Blackburn vs West Brom - Championship

When Blackburn and West Brom clash at the home ground on April 6, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Championship fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

Both camps will view the Championship meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Blackburn have blown hot and cold, DWLWD across their last five and a win rate of 25% that leaves room for improvement. The visitors have been a steady presence on the road, LDLWW in their last five and a campaign win rate of 50%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. Their 3-0 win over Nice takes them up to second spot in the fledgling Ligue 1 table.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Blackburn favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas West Brom are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Anderson can still play proactively from deep, but he will have other technical players around him to lighten the load in possession, and zones to hit rather than always playing to feet.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Al Hilal are in talks with Aston Villa over a deal to sign striker Ollie Watkins, who is keen on the move.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 2-2 draw is easy to envisage. With positions in the Championship table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".