- Sunderland have won one of their last five away games in the Championship
- Blackburn Rovers have won seven of their last 10 Championship home games
- Recommended bet: Blackburn Rovers to win

Two teams battling for promotion from the Championship go head-to-head on Thursday as Blackburn Rovers welcome Sunderland to Ewood Park.

Blackburn were on a superb run of form with seven wins on the bounce before they, like many, ran into a brick wall at the Den with a 1-0 defeat to Millwall last time out.

Manager John Eustace deserves great praise for how he has got Blackburn playing this season, with Rovers keeping five clean sheets in their last six Championship games.

Looking to bounce back from that defeat to the Lions, Rovers next face a Sunderland side who sit one place above them in fourth place in the Championship table.

The Black Cats have coped well since the loss of star player Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town and are another team in good form going into this Boxing Day showdown in Lancashire.

Team news

Starting with the hosts, Blackburn will have to continue without skipper Lewis Travis due to injury, meaning Jake Garrett and Sondre Tronstad are likely to form the partnership in the heart of midfield.

As for Sunderland, manager Regis Le Bris has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Ewood Park on Boxing Day.

The stats

Blackburn Rovers have kept clean sheets in their last two home games in wins over Leeds United and Luton Town.

Sunderland have lost just one of their last 15 Championship games and that was a 1-0 defeat on the road at table-toppers Sheffield United.

The Black Cats have won one of their last five away games in the league.

Sunderland have won one of their last six visits to Ewood Park in all competitions.

Prediction

Blackburn have been strong at home of late and their impressive defensive record means they are a tough nut to crack at Ewood Park.

Sunderland have struggled on their travels in recent weeks, with a 3-2 win over Swansea City their only victory on the road in their last five away games.

With their defensive strength, Blackburn look to be good value to claim all three points on Boxing Day and narrow the six-point gap to Sunderland in fourth spot.

Back Blackburn Rovers to win at 33/20 with LiveScore Bet

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