Sunderland host Blackburn at the Stadium of Light on 21 April 2025 in a crucial Championship clash. With Sunderland sitting comfortably in 4th place with 76 points, they’re eyeing a strong finish to boost their playoff momentum. Blackburn, on the other hand, are 10th with 59 points and looking to salvage their season with a win.

Sunderland come into this one as bookmaker favorites, supported by their solid defense—three clean sheets in their last five matches. Blackburn, under the cloud of possibly replacing their manager Valérien Ismaël, has won just one of their last eight games.

We’ve seen more than 2.5 goals in 80% of the matches between these teams in the past five seasons, making for an exciting clash. Given Sunderland’s current form and home advantage, we’re recommending a bet on Sunderland -1.00 (AH) to back the Black Cats for a strong showing.

Expect an engaging encounter as both teams aim to finish their seasons on a high note.

Sunderland vs Blackburn Prediction & Betting Tip

For this match, I’m recommending a bet on Sunderland -1.00 (AH). This is based on several factors that point to Sunderland’s favorability in this clash.

Sunderland vs Blackburn Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Sunderland -1.00 (AH)	1.71

Reasons why this betting tip is a solid choice:

• Strong Defence: Sunderland has kept three clean sheets in their last five games, showcasing a solid backline.
• Home Advantage: Playing at the Stadium of Light gives Sunderland a significant boost, with the support of their home crowd.
• Recent Form: While Blackburn has struggled, winning just one of their last eight matches, Sunderland has been more consistent and looks stronger overall.

Sunderland vs Blackburn Odds

Sunderland vs Blackburn Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Sunderland	1.71
Draw	3.63
Blackburn	4.75

Sunderland enters this fixture as the bookmakers’ favourite, given their higher position and strong defensive record. Blackburn lags behind both in form and standings, making them the underdogs. The odds reflect Sunderland’s home advantage and overall better performance this season.

Given the stakes, a home win not only looks probable but also rewarding for bettors. The draw and away win, while offering higher returns, appear much less likely based on current form.

Sunderland Team Analysis

Sunderland Recent Performance

Sunderland	Opponent	Date	Competition	Result
Sunderland	Millwall	2025-03-29	Championship	1-0 (Win)
West Bromwich	Sunderland	2025-04-05	Championship	0-1 (Win)
Norwich	Sunderland	2025-04-08	Championship	0-0 (Draw)
Sunderland	Swansea	2025-04-12	Championship	0-1 (Loss)
Bristol City	Sunderland	2025-04-18	Championship	2-1 (Loss)

Recent Form: LLDWL

Sunderland’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five games. Despite their ups and downs, they’re solid defensively, managing three clean sheets in these games.

They have scored an average of 0.60 goals per game recently, indicative of a tight, low-scoring strategy. However, their strong defensive record has been a cornerstone, helping them secure a playoff spot in the Championship.

Régis Le Bris will be looking to capitalize on the home advantage and steer his team back to winning ways.

Sunderland Key Players

Sunderland’s prominence in the Championship is largely bolstered by their key players who bring quality and consistency to the squad. Wilson Isidor, the top scorer with 12 goals this season, is a vital offensive force for the Black Cats and will be looking to pierce Blackburn’s defense. Patrick Roberts and Enzo Le Fée add creativity and midfield control, and their performances will be crucial in supplying Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda with scoring opportunities. Sunderland’s solid defense, anchored by Luke O’Nien and Chris Mepham, will aim to hold Blackburn’s attack at bay.

Expected lineup for Sunderland:

• Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson
• Defenders: Tom Lavery, Chris Mepham, Luke O’Nien, Leo Fuhr Hjelde
• Midfielders: Dan Neil, Enzo Le Fée, Chris Rigg
• Forwards: Patrick Roberts, Eliezer Mayenda, Tom Watson

Key battles to watch include Isidor facing off against Dominic Hyam and Danny Batth, which could be decisive in determining the outcome.

Sunderland Suspensions & Injuries

Sunderland has a substantial injury list that could impact their squad depth and performance. Here’s a rundown of current injuries:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Daniel Ballard	Hamstring Injury	Early May 2025
Niall Huggins	Knee surgery	Mid May 2025
Aji Alese	Broken leg	Mid June 2025
Jayden Danns	Back injury	Early May 2025
Ian Poveda	Leg injury	Early May 2025
Dennis Cirkin	Hamstring Injury	A few days
Jenson Seelt	Knee injury	Early May 2025
Romaine Mundle	Hamstring Injury	Early May 2025

In addition, Sunderland will be without Trai Hume due to suspension.

Player	Suspension	Expected return
Trai Hume	Red card	1 match

These absences, especially in defense and midfield, might force Régis Le Bris to make tactical adjustments. However, Sunderland has shown resilience, and the availability of key players can help mitigate these challenges.

