis
Blackburn Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Queens Park Rangers | Blackburn | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Blackburn | Preston | 2-1 (Win) |
| Bristol City | Blackburn | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Blackburn | Coventry | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Oxford | Blackburn | 1-0 (Loss) |
Blackburn’s recent form has been less than impressive, with a dismal string of results reflected by their LWLLL record in the last five matches. They have managed to notch just one victory, against Preston, while suffering four defeats.
The team has found the back of the net only four times, averaging 0.80 goals per game. Defensively, they have been quite porous, failing to keep a single clean sheet in that span.
Blackburn Key Players
Blackburn’s top scorer, Andreas Weimann, will be a crucial figure in their attacking setup, having netted one goal so far this season. His ability to link up with Tyrhys Dolan and Ryan Hedges in midfield will be vital for breaking down Wolverhampton’s defence.
Makhtar Gueye, as the lone forward, needs to capitalize on any chances provided by his teammates. His physical presence could pose problems for Wolverhampton’s backline.
Expected lineup for Blackburn:
- Goalkeeper: Aynsley Pears
- Defenders: Callum Brittain, Dominic Hyam, Danny Batth, Owen Beck
- Midfielders: Lewis Travis, John Buckley, Tyrhys Dolan, Andreas Weimann, Ryan Hedges
- Forward: Makhtar Gueye
Key battles to watch out for include Weimann against Wolverhampton’s solid midfield trio and Gueye up against Toti Gomes. This will be a test for Blackburn’s attack against a resilient defence.
Blackburn Suspensions & Injuries
Blackburn’s squad is dealing with a significant injury crisis, which could have a major impact on their performance against Wolverhampton. Key players like Scott Wharton, Zak Gilsenan, and Hayden Carter are out with long-term injuries, stretching the team’s depth thin.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Wharton | Cruciate ligament injury | Late February 2025 |
| Zak Gilsenan | Muscle injury | Late February 2025 |
| Hayden Carter | Knee injury | Late February 2025 |
| Arnór Sigurdsson | Thigh injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Harry Pickering | Knee injury | Late March 2025 |
| Yuki Ohashi | Ankle injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Sondre Tronstad | Hamstring injury | Early March 2025 |
With these injuries, Blackburn will have to rely heavily on their squad depth, making it even more challenging to compete against a formidable Wolverhampton side.
Blackburn Tactics and Formation
Blackburn Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Makhtar Gueye
- Midfield Trio: Lewis Travis, John Buckley, Tyrhys Dolan
- Defensive Setup: Struggling with clean sheets, none in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Blackburn often look to dominate possession through a central midfield-heavy approach.
Despite the injury crisis, Blackburn will stick to their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Makhtar Gueye will be pivotal up front, while Andreas Weimann operates behind him, providing the creative spark. With a defense weakened by absences, the team will likely adopt a cautious approach, relying on disciplined midfield play to shield the backline.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Team Analysis
Wolverhampton Wanderers Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wolverhampton | Aston Villa | 2-0 (Win) |
| Wolverhampton | Arsenal | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Chelsea | Wolverhampton | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Newcastle | Wolverhampton | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Bristol City | Wolverhampton | 1-2 (Win) |
Wolverhampton Wanderers have shown a mixed bag of performances in their last five outings. Their record stands at WLLLW, with two wins, one against Aston Villa and another narrow victory over Bristol City. Despite the losses against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle, they demonstrate resilience, especially in their attacking play.
Wolves managed one clean sheet in these five games, reflecting their slightly inconsistent defensive record. They’re averaging 1 goal per match across their recent fixtures, showcasing their ability to find the net regularly.
With an inclination towards a 3-4-2-1 formation, Wolverhampton’s strategic play and consistent scoring could spell trouble for their opponents.
Wolverhampton Key Players
Expected lineup for Wolverhampton:
- Goalkeeper: Jose Sa
- Defenders: Matt Doherty, Toti Gomes, Emmanuel Agbadou, Nelson Semedo, Rayan Ait Nouri
- Midfielders: Andre, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Pablo Sarabia, Matheus Cunha
- Attackers: Goncalo Guedes
Key players for Wolverhampton will surely be Rodrigo Gomes, who has one goal in this tournament so far, bringing a keen attacking edge to their lineup. The solid performances of Rayan Ait Nouri, who has also netted once in the FA Cup, can provide both defensive stability and an extra attacking threat from the back.
Jose Sa in goal is always a reliable figure, and the defensive organization led by Toti Gomes will be crucial to counter Blackburn’s offensive efforts. Keep an eye on the midfield battles with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, an ever-present dynamo in the centre of the park. The combination of these players sets Wolverhampton up as a formidable outfit.
Wolverhampton Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries are a significant concern for Wolverhampton going into their FA Cup clash against Blackburn. Their squad depth is being tested with several key players sidelined.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Sasa Kalajdzic | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid-February 2025 |
| Enso González | Cruciate ligament injury | Early May 2025 |
| Boubacar Traoré | Knee injury | Mid-February 2025 |
| Yerson Mosquera | Knee injury | Early June 2025 |
| Leon Chiwome | Cruciate ligament injury | Late September 2025 |
| Jørgen Strand Larsen | Hamstring injury | Late February 2025 |
These injuries could limit Wolverhampton’s tactical options. The absence of experienced players like Sasa Kalajdzic and Boubacar Traoré might affect their balance both defensively and offensively.
However, the team depth has allowed them to maintain good form in competitions, but the fixtures ahead will surely demand more rotation and reliance on the squad’s fringe players. Expect Wolverhampton to navigate these challenges with their usual resolve.
Wolverhampton Tactics and Formation
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Goncalo Guedes
- Midfield Engine: Andre, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
- Defensive Setup: Three at the back with Doherty, Toti Gomes, Semedo
Wolverhampton’s recent switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation has bolstered their defensive solidity and provided a platform for quick transitions. With Guedes as the spearhead, the offensive thrust often comes from the wings, complemented by Bellegarde’s creative flair in the middle.
The defensive trio, coupled with wing-backs like Doherty, ensures width and coverage in the back line. Despite recent injury setbacks, the team maintains its shape and uses the width effectively, making them a formidable side on their day. Expect them to exploit Blackburn’s vulnerabilities with swift counter-attacks.
Blackburn vs Wolverhampton Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wolverhampton | Blackburn Rovers | 0-0 |
| Blackburn Rovers | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1-1 |
| Wolverhampton | Blackburn Rovers | 0-0 |
| Blackburn Rovers | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1-2 |
| Blackburn Rovers | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 0-1 |
Over their last five encounters, Wolverhampton seems to have a slight edge over Blackburn, securing two wins and keeping clean sheets in three matches.
The teams tend to keep it tight, with most matches being low-scoring affairs. This adds an extra layer of intrigue as they prepare to meet again in the FA Cup.
Odds accurate as of 07/02/2025 15:30, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
