Blackburn Rovers v City: play-off push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers host Bristol City in the Championship at Ewood Park on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, with the hosts seeking breathing room near the relegation places and the visitors aiming to stay in touch with the play-off spots.

Blackburn Rovers edged the reverse fixture 1-0 in November and now return to Ewood Park looking to build on momentum. Bristol City arrive 12th after a narrow defeat at Swansea.

Rovers have won three of their last four league games, including 3-1 at Queens Park Rangers and 1-0 against Preston. City's recent run is mixed, featuring a 3-2 win at Hull and a 2-2 draw with Wrexham alongside losses to Derby and Swansea.

Michael O'Neill's side remain without Ryan Hedges, Todd Cantwell, Lewis Miller, Sidnei Tavares, Jake Garrett and Matty Litherland. City are missing defenders Ross McCrorie, Robert Dickie and Luke McNally, trimming Gerhard Struber's options at the back.

Season trends point to contrasting routes. Rovers have 31 league goals and nine clean sheets, with 516 open-play crosses at 18.99% accuracy and eight headed goals, so wide delivery could be a focus. City have scored 45, kept 11 clean sheets and completed 77.80% of passes, with 45.82% shooting accuracy and nine headed goals. They have also been flagged offside 71 times, so runs in behind may be frequent.

Blackburn Rovers sit 20th on 38 points and a win could push them further from the relegation zone. The Robins are on 47 points in 12th and three more would keep them in the play-off chase.