Sunderland Tactics and Formation

Sunderland Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Eliezer Mayenda
• Midfield Trio: Dan Neil, Enzo Le Fée, Chris Rigg
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Dominance in midfield and strategic wing play.

Régis Le Bris is expected to line up Sunderland in a balanced 4-3-3 formation. With Anthony Patterson in goal, the defense will be anchored by Chris Mepham and Luke O’Nien, providing solidity.

Dan Neil, Enzo Le Fée, and Chris Rigg form a dynamic midfield trio aimed at controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game.

Up front, Eliezer Mayenda leads the attack, with Patrick Roberts and Tom Watson providing width and creativity on the flanks.

With an eye on a potential promotion, Sunderland’s emphasis will likely be on a solid defense and effective counter-attacking play.

Blackburn Team Analysis

Blackburn Recent Performance

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Blackburn	Millwall	2025-04-18	Championship	4-1 (Win)
Luton	Blackburn	2025-04-12	Championship	0-1 (Win)
Blackburn	Sheff Wed	2025-04-08	Championship	2-2 (Draw)
Blackburn	Boro	2025-04-04	Championship	0-2 (Loss)
Portsmouth	Blackburn	2025-03-29	Championship	1-0 (Loss)

Blackburn have been inconsistent in recent matches, registering two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five games.

Their recent form has seen them average 1.40 goals per game while managing just one clean sheet.

This mixed form has kept them mid-table in 10th position, currently on 59 points. However, a recent 4-1 win against Millwall might just give them the confidence boost they need.

Consistency will be key for Valérien Ismaël’s side if they aim to finish the season on a high.

Blackburn Key Players

Expected lineup for Blackburn:

• Goalkeeper: Balázs Tóth
• Defenders: Callum Brittain, Danny Batth, Dominic Hyam, Yuri Ribeiro
• Midfielders: Sondre Tronstad, Lewis Travis, Todd Cantwell
• Attackers: Tyrhys Dolan, Yuki Ohashi, Ryan Hedges

A significant player to watch will be Yuki Ohashi, Blackburn’s top scorer with 8 goals this season. His knack for finding the net will be pivotal, especially against a Sunderland defense that has conceded an average of 0.9 goals this season.

Look out for individual battles such as Ohashi against Sunderland’s solid centre-back, Chris Mepham.

In midfield, Lewis Travis and Todd Cantwell will need to match Sunderland’s creativity if they are to control the game’s tempo. Their contributions could decide Blackburn’s success in breaking down the home team’s disciplined defense.

Blackburn Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Scott Wharton	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid May 2025
Zak Gilsenan	Muscle injury	Early May 2025
Harry Leonard	Leg injury	Early May 2025
Andreas Weimann	Meniscus injury	Early June 2025
Augustus Kargbo	Hamstring injury	Early May 2025
Emmanuel Dennis	Hamstring injury	Early May 2025
Hayden Carter	Calf injury	Early May 2025
Owen Beck	Hamstring injury	Late May 2025

Blackburn’s squad depth will be tested as they face Sunderland with several key players sidelined. The absence of Scott Wharton in defence could be significant, especially against a Sunderland side that scores in 79% of their matches.

Midfield and attack are also thin with multiple players out. Returning players are crucial for Blackburn to stage a competitive match.

Blackburn Tactics and Formation

Blackburn’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Yuki Ohashi
• Midfield Trio: Sondre Tronstad, Lewis Travis, Todd Cantwell
• Defensive Structure: Callum Brittain, Danny Batth, Dominic Hyam, Yuri Ribeiro
• Goalkeeper: Balázs Tóth
• Notable Strategy:
  Blackburn typically aligns in a 4-2-3-1, focusing on maintaining a solid defensive base while using speed and creativity in attack. Valérien Ismaël’s approach includes pressing high and capitalizing on transitions.
  Yuki Ohashi, as the lone striker, supports by making runs behind the defence, while the midfield trio, especially Cantwell, provides both creativity and stability. Despite conceding an average of 1.4 goals in their last five games, Blackburn’s strength lies in their ability to strike back quickly, evident in their recent 4-1 win against Millwall.

Sunderland vs Blackburn Head-to-Head Statistics

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Blackburn	Sunderland	2024-12-26	Championship	2-2
Sunderland	Blackburn	2024-04-01	Championship	1-5 (Loss)
Blackburn	Sunderland	2023-09-20	Championship	1-3 (Win)
Sunderland	Blackburn	2022-12-26	Championship	2-1 (Win)
Blackburn	Sunderland	2022-10-18	Championship	2-0 (Loss)

In the last five meetings, both teams have had moments of dominance. Sunderland won two matches, Blackburn also secured two victories, and one encounter ended in a draw. This suggests a tightly contested fixture historically, often with more than 2.5 goals scored.

Odds accurate as of 19/04/2025 15:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.