This Week's Opposition: Blackburn Rovers

Kirsty Roxanne takes a look ahead to a big clash at Ewood Park by investigating the key names and numbers behind Pompey's next Championship opponent, Blackburn Rovers!

After suffering a 1-0 defeat at home to promotion-chasing Hull City, the Blues head back on the road and this time to Ewood Park, to take on Blackburn Rovers for an early kick-off.

MANAGER

Joint Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers boss Michael O’Neill is at the helm.

He started his managerial career with Brechin City before joining Shamrock Rovers, where he won 2League of Ireland titles and the Setanta Cup.

O’Neill became Northern Ireland manager for the first time in 2011 and, under his management, the side qualified for their first European Championship Finals in 2016. After a season-and-a-half with Stoke City, O’Neill returned to become Northern Ireland manager for a second time.

In February of this year, O’Neill returned to the Championship after being appointed manager of Blackburn - He has so far overseen 2 wins and 2 defeats.

ONE TO WATCH

28-year-old Ryoya Morishita is our one to watch.

The Samurai Blue international started out in the J League before making a move to Poland, signing for Legia Warsaw in January 2024.

Morishita signed for Blackburn in 2025 on a 3-year-deal and scored his first goal for the club just weeks later in a 1-0 victory over Watford.

So far this season, he has 2 goals and 5 assists.

TOP SCORER

Japanese international teammate Yuki Ohashi is Rovers’ current top goalscorer.

Ohashi began his career in the J League and moved abroad for the first time in 2024, joining Blackburn.

In his first season, the number 23 scored 9 goals and provided 3 assists in 36 Championship appearances. So far this campaign, he has 8 goals and 1 assist from 35 league outings.

CURRENT FORM

Rovers currently sit 20th, only 1 point and 1 place behind John Mousinho’s side in 19th.

In the reverse fixture, Pompey went a goal down but pulled it back to claim 3 points thanks to goals from Callum Lang and Ibane Bowat at Fratton Park.

Can the Blues secure a crucial 3 points against a relegation-threatened rival?

Join Jake Smith, James Wilson and Danny Thompson for all of the unmissable action LIVE from Ewood Park from 11:30am this Saturday (March 7th) - Pompey Live has you covered with full coverage of Blackburn Rovers vs Portsmouth in the Championship.

Kick-off: 12:30pm!