The newcomers have found their rhythm ahead of a home test: Lincoln City vs Blackburn Rovers prediction
The fourth-round Championship match between Lincoln City and Blackburn Rovers will take place on 1 September at the LNER Stadium. The hosts head into the game after recording their first league victory in 65 years, while Blackburn have collected four points from three matches but have lost their last two competitive fixtures.
Lincoln City: historic victory has boosted confidence
After defeats to Middlesbrough 2-1 and Portsmouth 3-1, Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw's side finally collected their first points by beating Bolton 1-0 away from home. Ben House scored the only goal, while the victory was Lincoln's first in the second tier of English football since April 1961.
Before that, the Championship newcomers had also impressed in the League Cup, thrashing Blackpool 4-1. Lincoln have therefore won their last two matches and head into this home fixture in a much more positive frame of mind.
Blackburn Rovers: defensive concerns remain
Tony Mowbray's side began the league campaign with a 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton before beating Middlesbrough 2-1. However, they were unable to maintain that positive run: Blackburn were knocked out of the League Cup by Sheffield United before losing 2-1 to QPR despite opening the scoring.
The visitors' main problem is their defensive reliability. Rovers have conceded in all five competitive matches this season and have allowed opponents to score eight goals, so even against a newly promoted side they are unlikely to enjoy a comfortable game.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Lincoln have won their last two competitive matches, beating Blackpool 4-1 and Bolton 1-0.
- Blackburn have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their five matches this season.
- The teams' only previous meeting came in the League Cup in 2018 and ended in a 4-1 victory for Blackburn.
The hosts can take advantage of the visitors' problems: Lincoln City vs Blackburn Rovers prediction
Lincoln are gradually adapting to the level of the Championship and should feel much more confident after two consecutive victories. Home advantage could also help the newcomers make life difficult for their more experienced opponents.
Blackburn have greater experience and more quality in certain areas, but their current defensive problems make it difficult to regard them as clear favourites. In these circumstances, an even contest with both teams scoring looks the most likely scenario.
