- Southampton have won four and drawn one of their last five games, defeating Wrexham 5-1 away from home just three days ago.
- Blackburn Rovers have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five matches, and have yet to win at Southampton in recent encounters.
Saints’ pressing and possession dominance can see them through
Southampton head into Tuesday’s fixture as clear favourites, with the Saints having won 10, drawn six and lost just three of their home matches this campaign. St Mary’s has therefore become a stronghold for Tonda Eckert’s men, who are currently 6th in the Championship table after picking up 66 points from their 40 games so far.
Tonda Eckert’s high-energy, proactive approach to the game has certainly revitalised his team’s pressing game this term, allowing them to dominate territory and finish off their opponents in the final third with real venom. That is why they have been so tough to break down at home, where they have conceded just 14 goals in 19 matches.
The visitors, by contrast, have had to play in a more compact, organised fashion since O’Neill took the helm in February 2026. The Northern Irishman has clearly settled the club down after a tough period in the dugout, but Blackburn Rovers’ counter-attacking approach doesn’t quite have the same venom as the Saints, who should be able to see through their visitors.
Blackburn vulnerable at the back
Blackburn have won eight away matches in the Championship this term, but have also suffered nine away defeats. Rovers’ overall form has been decent of late, but they have won just two of their last five matches in the league, which has left them 19th in the table with 47 points from 41 matches, still trying to claw out of the Championship relegation battle.
Rovers have done well to grind out results recently, but their approach does not allow for the same level of risk-taking or pressing intensity that Southampton can deploy. Blackburn are led by Yuki Ohashi in the striker role, who has scored eight times in 41 league games, while Mathias Joergensen has been involved in two of the last three goals for Rovers.
Saints should have the edge
Southampton have won their last two home games and the odds reflect their favourites’ status fairly well, with a home win coming in at 67/100.
Adam Armstrong’s 11 goals in 29 Championship appearances has been a key factor in their run of four straight wins, and they will likely make it five in a row against a Blackburn side who they have failed to beat in their last two head-to-heads, losing 2-1 at Ewood Park five months ago in the Championship.
The contrasting styles of play should see the home side get the victory, with the high-energy Saints winning in their back yard.
