Swansea vs Blackburn Prediction, Match Preview, Tuesday, 20 January

Swansea will host Blackburn in a Championship clash at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday, 20 January. This fixture promises to be an intriguing encounter as both sides compete for crucial league points. Swansea, playing at home, will look to use their familiarity with the Swansea.com Stadium to their advantage against their English rivals.

Blackburn, meanwhile, will aim to overcome the challenges of playing away and secure a valuable victory. The Championship is renowned for its competitiveness, and this match is no exception, with both teams eager to climb the league table. As the match approaches, fans and bettors alike will be keen to see how these two sides compare in this exciting Championship fixture.

Swansea vs Blackburn Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Swansea City Draw No Bet	1.85

Given Swansea’s recent home form and Blackburn’s struggles, we recommend a ‘Draw No Bet’ on Swansea. This market provides good value, reducing risk while capitalising on Swansea’s stronger home performance and Blackburn’s injury problems.

• Swansea have won three of their last five encounters with Blackburn, including an away victory in their most recent match.
• Blackburn are winless in their last five games and have struggled to score, making a Swansea win more likely.
• Swansea’s superior home record, combined with Blackburn’s significant injuries, tilts the balance in favour of the home side.

Betting Odds

Swansea enter this fixture as favourites on home turf with odds of 2.19, but Blackburn cannot be discounted. With odds of 3.36, they present an appealing option for those backing an away upset. A draw, priced at 3.14, is also tempting given the Championship’s competitive nature.

Betting Tip	Odds
Back Swansea to win	2.19
Back a Draw	3.14
Back Blackburn to win	3.36

For those considering alternative markets, both teams to score is worth a look, particularly given Swansea’s attacking strength at home and Blackburn’s ability to score on the road.

Swansea Analysis & Past Performance

Swansea’s recent form has been mixed, with their last five matches producing two wins, two losses, and a draw. This equates to a 40% win rate in their most recent outings. Notably, Swansea have shown attacking intent, scoring an average of 2.20 goals per match in this period, but also conceding 2.20 goals per game, underlining a need for defensive improvement.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Swansea	Birmingham	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Swansea	West Bromwich	N/A	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026
Millwall	Swansea	2 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	4 Jan 2026
Swansea	West Bromwich	1 – 0 (Win)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Oxford	Swansea	0 – 1 (Win)	Championship	29 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

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At home, Swansea have been more impressive, securing three wins and a draw in their last five matches at the Swansea.com Stadium, giving them a strong 60% home win rate. Defensively, they have kept two clean sheets in these games, showing some solidity at home. However, their league position of 16th and a total of 33 points suggest there is still room for improvement as they look to move up the Championship table.

Swansea Suspensions & Injuries

Swansea approach this important match against Blackburn with only a minor injury concern. The absence of Adam Idah due to a hamstring injury is notable, with his expected return set for late January 2026. Idah’s physical presence and ability to hold up play will be missed, particularly given his impact on Swansea’s attacking dynamics.

With Idah sidelined, the responsibility will likely fall on Zan Vipotnik to lead the line. Vipotnik, who featured in the last match, will be expected to step up and fill the void left by the injured striker. His movement and link-up play with midfielders such as Jay Fulton and Ronald Pereira will be vital to maintaining Swansea’s attacking threat.

The tactical impact of Idah’s absence may prompt Vitor Matos to rethink his attacking strategy. Without Idah, Swansea could rely more on a fluid front line, using pace and movement to unsettle Blackburn’s defence. This adjustment might see more emphasis on wide play and crosses into the box to make the most of Vipotnik’s positioning.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Adam Idah	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026

Swansea Key Players

Swansea’s leading scorer, Zan Vipotnik, is a pivotal figure in their attack, having scored 11 goals this season. His ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a constant threat to opposing defences. As the lone forward in the expected lineup, Vipotnik’s role will be crucial in breaking down Blackburn’s defence and converting opportunities.

