Blackburn vs. Newcastle Prediction & Betting Tips

Tuesday night's FA Cup 5th round clash between Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United promises to be an intriguing encounter as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals. With contrasting fortunes and motivations, the stage is set for an enthralling battle at Ewood Park.

Date: 27/02/2024

Kick-off time: 19:45

Location: Ewood Park


Blackburn Rovers, currently 16th in the Championship, have endured a tumultuous season marked by instability both on and off the pitch. Turmoil within the club's ownership has had a palpable impact on events on the pitch, culminating in the departure of manager Jon Dahl Tomasson last month, with the reigns subsequently handed to former Birmingham City manager John Eustace.


Rovers reached this stage of the competition with impressive victories over Cambridge United, 5-2, and Wrexham, 4-1. Despite the challenges they've faced in the Championship, Blackburn boast the Championship's top goalscorer in Sammie Szmodics, whose 18 goals, all from open play, have been the only thing keeping them out of the relegation zone.


Blackburn's history against this week’s opponents in this competition has been poor, with Rovers losing seven of the nine FA Cup ties played out between these two sides since the competition’s inception.

By contrast, Newcastle United find themselves in a more favourable position, currently sitting 8th in the Premier League under the management of Eddie Howe. They have, though, been notably weaker than they were last season when they surged to a 4th place finish, but much of that has owed to an undeniable injury crisis that has seen them play the majority of the campaign without large portions of their preferred starting XI at different times. Despite said injuries plaguing their squad throughout the season, the Magpies have remained competitive, with the FA Cup now assuming added significance as they seek to create a memorable campaign.


Newcastle's journey to the 5th round has been marked by impressive victories over rivals Sunderland, 3-0, and Fulham, 2-0, both secured away from home. With aspirations of a top-six finish in the Premier League diminishing by the week, the FA Cup represents Newcastle's best opportunity to create a lasting memory this season.


Moreover, Newcastle boast an excellent record at this stage of the competition, having won all of their last eight 5th round ties.

Blackburn Team News:

Blackburn have been persistently mired by injury issues this season and come into this game without the services of striker Harry Leonard, Joe Rankin-Costello, John Fleck and Hayden Carter.

John Eustace also lost Ryan Hedges midway through the game against Norwich so his inclusion is doubtful here as he continues to battle perpetual injury problems.

As far as the strength of the starting lineup is concerned, expect John Eustace to name the strongest side possible as Rovers seek a result or performance that could have a positive impact overall on their campaign. Harry Pickering is likely to replace Ryan Hedges at left wing-back while Jake Garrett will battle it out to start alongside Sondre Tronstad in central midfield, but more changes from the weekend's starting XI aren't likely here.

Newcastle Team News:

The Magpies have been battered by injuries this season and they're still struggling with significant absences coming into this one with Joelinton, Callum Wilson, Elliot Anderson and Matt Targett all out injured while Sandro Tonali continues his lengthy suspension.

Joe Willock made his return from injury with a goal off the bench at Arsenal at the weekend and he could come into the starting XI at the expense of either Lewis Miley or Sean Longstaff here, while Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles will both hope for recalls to the starting lineup at the expense of Tino Livramento and Sven Botman.

Since John Eustace took over at Ewood Park, Blackburn have stabilised in form somewhat. In Eustace’s five games in charge, Blackburn have won one, lost one and drawn three, a 2-2 draw away at playoff-chasing Preston North End being the pick of those draws.


Their most recent game saw them claim a hard-fought point in a 1-1 draw at home to Norwich City, with Dom Hyam’s second-half header from a corner cancelling out Marcelino Núñez’s fine first-half free kick. In all honesty, Blackburn were fortunate to come away from that game with a point after Norwich had dominated large portions of the game, but the resilience and spirit shown to earn a point in difficult circumstances is a quality they’ve rarely shown this season.


Rovers’ form at home has been respectable of late too, with the Lancashire club coming into this game having won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five games on home soil.

Despite a heavy defeat last time out, Newcastle’s form has been solid of late. Eddie Howe’s side are coming into this game having won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five games.


Saturday night saw the Magpies resoundingly put to the sword by Premier League title challengers Arsenal in a thumping 4-1 win for the Gunners, with goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior, alongside a Sven Botman own goal, preceding a late consolation goal from Joe Willock.


Newcastle have had some impressive results in their last five games, notably a 3-1 win away at Aston Villa, a result that saw them inflict Villa’s first home defeat in nearly a year. They are, though, coming off the back of two poor performances, with a 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth that saw them salvage a point in stoppage time through Matt Richie preceding the defeat at Arsenal.


Newcastle have been stronger away from home than they have at St. James’ Park these past few weeks, with the Magpies winning four of their last five games on the road.

Blackburn will very much be relying on the magic of the FA Cup to get a result here as their performances have been nowhere near good enough of late to back them to claim a Premier League scalp here. The visitors should win this one with relative comfort, with at least a two-goal margin likely. Blackburn 1-3 Newcastle.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of our previews, tips and offers for this weekend’s action. Footy Accumulators is the #1 football betting site for the latest on betting in the UK - download the Betting Hub app for more!

Blackburn vs. Newcastle will be live for all U.K. viewers on BBC One in addition to online via BBC iPlayer. Additionally, radio coverage will be provided on BBC Radio Lancashire and BBC Radio Newcastle.

• Latest match predictions - https://footyaccumulators.com/predictions
• Football tips - https://footyaccumulators.com/football-tips
• Football accumulator tips - https://footyaccumulators.com/football-tips/accumulators
• Football bet of the day - https://footyaccumulators.com/football-tips