Portsmouth vs Blackburn — Tips & Analysis

Blackburn +0.5: There is almost nothing between these two, and that is why we are taking Blackburn. They have tied 5 of their last 15 games and 3 of their 7 on the road, so a level finish is their normal away result. Blackburn score just over a goal a game away and let in a similar number, which is the profile of a side that keeps things close. Portsmouth have not looked strong at Fratton Park. Their home games are their quietest, with just over a goal a game at each end across seven matches. They have already lost at home to Derby 0-2 and QPR 1-3. Portsmouth have seven players out, including Conor Ogilvie and Freddie Umeh. Blackburn have five missing plus Scott Wharton a doubt, so neither attack arrives at full strength. Blackburn's last trip to a well organised side finished 0-0 at Lincoln. The history helps as well, because Blackburn have won 3 of the last 6 meetings. A 1-1 is the most likely score, and that is exactly the shape Blackburn travel for. The worry is Portsmouth's habit of winning big when they do win. They have won by 2 or more goals in 4 of their last 14 games, so a flat Blackburn hour can get punished quickly. We are happy taking Blackburn in a very even game.