Blackburn vs Hull Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 31 January

Blackburn face Hull in an intriguing Championship clash at Ewood Park on Saturday, 31 January. This match is pivotal, with both teams vying for crucial points in the league standings. Blackburn, playing at home, will look to capitalise on familiar surroundings to secure a victory. Meanwhile, Hull will aim to disrupt Blackburn’s plans and snatch valuable points away from home.

Ewood Park will be the stage for this encounter, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans from both sides gather to support their teams. The Championship is renowned for its unpredictability, and this match promises plenty of excitement and drama. With both Blackburn and Hull eager to improve their league positions, this fixture is set to be a competitive and closely contested battle.

Blackburn vs Hull Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Under 2.5 Goals	1.75

For this match between Blackburn Rovers and Hull City, our recommended betting tip is Under 2.5 Goals. Given both teams’ recent form and injury concerns, a low-scoring game appears highly probable.

• Blackburn have only one win in their last five matches and have not won in seven consecutive games in this competition.
• Hull have managed to score in 86% of their matches this season, but the recent 0-0 draw in the FA Cup points towards a low-scoring affair.
• Both teams have been trending towards under 2.5 goals in recent fixtures, making this a solid value bet.

The head-to-head history and current season statistics strongly suggest a cautious, defensive encounter.

Betting Odds

Blackburn are slight favourites to win at Ewood Park, with odds of 2.38 reflecting their home advantage. However, Hull’s odds at 2.89 suggest they should not be underestimated, especially given their recent performances on the road.

Betting Tip	Odds
Blackburn to win	2.38
Draw	3.24
Hull to win	2.89

The draw is priced at 3.24, indicating that bookmakers expect a closely contested match. Punters might find value in betting on both teams to score, considering the attacking potential both sides have shown this season.

Blackburn Analysis & Past Performance

Blackburn’s recent form has been concerning, with the team unable to secure a win in their last five matches. This run includes three defeats and two draws, highlighting a struggle to capitalise on scoring opportunities and ongoing defensive vulnerabilities. Their latest fixture against Watford ended in a 1-1 draw, despite Blackburn controlling 56% possession and registering seven shots. The lack of clean sheets in these encounters underlines their defensive frailties.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Blackburn	Watford	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	24 Jan 2026
Swansea	Blackburn	3 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	20 Jan 2026
Ipswich	Blackburn	3 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Hull	Blackburn	N/A	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026
Blackburn	Charlton	2 – 2 (Draw)	Championship	4 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five games, Blackburn have averaged 0.80 goals per match while conceding 2.20, underscoring their current challenges in both attack and defence. Their home form shows some resilience, with a win ratio of 20%, drawing three out of their last five home games. This is slightly better than their overall form but still insufficient to lift them from the lower end of the league table, where they currently sit 22nd with 29 points.

The team’s inability to keep clean sheets, coupled with their average of 1.40 goals scored per game across the last ten matches, suggests a need for tactical adjustments. Andri Guðjohnsen, their top scorer with seven goals, remains a critical asset, yet the team requires more consistent contributions from the entire squad to turn their form around.

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Blackburn Suspensions & Injuries

Blackburn face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Augustus Kargbo, Scott Wharton, and Andri Guðjohnsen are all expected to return by early February, meaning they will miss this crucial fixture. Their absence could significantly impact Blackburn’s attacking and defensive capabilities. Wharton, a key figure in defence, will be particularly missed, forcing Blackburn to rely on less experienced options.

In midfield, Sidnei Tavares and Kristi Montgomery’s injuries could limit Blackburn’s creativity, necessitating tactical adjustments from coach Valérien Ismaël. The options in midfield may need to shift towards a more conservative setup to compensate for the missing dynamism and control these players typically provide.

