Statistical Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Sunderland AFC

Blackburn Rovers’ recent defeat by Millwall over the weekend concluded a streak of six consecutive victories in the Championship. Sunderland currently holds a position one spot higher than John Eustace’s team and maintains a six-point lead over them as the season approaches its halfway point. The Black Cats will arrive at Ewood Park having remained undefeated in their last four league matches. Blackburn has secured three wins in their last five league encounters against Sunderland, with two losses, including a 5-1 victory in their most recent meeting in April. Sunderland achieved a 3-1 win at Ewood Park in the Championship last season; they last recorded consecutive league away victories against Blackburn in September 1975. Blackburn Rovers have registered only one win in their last 14 league fixtures played on Boxing Day, alongside six draws and seven defeats. This sole victory was a 2-0 triumph over Rochdale in League One in 2017. In contrast, Sunderland has won three of their last four league games on Boxing Day, following a series of four consecutive losses between 2014 and 2017. Alan Browne of Sunderland has scored in four of his last five Championship appearances on Boxing Day, achieving this for Preston in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023. Indeed, in the history of the Championship (from the 2004-05 season onward), only Jobi McAnuff has accumulated more Boxing Day goals, with a total of five. Sandi Toksvig will be joined by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Alan Davies. Opportunities will be available to sing along to tracks by Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and other artists. Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are returning for the seasonal festivities at Longleat Safari Park. Topics ranging from microplastics in our atmosphere, ground, and aquatic systems to the volume of food waste generated during this period of the year will be addressed. © 2024 BBC. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.