Stoke

vs

Blackburn Rovers

Tips, Stats and Odds

Stoke are 13th in the Championship standings with 54 points from 41 games and are averaging 1.55 goals per home game in the league this season. They concede 1.05 goals on average at home, but their defensive solidity is key here, as Blackburn Rovers are expected to be the team chasing the game.

Stoke have won nine, drawn five and lost six of their 20 home games in the Championship this season (W9, D5, L6), so they are a reliable choice to win on Saturday. Mark Robins’ men are more comfortable in their own backyard and have been solid at home in recent weeks, going unbeaten in their last three at the Bet365 Stadium (W2, D1).

Blackburn Rovers are 19th with 47 points from the same 41 games and are just about clinging on to Championship status with their recent form (W2, D2, L1). Rovers have eight wins, three draws and nine defeats from their 20 away games this term, although they won 1-0 at promotion-chasing Birmingham City recently, and are enjoying an upturn in results on the road of late.

These two sides are evenly matched and the 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture this year suggests that the points could be shared on Saturday. Both sides have two wins apiece from the last five meetings, with one draw. Rovers have historically scored more goals than the Potters at Stoke, averaging 1.5 goals to Stoke’s 0.5 in the last five.

Stoke are a more measured side than Rovers, who are all-action and high-pressing. Robins’ men favour a 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1 formation that allows them to build from the back and control possession, while their defence and transitions are solid.

Michael O’Neill has brought back some tactical discipline to Rovers since taking over in February 2026 and they are a high-tempo side with a pressing game. Their best performances this year have come from a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 formation, where they force mistakes and look to get numbers forward.

This could be a battle of styles, with Stoke’s patient possession and Rovers’ attacking mindset potentially key to who wins. The hosts have slightly more at stake and are more likely to grind out a win, and Blackburn could struggle to get on the scoresheet.

Sorba Thomas has 10 goals in 40 Championship appearances for Stoke this term, which is more than any other player in Robins’ squad. The winger can play in multiple attacking positions and is capable of creating and scoring on his own, making him the best bet for an anytime goal this weekend.

The odds for Stoke to win are 2.56 and the Potters look slightly overpriced here, although the contest could be tight and in the end, they will probably edge out Rovers due to home advantage and a better defensive setup. Total Score Over 2.5 is 2.1, which looks fair given the potential for both managers to go for the win, but Both Teams to Score - No at 1.91 has a better chance of landing, as only one of these sides is likely to score.