‘Put a marker down’ – Blackburn Rovers eyeing early play-off boost as final-day Sheffield United warning sent
Todd Cantwell feels his Blackburn Rovers side can set down a psychological ‘marker’ at Bramall Lane this weekend ahead of their likely comeback in the play-offs.
With Valerien Ismael’s team one of five vying for fifth and sixth place, Blackburn knows a win is necessary to guarantee a play-off spot when they go to South Yorkshire on Saturday. After dropping out of the running for automatic promotion, hosts Sheffield United are certain to finish third, and two straight victories are an indication that they are gaining ground.
However, if momentum is the key, Blackburn will be bursting with confidence as they head to Bramall Lane after recording four straight victories to move from mid-table disappointment to real play-off contention. With goals from Tyrhys Dolan and Cantwell, they defeated Watford 2-1 on Saturday to maintain their spot in the top six.
Fascinatingly, if United loses on Saturday, they would face their last-day rivals, Blackburn, in the play-off semi-finals. Blackburn would visit the Blades a week on Thursday before coming back to Bramall Lane on Monday, May 12. Cantwell, a midfielder for Rovers, thinks that if his team wins this weekend, they will have the motivation to win again because the Lancashire team is playing good right now.
“It’s been a bit of an up-and-down season, but our recent run of form has been really solid and really positive, so to get that win leaves it all down to the final day,” Cantwell stated to RoversTV. It’s an indication of moral integrity. The management is adamant about never losing a game badly. Never give up and never give up. You can score two goals in two minutes, so you never know what might occur. The second half [against Watford] was, in my opinion, incredibly encouraging. I think everyone here probably felt it and saw that.
That, in my opinion, is a really effective momentum builder. I believe we will have some of the best momentum heading into the playoffs if we win the game and end up there. It’s the Championship’s drama. Although I haven’t had a chance to look yet, I believe that anything can happen, from finishing worst in the league to making it to the playoffs.
“Winning the game is the only way we can take control of it. It won’t be simple against Sheffield United because, once more, they want to maintain their momentum after recent setbacks. Listen, now would be an excellent moment to go there and set a marker if we hope to defeat them in the playoffs.”
Wilder’s team has it easy, but the play-off combinations below United and Sunderland make it a hectic last day. A win will give them more confidence going into the playoffs, and a third-place finish guarantees they will face the club with the lowest ranking in the semi-finals.
According to statistical gurus Opta, it will be Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues, but it might also be Bristol City, Coventry City, Millwall, Blackburn, or Middlesbrough. United, who are in top place, will travel for the first leg and then come home for the final, hoping to be at Wembley on Sunday, May 25.
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