After earning three vital points against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, the Imps return home to Sincil Bank for their first evening league fixture of the season, writes Kyle Fox.
The victory over Bolton was Lincoln’s first ever in the Championship and the first time they have earned three points in the second tier. After back-to-back defeats in their previous two games, away at Middlesbrough and at home to Portsmouth, progression through both the first and second rounds of the Carabao Cup, alongside the win over Bolton, means Cohen and Shaw’s men have won three of their first five competitive matches.
Last season, Blackburn Rovers endured a difficult campaign as they battled relegation for the majority of the season. This was demonstrated by the fact that they finished in 20th place, just five points above Oxford United in 22nd. The head coach at the time was Michael O’Neill, who was appointed on a short-term deal in late February following the departure of previous head coach Valérien Ismaël. O’Neill was in the rare position of being the head coach of a club and a national team, as he was simultaneously managing the Northern Ireland national team during his time with Blackburn. His appointment at club level proved to be an inspired one, as he guided Blackburn to safety, largely by helping them become more defensively solid.
Blackburn haven’t been too active in terms of incomings or outgoings. They started by signing midfielder Moussa Baradji for an undisclosed fee at the beginning of the window, after he spent last season on loan at the club from Swiss outfit Yverdon. Jayden Fevrier was then brought in from Stockport County on a permanent transfer following his spell in the Championship last season, when he was on loan at Charlton Athletic. Their third and final signing up to this point was experienced midfielder Sam Morsy, following the expiration of his short-term contract with Bristol City.
Blackburn Rovers Form
Blackburn started this season very positively, beginning with progression through the first round of the EFL Cup. They managed to beat Burton Albion 2-1 away from home, thanks to late goals from Gudjohnsen and Fevrier. That result was followed by an impressive draw away at Wolves in what was their opening game of the Championship season. After falling behind 18 minutes into the match, Rovers came back to equalise in the 27th minute before taking the lead early in the second half, in the 48th minute. A 93rd-minute penalty was awarded against them and converted by Raul Jimenez, denying Blackburn a massive opening-day win.
Their second league game brought an even more positive outcome, as they managed to beat a very strong Middlesbrough side 2-1 at Ewood Park. After falling behind in the 12th minute when Jeremy Sarmiento scored for the visitors, Tony Mowbray’s team scored twice in six minutes to establish a 2-1 lead. They managed to maintain that scoreline for the rest of the game to secure their first league win of the season.
They have not fared as well in their two most recent games, though. Last Tuesday, they were knocked out of the EFL Cup at home to Sheffield United, losing 2-1. In their latest outing, Rovers were beaten 2-1 at Ewood Park by QPR. The home side took the lead thanks to yet another early goal in the second half, before the visitors responded just two minutes later to equalise. The winner came in the 74th minute from defender Jimmy Dunne, who rose highest to head home from a set piece.
Previous Meetings
These two teams have only met 20 times in competitive fixtures and Blackburn have the better record over the course of those meetings. Rovers have won ten of the meetings between the two, with three draws and seven victories for Lincoln.
Their most recent meeting came in the second round of the EFL Cup in August 2018. Blackburn ran out 4-1 victors at Ewood Park that day.
The last league contest between both sides was all the way back in January 1958. That game ended 1-1 at Sincil Bank.
Lincoln City vs Blackburn Rovers Referee
The referee for this game is Will Finnie. He has a lot of experience in officiating games across the EFL and National League alongside appearances in the FA Cup.
Across his career, he has refereed 127 competitive fixtures, and he has issued a total of 426 yellow cards at a rate of 3.35 per game, which is more lenient than most officials. He has awarded 39 penalties and handed out 12 red cards, seven being straight red cards and five being second yellow card offences.
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