Blackburn Rovers vs Wolverhampton Predictions

• Both teams have not scored in 12 of Blackburn’s last 14 home games
• Both teams have not scored in six of Wolves’ last nine games
• In the third round Wolves won at Bristol City, where Blackburn lost a recent league game

Rovers unlikely to be run over by Wolves

Blackburn are likely to give Wolves a hard time in Sunday’s FA Cup third-round game at Ewood Park – where the first goal looks set to be crucial. Rovers are fifth in the Championship, only a handful of places below their relegation-threatened opponents on the league ladder, and showed they could bridge the gap to the Premier League last season.

John Eustace’s side took a strong Newcastle line-up that featured seven players currently in Eddie Howe’s best XI to extra time and penalties after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. However, their current overall form is underwhelming with Roverds having tasted defeat in four of their last five games.

One of those losses was at Ashton Gate, where Wolves disposed of Bristol City in the previous round. Vitor Pereira’s respect for the competition was evident in his selection and he is likely to go even stronger for this one with Matheus Cunha in the squad.

Back both teams not to score

The Brazilian is capable of brilliance when his head is in the right place and his display in Wolves’ 2-0 home win over Aston Villa last weekend suggests it is now after protracted contract talks came to a positive conclusion.

That win over Villa was yet another example of Wolves being a totally different animal if they score the first goal. Wolves have won only once after falling behind this season, but they have not lost after taking the lead since October.

Back both teams not to score in this game, which will probably go the way of the Premier League side if Cunha influences the game as much as he did against Villa.