Preview: Burnley vs. Blackburn Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

As it stands, the home side hold a two-point advantage over their North-West rivals, but defeat and a Sheffield United win would leave them in third spot come the full-time whistle.

Match preview

Despite putting together a 16-match unbeaten streak in the Championship, there had been numerous occasions when Burnley had rode their luck to preserve that record.

However, after near misses against Reading and Rotherham United, the Clarets were out of good fortune against Sheffield United, who demolished the league leaders with four goals after half time at Bramall Lane.

Although Burnley twice held a lead, Vincent Kompany could have few complaints as his team capitulated under the pressure from their hosts, and it represented a wake-up call to anyone who assumed that Burnley would surge clear at the top.

While Kompany will only be focused on winning the upcoming derby, it will not be lost on him that just eight points separate first and eighth, and another setback on Sunday would see the club experience a low note heading into the break.

On a positive note, Burnley earned a spot in the last 16 of the EFL Cup in midweek with a 3-1 victory over League Two strugglers Crawley Town.

In the same competition, a much-changed Blackburn side overcame the challenge of West Ham United on penalties after recording a 2-2 draw at the home of the Premier League side.

Jon Dahl Tomasson's team selection indicated that he would not have been too unhappy had Rovers been eliminated, but he instead discovered that he has sufficient strength-in-depth going forward.

Ben Brereton Diaz again made the headlines, scoring his 10th goal of the season, although Tomasson would have been more satisfied with the calmness of Jack Vale's finish for his first strike of the campaign.

Blackburn now return to league matters for one of their most anticipated games of the season having recorded five wins from their last six fixtures in the second tier.

However, at a time when Burnley are looking to go 11 league matches at Turf Moor without defeat, Blackburn have lost six of their 10 away fixtures in the Championship.

Burnley Championship form:

D

W

W

W

W

L

Burnley form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

L

W

Blackburn Rovers Championship form:

W

W

W

W

L

W

Blackburn Rovers form (all competitions):

W

W

W

L

W

W

Team News

Kompany will be able to call upon Josh Brownhill, who served a one-match ban last week, and the Belgian will be hopeful of having more senior players available.

Jay Rodriguez was in contention last week before missing out through injury, and an extra week of recovery may lead to the return of the top goalscorer.

Connor Roberts and Charlie Taylor will also be considered for recalls in defence after the manner of the five-goal defeat in Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, barring any fitness issues, Tomasson will look to revert back to the Blackburn team which defeated Huddersfield Town last weekend.

Sam Gallagher should be fit to take his place down the centre of the attack after missing out completely in midweek on the back of his recent recovery from injury.

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Muric; Vitinho, Harwood-Bellis, Taylor, Maatsen; Cork, Cullen; Manuel, Brownhill, Tella; Rodriguez

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:

Kaminski; Brittain, Hyam, Ayala, Pickering; Morton, Travis; Hedges, Szmodics, Brereton Diaz; Gallagher

We say: Burnley 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

While Blackburn are yet to record a draw in the Championship this season, they did so in midweek in the EFL Cup, showing that they are capable of battling back in that situation. We feel that something similar could occur at Turf Moor, Burnley holding a lead before Rovers claim a late leveller.

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