Blackburn Rovers (A) | Match Preview
The Game
Blackburn Rovers v Argyle. Ewood Park. Saturday, 9 March. 3pm. Sky Bet Championship.
The Gaffer
John Eustace took the Birmingham City manager's job in the summer of 2022, and in his first season at the helm, guided Blues to 17th position. He was, though, removed from his post in October, despite Blues being sixth in the league.
Eustace, after being linked with several vacancies, was appointed as Blackburn manager on 9 February.
Solihull-born Eustace had a playing career that took in stints at clubs such as Coventry City, Stoke City, Watford and Derby County, the vast majority of his career was played at the second-tier level.
His first managerial job was with Kidderminster, in the Vanarama National League, whom he led to two consecutive play-off appearances. He moved on to be assistant manager at Queens Park Rangers from 2018 to 2022, and later doubled up with being the assistant manager of the Ireland national team.
The Opposition
Blackburn won the first game after Eustace's appointment, 3-1 against Stoke City, with the new boss in the stands, but they have not won since. They lost 1-0 against, coincidentally enough, at Eustace's old club Birmingham, then drew with Preston North End, Cardiff City and Norwich City, before losing to Newcastle United on penalties in the Emirates FA Cup.
Last Saturday, Blackburn lost 2-1 at Swansea City, and in midweek drew 1-1 at home to Millwall. After 36 games, Blackburn have 40 points, exactly the same as Argyle. The Greens are one place higher thanks to a superior goal difference.
The Squad
Sammie Szmodics is the Championship's leading goalscorer. with 20 league goals. He has six in the FA Cup, too. He scored seven goals in 41 games last season, having signed from Peterborough United. Szmodics began his career at hometown club Colchester United, and has also played for Bristol City.
Only Szmodics has played more times this season for Rovers than midfielder Callum Brittain. Brittain came through the ranks at Milton Keynes Dons, playing more than 100 games, before moving to Barnsley. He went on Blackburn in the summer of 2022, and has played 68 times thus far.
Earlier This Season
The sides met in the fifth game of the season, at Home Park, with Argyle running out 3-0 winners. Finn Azaz score a deflected opener to give the Pilgrims a first-half lead, with Ryan Hardie and Luke Cundle scoring towards the closing stages to seal the game.
A Strip for the Trip
Argyle will be wearing their green home kit for this game.
Tickets
There is a ticket update on returns and collections, here.
Argyle TV
Argyle TV’s pre-match show, with Charlie Price and Katie Middleton, will begin at 2pm, and is available to watch for free on YouTube. Commentary will be provided from Ewood Park Stadium by James Law and Lee Makel. International supporters can buy a match pass to watch the game, here.