The midfield, orchestrated by Gonçalo Franco and Jay Fulton, is expected to play a significant part in controlling the tempo. Franco’s vision and passing range complement Fulton’s tenacity and ball-winning skills, forming a balanced midfield capable of both defending and launching attacks. Ji-Sung Eom adds creativity and flair, with the potential to unlock defences through his dribbling and quick combinations.

Expected lineup for Swansea

• Goalkeeper: Lawrence Vigouroux
• Defenders: Ethan Galbraith, Ben Cabango, Cameron Burgess, Josh Tymon
• Midfielders: Gonçalo Franco, Ronald, Jay Fulton, Melker Widell, Ji-Sung Eom
• Forward: Zan Vipotnik

Defensively, Ben Cabango and Cameron Burgess are key. Their partnership at the heart of defence is vital to Swansea’s tactical solidity, with Cabango’s aerial ability and Burgess’s tackling forming a strong defensive base. This pairing will be crucial in neutralising Blackburn’s attacking threats and helping Swansea keep a clean sheet.

Swansea Tactics and Formation

Swansea Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Zan Vipotnik
• Midfield Dynamics: Jay Fulton, Ronald Pereira, and Gonçalo Franco
• Defensive Stability: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and building from the back.

Swansea City typically use a 4-5-1 formation, which allows them to control the midfield while providing defensive cover. Jay Fulton anchors the midfield alongside Ronald Pereira and Gonçalo Franco, offering both defensive resilience and creative outlets. This setup helps Swansea dominate possession, as shown by their 50% possession against Birmingham.

Defensively, the back four of Ethan Galbraith, Ben Cabango, Cameron Burgess, and Josh Tymon are tasked with maintaining solidity. With Lawrence Vigouroux in goal, their recent performances have seen two clean sheets in five games, underlining their defensive capabilities.

In attack, Swansea rely heavily on Zan Vipotnik, their top scorer with 11 goals this season. The team aims to create chances through patient build-up play, using the width provided by their midfielders to stretch opposition defences and create opportunities for Vipotnik.

Blackburn Analysis & Past Performance

Blackburn have struggled for consistency recently, with their last five games yielding no wins. They have recorded two draws and three defeats, including a heavy 3-0 loss to Ipswich. This run has seen them drop to 20th in the Championship table, with a total of 28 points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
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
Blackburn	Wrexham	0 – 2 (Loss)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Sheffield Wednesday	Blackburn	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	29 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
The team’s attacking output has been underwhelming, averaging just 1.00 goal per match over their last five outings. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 2.20 goals per game, highlighting vulnerabilities at the back. Blackburn have managed only one clean sheet in this period, pointing to a lack of defensive solidity.

Their away form reflects their overall struggles, with Blackburn failing to win any of their last five away matches, drawing two and losing three. They have scored only twice in these away games, underlining their difficulties in converting chances away from Ewood Park.

Key player Andri Guðjohnsen, with 7 goals this season, remains their main scoring threat. However, the team’s overall performance statistics suggest improvement is needed at both ends of the pitch to move out of the lower reaches of the league.

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Blackburn Suspensions & Injuries

Blackburn face significant challenges ahead of their match with Swansea due to a number of injuries. The absence of Augustus Kargbo, Scott Wharton, and Hayden Carter, all sidelined until late January, presents a substantial tactical dilemma. This trio’s unavailability affects Blackburn’s defensive and midfield stability, forcing manager Valérien Ismaël to potentially make major changes to his lineup.

The midfield is further weakened by Sidnei Tavares’s knee injury, which is expected to keep him out until mid-February. This may force Blackburn to rely on less experienced players, potentially impacting their control and creativity in midfield. The coaching staff will need to carefully assess their options to maintain tactical cohesion.

