All Rhodes lead to Wembley

 

After a disappointing spectacle in the original tie, Christian Crowther previews this FA quarter-final replay between two Championship sides...

 

Blackburn v Millwall, Wednesday 19:30, ESPN, Match Odds: Blackburn 2.26, Millwall 3.7, The Draw 3.45

 

In a throwback to the good old days, the identity of Wigan's semi-final opponents will be decided just days after the original game took place.

 

Now the draw has been made, neither club will require any greater incentive than avoiding either of the giant Manchester-shaped obstacles which could have been standing between them and a potential final appearance.

 

A couple of strikes of the woodwork could not hide the fact that the first leg was a war of attrition rather than any sort of beauty pageant.

 

If anything, Millwall will feel the slightly more aggrieved of the Championship rivals after pinning Blackburn back for large periods before finishing really strongly at The Den.

 

Nevertheless, the final outcome was still disappointing for the Londoners and symptomatic of Millwall's travails in the second tier which has resulted in a rapid descent down the table.

 

Kenny Jackett's side have lost seven of their last eight Championship matches, which has caused them to plummet from seventh to 17th, just five points off the very bottom.

 

As Opta tell us, Rovers do seem to enjoy an FA Cup replay at home, having won their last seven in a row after drawing the initial tie.

 

Despite scratching for form themselves - it's now no win in six across all competitions since beating Arsenal - Rovers crucially now have home advantage and, a goalscorer in the form of Jordan Rhodes, who is capable of cementing their semi-final place.

 

To score

 

Blackburn's top scorer this season is certainly worthy of a punt to be Rovers' hero. The Scotland international's strike in their last home game against Peterborough made it a cool 26 for club and country this season. Rhodes looked Blackburn's biggest threat in the original tie and his record of six goals from his last six Ewood Park appearances is plenty enough reason to single him out.

 

Over/Under 2.5 goals

 

With Sunday's meeting producing a 0-0 and both teams failing to find the net with any degree of regularity at present, this replay promises further nitty-grittiness. Blackburn and Millwall have only scored two goals each in their last four fixtures respectively - firing three blanks apiece - so you'd assume the odd goal will clinch it.

 

Best Bet: Back Jordan Rhodes to score @ 2.3

Other Recommended Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.79

 

Bet HERE

Viewed 680 times