The injury to Aynsley Pears, the backup goalkeeper, adds another layer of complexity, though first-choice Balázs Tóth remains fit. This situation emphasises the need for stability in the remaining squad to maintain defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Augustus Kargbo	Calf injury	Early February 2026
Scott Wharton	Achilles tendon injury	Early February 2026
Sidnei Tavares	Knee injury	Mid February 2026
Andri Guðjohnsen	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Matty Litherland	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Ryan Hedges	Broken leg	Late April 2026
Kristi Montgomery	Shoulder injury	Mid February 2026
Aynsley Pears	Wrist injury	Late February 2026

Blackburn Key Players

Blackburn’s attacking threat is spearheaded by Mathias Jørgensen, who is expected to play a pivotal role in the absence of their top scorer Andri Guðjohnsen. Jørgensen’s ability to find space and his clinical finishing will be crucial as Blackburn aim to penetrate Hull’s defence. In midfield, Todd Cantwell’s creativity and vision are essential for orchestrating play and linking defence with attack, while Adam Forshaw’s experience provides stability and control in central areas.

Defensively, the presence of Connor O’Riordan and Sean McLoughlin will be key to maintaining a solid backline. Their partnership at the heart of defence is vital for Blackburn’s tactical solidity, especially against Hull’s attacking threats. O’Riordan’s aerial prowess, combined with McLoughlin’s tactical awareness, can help Blackburn mitigate potential dangers.

Expected lineup for Blackburn

• Goalkeeper: Balázs Tóth
• Defence: Lewis Miller, Connor O’Riordan, Sean McLoughlin, Eiran Cashin
• Midfield: Adam Forshaw, Sondre Tronstad, Todd Cantwell
• Forward: Yuki Ohashi, Ryoya Morishita, Mathias Jørgensen

Blackburn Tactics and Formation

Blackburn Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Yuki Ohashi
• Midfield Pivot: Adam Forshaw and Sondre Tronstad
• Defensive Challenges: Struggling for clean sheets, none in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Focus on ball possession and midfield dominance.

In recent matches, Blackburn have often deployed a 4-5-1 formation, aiming to dominate the midfield with a five-man line. Adam Forshaw and Sondre Tronstad are pivotal in this setup, providing both defensive cover and distribution channels. This structure allows Todd Cantwell and Ryoya Morishita to operate more freely, supporting lone striker Yuki Ohashi.

Defensively, Blackburn face challenges, having failed to secure a clean sheet in their last five matches. The backline, led by Connor O’Riordan and Sean McLoughlin, has struggled under pressure, conceding 13 goals in their last five games.

Offensively, Blackburn focus on maintaining possession and leveraging the creativity of Cantwell and Morishita. Despite this strategy, they have managed only seven goals across their recent fixtures, highlighting the need for improved conversion rates.

Hull Analysis & Past Performance

Hull City have been impressive in recent weeks, securing four wins out of their last five fixtures. Their current form sees them sitting 4th in the Championship with 50 points, highlighting their competitiveness this season. The team’s recent performances include notable victories over Swansea (2-1) and a commanding away win against Preston (3-0).

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Hull	Swansea	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	Jan 24, 2026
Preston	Hull	0 – 3 (Win)	Championship	Jan 20, 2026
Southampton	Hull	1 – 2 (Win)	Championship	Jan 17, 2026
Hull	Blackburn	N/A	FA Cup	Jan 11, 2026
Hull	Stoke	0 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	Jan 1, 2026

Recent Form:

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Hull’s attack is in fine form, averaging 2.20 goals per match over their last five games, while their defence has conceded an average of 1.20 goals. They have maintained one clean sheet during this period, suggesting room for defensive improvement. Away from home, Hull have been particularly strong, boasting a win ratio of 80% with a three-game winning streak and no losses in their last five away matches, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure on the road.

Hull Suspensions & Injuries

Hull face several challenges with key players sidelined due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Blackburn. The absence of Eliot Matazo, who is out with a cruciate ligament injury until mid-February 2026, is a significant blow to their midfield stability. Similarly, Nathan Tinsdale and Brandon Williams are both suffering from knee and calf injuries respectively, with their returns expected in early February 2026. These injuries could force coach Sergej Jakirović to rely on less experienced players, which might affect the team’s tactical fluidity.

