‘Aged very poorly’ – Derby County vs Blackburn Rovers prediction
‘Aged very poorly’ – Derby County vs Blackburn Rovers prediction
Derby County and Blackburn Rovers both need a big win here but all eyes will be on Rams boss John Eustace this weekend.
Derby County come into their clash with Blackburn Rovers plummeting towards League One football. DCFC started this season fairly well but it has turned into a campaign to forget at Pride Park.
Much to the Rams’ dismay, their move to replace Paul Warne with John Eustace has brought no improvements. All three of his games in charge since leaving Blackburn Rovers have ended in defeat, leaving the Derbyshire side bottom of the Championship table.
Last time out, DCFC were on the receiving end of a 1-0 loss to Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough.
As for Blackburn Rovers, they head to Derby County off the back of a draw in their first game under Valerien Ismael.
The Frenchman oversaw a 1-1 home draw with Norwich City. Andi Weimann scoured a last-gasp equaliser after Ante Crnac looked to have won it for the Canaries in the 90th minute.
Despite inconsistent form and the challenge of a mid-season managerial change, Rovers are still firmly in the fight for the play-offs. They sit in 8th coming into this weekend’s games and are level on points with Bristol City and West Brom above them.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“It’s safe to say all eyes will be on Eustace coming into this one. His decision to leave Blackburn Rovers for Derby County was justified for a handful of reasons – both personal and professional – but the call looks to have aged very poorly.
“DCFC are in a worse position than was initially thought, even when they were sliding down the league under Paul Warne. They look destined for League One and while there’s time to turn things around, the Rams have been devoid of inspiration and the mood around the club is at a real low.
“Blackburn Rovers might still be settling into their ways under new management but heading to an out-of-form side who are completely dejected, this is a great chance for Ismael to get a first win on the board.
“I’ll back him to do so too. I’ll say this ends 2-0 to Rovers.”
Prediction: Derby County 0-2 Blackburn Rovers
Harry Mail
“John Eustace’s switch to Derby County hasn’t worked out yet and they are struggling for results.
“DCFC are lacking quality at the top end of the pitch and are struggling to create chances and score goals.
“Blackburn Rovers are in a strong position to make the play-offs and will want to get one over their former boss following his surprise exit to the Rams.
“Rovers struck late against Norwich City last time out to get a draw under new manager Valerien Ismael. I fancy them to get all three points at Pride Park.”
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