Southampton vs Blackburn Rovers Prediction: Saints are unbeaten at home since September

Southampton will welcome Blackburn Rovers at St. Mary's Stadium in Game Week 22 of the English Championship. The Saints are on a good run in the Championship. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Criticism should be the least of Southampton's concerns when they have remained unbeaten in 13 matches in a division like the Championship. However, Southampton has experienced a loss of momentum in the past week. They conceded a last-minute goal in their match against Watford, resulting in a 1-1 draw. In their midweek game against Coventry City, they could only manage another 1-1 draw. Southampton now finds themselves 12 points behind Ipswich Town in the fight for automatic promotion, with three draws in their last five matches. 

Sam Edozie's successful goal as a substitute against Coventry may lead to his inclusion in the starting lineup for Southampton. Carlos Alcaraz and Ryan Fraser are also contenders to replace Joe Aribo and Che Adams in the attacking third. However, unless Flynn Downes is fit to return, the defence and midfield positions are likely to remain unchanged. 

A possible starting lineup for Southampton includes Bazunu in goal, with Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, and Manning in defence. Charles, Smallbone, and S. Armstrong would feature in midfield, while Edozie and Fraser would join A. Armstrong in the attack.

Despite not conceding more than once in their last eight games, Southampton has also struggled to score more than twice in their previous seven matches. They currently hold a small six-point lead over the teams below them in the top six, including their upcoming opponents, Blackburn. Blackburn has had an inconsistent season under Jon Dahl Tomasson, winning and losing 10 matches each, with only one draw. Although they have lost four of their last seven matches, their recent 2-1 victory against Bristol City has put them back on track. They are now just two points away from a playoff spot and have won four of their last five away games. However, their loss to Sheffield Wednesday in their previous match is not an ideal situation before facing Southampton, who have not lost at home since September 19.

Harry Leonard could reclaim his spot in the Blackburn attack, potentially replacing Niall Ennis, who recently started his first Championship match of the season. James Hill and Lewis Travis provide alternative options in defence and midfield, although the formation chosen by manager Tomasson will heavily influence their selection. Unfortunately, none of Blackburn's injured players are expected to return for this match. 

Blackburn Rovers could field Wahlstedt in goal, with Brittain, Carter, S. Wharton, and Pickering in defence. Tronstad and A. Wharton would occupy the midfield positions, while Moran and Sigurdsson would be part of the attacking line alongside Szmodics and Leonard. 

Blackburn is eager to capitalize on the opportunity to climb the table and compete for a playoff spot during their visit to the South Coast. However, Southampton is in need of a clinical performance and may find success against a Blackburn side that has suffered 10 defeats in 21 league matches. Expect over 2.5 goals in the game and the home side to win.