Ryan Giles and Mohamed Belloumi, both out with hamstring injuries, are expected to return in early February 2026. Their absence might limit Hull’s attacking width and pace, crucial components of their strategy. Additionally, Cody Drameh and Darko Gyabi’s injuries, with expected returns in mid-March 2026, further strain Hull’s defensive options, potentially leading to tactical adjustments in the backline.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Eliot Matazo	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid February 2026
Nathan Tinsdale	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Brandon Williams	Calf injury	Early February 2026
Mohamed Belloumi	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Ryan Giles	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Cody Drameh	Hip injury	Mid March 2026
Darko Gyabi	Groin injury	Mid March 2026
Enis Destan	Medial collateral ligament injury	Mid March 2026
Semi Ajayi	Hamstring injury	Mid March 2026

With Semi Ajayi and Enis Destan also sidelined, Hull’s depth in defence and attack is notably weakened. Ajayi’s hamstring injury and Destan’s medial collateral ligament issue, both set for mid-March 2026 returns, mean Hull will need to adapt defensively and offensively. These absences could influence betting markets, making Hull less favourable given their depleted squad and the need for tactical reshuffles.

Hull Key Players

Hull’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer, Oli McBurnie, who has netted an impressive 11 goals this season. McBurnie’s physical presence and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area. His ability to hold up play and link with wingers Joel Ndala and Liam Millar could be pivotal in breaking down Blackburn’s defence.

In midfield, Amir Hadžiahmetović stands out as a key playmaker. His vision and passing range allow him to orchestrate Hull’s attacking moves, while Regan Slater provides the necessary energy and ball-winning capabilities. At the back, John Egan’s leadership and defensive acumen are crucial for maintaining Hull’s solidity against Blackburn’s forwards.

The tactical impact of these key players cannot be understated. McBurnie’s goal-scoring form, combined with Hadžiahmetović’s creativity and Egan’s defensive reliability, form the backbone of Hull’s strategy. Their performances are likely to dictate Hull’s success in this encounter.

Expected lineup for Hull

• Goalkeeper: Ivor Pandur
• Defence: Lewie Coyle, John Egan, Charlie Hughes, Akin Famewo
• Midfield: Regan Slater, Amir Hadžiahmetović, Matt Crooks
• Forward: Joel Ndala, Liam Millar, Oli McBurnie

Hull Tactics and Formation

Hull Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Oli McBurnie
• Midfield Pivot: Amir Hadžiahmetović and Regan Slater
• Defensive Strength: Solid defensive line with John Egan and Akin Famewo
• Notable Strategy: Focus on counter-attacks and high pressing.

Hull City have been utilising a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows for a solid defensive foundation while maintaining attacking flexibility. The midfield pivot of Amir Hadžiahmetović and Regan Slater is crucial in both breaking up opposition play and transitioning the ball forward. This setup provides a balance between defensive resilience and attacking prowess.

In defence, Hull rely on the experience of John Egan and the physical presence of Akin Famewo at centre-back. This pairing has been instrumental in maintaining defensive solidity, contributing to their ability to secure clean sheets in crucial matches.

Offensively, Hull’s approach is heavily reliant on the counter-attack, with Oli McBurnie spearheading the attack. His ability to hold up play and bring teammates like Joe Gelhardt and Liam Millar into the game is vital. Hull’s strategy also includes high pressing, which has been particularly effective in disrupting opponents and creating scoring opportunities.

Blackburn vs Hull Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Blackburn have the upper hand with 11 wins compared to Hull’s 8, along with 5 draws. The last time these two met was in the FA Cup earlier this month, where Hull edged out Blackburn in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regular and extra time.

The last Championship encounter saw Blackburn triumph 3-0 away at Hull back in August 2025. When Blackburn hosted Hull at Ewood Park in December 2024, Hull managed a narrow 1-0 victory, showing they can be a tough nut to crack on the road.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Hull City	Blackburn Rovers	0 – 0 (Extra time: 0 – 0) (Penalty shoot-out: 4 – 3)	FA Cup	2026-01-11
Hull City	Blackburn Rovers	0 – 3	Championship	2025-08-23
Blackburn Rovers	Hull City	0 – 1	Championship	2024-12-29
Hull City	Blackburn Rovers	0 – 1	Championship	2024-12-07
Hull City	Blackburn Rovers	3 – 2	Championship	2023-12-29