With Ryan Hedges and Andri Guðjohnsen also out due to ankle and hamstring injuries respectively, Blackburn’s attacking threat may be limited. These absences could lead to a more conservative approach to mitigate the lack of depth up front.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Augustus Kargbo	Calf injury	Late January 2026
Scott Wharton	Achilles tendon injury	Late January 2026
Hayden Carter	Calf injury	Late January 2026
Sidnei Tavares	Knee injury	Mid February 2026
Andri Guðjohnsen	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Ryoya Morishita	Ankle injury	Late January 2026
Matty Litherland	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Ryan Hedges	Ankle injury	Early February 2026
Nathan Dlamini	Muscle injury	Late January 2026
Kristi Montgomery	Shoulder injury	Mid February 2026

The betting markets may reflect these absences, potentially shifting the odds in Swansea’s favour. Blackburn’s ability to field a competitive lineup despite these injuries will be crucial to the outcome of this match.

Blackburn Key Players

Blackburn will need to rely on their attacking options against Swansea, particularly in the absence of top scorer Andri Guðjohnsen. In his place, Axel Henriksson and Yuki Ohashi are expected to lead the line. Henriksson’s dynamic movement and ability to stretch defences will be crucial in creating space, while Ohashi’s technical skills and finishing could prove decisive.

In midfield, Todd Cantwell stands out as the chief playmaker. His vision and ability to control the tempo are vital for Blackburn’s transitions from defence to attack. Alongside him, Sondre Tronstad’s defensive work rate and ball-winning abilities provide a solid platform for the team.

Expected lineup for Blackburn

• Goalkeeper: Aynsley Pears
• Defence: Taylor Gardner-Hickman, Tom Atcheson, Sean McLoughlin
• Midfield: Eiran Cashin, Sondre Tronstad, Dion De Neve, Moussa Baradji, Todd Cantwell
• Forward: Axel Henriksson, Yuki Ohashi

At the back, Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Sean McLoughlin are expected to anchor the defence. Gardner-Hickman’s versatility and McLoughlin’s aerial strength will be key in neutralising Swansea’s attacking threats. This blend of defensive solidity and creative midfield play could shape Blackburn’s tactical approach, focusing on quick counter-attacks and exploiting any defensive lapses from Swansea.

Blackburn Tactics and Formation

Blackburn Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Yuki Ohashi
• Midfield Pivot: Sondre Tronstad and Moussa Baradji
• Defensive Resilience: Few clean sheets recently
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and wide play.

Blackburn’s 3-5-2 formation, under the guidance of Valérien Ismaël, is designed to control the midfield and utilise wing-backs for width. Sondre Tronstad and Moussa Baradji are pivotal in midfield, tasked with both shielding the defence and initiating attacks, while Tom Atcheson and Sean McLoughlin provide defensive cover.

Defensively, Blackburn’s three-man backline, including Eiran Cashin, aims to remain compact, but recent results reveal vulnerabilities, as shown by the lack of clean sheets. The defensive unit must improve its coordination to withstand Swansea’s attacking threat.

In attack, Blackburn rely on the partnership of Yuki Ohashi and Todd Cantwell. The wing-backs, Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Axel Henriksson, provide crucial width, enabling the team to stretch opposition defences and create crossing opportunities. Despite recent struggles, maintaining possession remains central to their strategy.

Swansea vs Blackburn Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Swansea hold the advantage with 8 wins to Blackburn’s 6, along with 4 draws. The most recent meeting saw Swansea secure a 2-1 away victory over Blackburn in the Championship. This continued Swansea’s recent dominance, having also beaten Blackburn 3-0 at home earlier in the same season.

The last time Swansea hosted Blackburn in the Championship, they ran out 3-0 winners. This fixture at the Swansea.com Stadium has often favoured the home side, with Swansea winning their last two home matches against Blackburn.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Blackburn Rovers	Swansea City	1 – 2	Championship	2025-09-30
Swansea City	Blackburn Rovers	3 – 0	Championship	2025-02-22
Blackburn Rovers	Swansea City	1 – 0	Championship	2024-10-19
Swansea City	Blackburn Rovers	2 – 1	Championship	2024-03-02
Blackburn Rovers	Swansea City	0 – 1	Championship	2023-10-28