Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough: unbeaten starts meet early play-off push | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers host Middlesbrough in the Championship at Ewood Park on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with early play-off positioning and unbeaten starts at stake.

Blackburn Rovers are ninth after the opening weekend, while Middlesbrough sit seventh in the play-off places. The last two league meetings between these sides ended goalless.

Rovers shared a 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers on matchday one. Boro opened with a 2-1 home win against Lincoln City, and both clubs also posted EFL Cup victories earlier in August.

Blackburn Rovers list injuries for Scott Wharton, Augustus Kargbo, Lewis Miller, Dion De Neve and Moussa Baradji. Boro have David Strelec, Alex Bangura and Tommy Conway sidelined.

Boro controlled their league opener with 76% possession and 15 shots, sending in 25 open-play crosses. Rovers were efficient, scoring twice from inside the box with one header and converting seven attempts at 71.43% shooting accuracy. If Boro dictate again, their wide supply could test Blackburn's defence, while the hosts may look for aerial chances and quick entries into the area.

Boro are in the play-off places and a win could strengthen that grip before West Bromwich Albion visit next. Blackburn Rovers, ninth, could move into the early play-off picture ahead of a home game with Queens Park Rangers.