Stats Buzz: Blackburn Rovers In Numbers

Following last weekend’s narrow defeat to Stoke City, the Hornets will be looking to bounce back against Blackburn Rovers at Vicarage Road this Sunday (August 27, 12noon KO).

Ahead of the fixture against the Rovers, take a look at all the stats, facts and figures surrounding the eagerly-awaited encounter.

Watford are unbeaten in six home league games against Blackburn Rovers (W4 D2) since a 1-0 defeat in February 2001.

The Hornets’ boss Valérien Ismaël has won his last two games against the away side - with Barnsley in February 2021 and West Bromwich Albion in August 2021 (both 2-1 wins).

None of the last 24 league encounters between Watford and Blackburn have finished goalless, with 77 goals being scored at an average of 3.2 goals per game.

The Hornets are unbeaten in their previous three home league games (W2 D1), keeping a clean sheet each time.

Since a 2-0 win over Norwich City in December 2022, Blackburn have won only two of their last 12 league games on the road (D6 L4), conceding 22 goals in that run and failing to keep a clean sheet.

Only Southampton (71.2%), Sunderland (66.4%) and Leicester City (66.4%) have averaged more possession in the Championship this season than Watford (64.6%).

Sammie Szmodics is the Rovers’ top goalscorer so far this season, with two goals in the opening three matches. He is followed by Dilan Markanday, Harry Leonard and Sam Gallagher (1).

Lewis Travis has been Blackburn’s main enforcer this season with the most tackles attempted (7), most fouls conceded (6) and most fouls won (7).

Scottish defender Dominic Hyam has made the most clearances (13) and attempted the most passes (226) for Blackburn this campaign. Meanwhile, Hayden Carter is top of the rankings for passes in his own half (169) and Welshman Ryan Hedges leads the way for passes in the opposition half (91).