Tuesday night, Blackburn Rovers get another shot at Ipswich Town at Ewood Park.
It’s not just another game; it’s a redo of the match that got rained out. Blackburn were up 1-0, and Ipswich had a player sent off when the ref called it quits because of the soaked field.
Fans were furious, mostly because of when the referee stopped the game. Now, they’re back, and the feeling that things were unfair will be hanging heavy in the air.
When the teams walk onto the field, you know they’ll be thinking about what happened before.
Some think they should have kept playing since the game was almost over. Others feel it’s wrong that Blackburn’s lead disappeared.
The whole thing blew up online, with everyone fighting about the calls, the field, and what the league decided.
Tuesday games in Lancashire usually have some excitement, but with all the bad blood, expect a really intense night, both on and off the field.
Coaches: Ismaël vs. McKenna
Coaches Valérien Ismaël and Kieran McKenna make this even better. Ismaël’s Blackburn was playing great in the first game, pressuring Ipswich and taking advantage.
Now that the lead’s gone, he has to figure out how to get that same fire from the start.
McKenna is probably happy to get another chance after Ipswich struggled with 10 players. People like his coaching style, and he’ll want his team to be more in control this time.
Both coaches are giving strategy a lot of thought, knowing this game is more than just another one.
Head To Head Record For Blackburn Rovers vs Ipswich Town
Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town games lately? Always something going on – goals, lead changes, the works.
Makes sense, given all the drama around this replay. Ipswich has been doing better recently:
Jan 14, 2017 – Ipswich Town 3-2 Blackburn Rovers (W)
Aug 04, 2018 – Ipswich Town 2-2 Blackburn Rovers (D)
Jan 19, 2019 – Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Ipswich Town (L)
Sep 23, 2023 – Ipswich Town 4-3 Blackburn Rovers (W)
Mar 29, 2024 – Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Ipswich Town (W)
Ipswich have won three of the last five, including a close one at Ewood Park earlier in 2024 and that crazy seven-goal game.
Blackburn hasn’t won since 2019, so they’ll want to turn that around. With Ipswich playing well, it makes this game even bigger.
Key Player Battles
Akpom (Ipswich) vs. McLoughlin (Blackburn): Akpom’s moves and scoring will challenge Blackburn’s defense.
Philogene (Ipswich) vs. Alebiosu (Blackburn): A race and skill battle on the wing, with Philogene trying to find openings.
Forshaw (Blackburn) vs. Matusiwa (Ipswich): The midfield battle – whoever controls the pace might win the game.
Ohashi (Blackburn) vs. Kipre (Ipswich): Ohashi’s strength versus Kipre’s aerial skills should be a tough fight.
Tactical Outlook
Ipswich (4-2-3-1): McKenna’s team will try to keep the ball, with Matusiwa and Taylor protecting the defence while Walle-Egeli gets creative. Akpom is up front, with Philogene and Azon providing speed. Expect Ipswich to pressure high and take advantage of turnovers.
Blackburn (3-4-1-2): Ismaël likes a tight formation, with three defenders and wing-backs spreading the field. Forshaw and Gardber-Hickman have to shield the defense, while Hedges links the midfield to the strikers Ohashi and Guojohnsen. Blackburn will depend on fast breaks and set plays.
Form Guide
Ipswich Town (8th, 27 points, P17 W7 D6 L4)
QPR 1-4 Ipswich
Ipswich 1-1 Watford
Swansea 1-4 Ipswich
Ipswich 0-0 Wrexham
Hull 0-2 Ipswich
Oxford 2-1 Ipswich
Blackburn Rovers (18th, 20 points, P17 W6 D2 L9)
Leicester City 0 Blackburn 2
Bristol City 0-1 Blackburn
Blackburn 1-2 Derby
Preston 1-2 Blackburn
Blackburn 0-1 QPR
Wrexham 1-1 Blackburn
Ipswich’s recent games show they can score but aren’t always consistent, while Blackburn are hard to predict—capable of tough wins but also making mistakes at home.
Predicted XI
Ipswich Town: Walton; Furlong, O’Shea, Kipre, Davis; Matusiwa, Taylor; Walle-Egeli, Akpom, Philogene; Azon.
Blackburn Rovers: Pears; Miller, McLoughlin, Pratt; Alebiosu, Forshaw, Gardber-Hickman, Hedges; Morishita; Ohashi, Guojohnsen.
Prediction For Blackburn Rovers vs Ipswich Town
This rematch is full of emotion, but Ipswich’s better form and scoring options give them an advantage.
Blackburn’s toughness at home might keep it close, but McKenna’s team looks better prepared. Expect a tight game, but Ipswich’s skill on the wings and Akpom’s scoring could be the difference.
