The Local Lowdown: Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn looked on course to make the Championship play-offs last season, only to lose form at the worst possible time. What was the team’s success built on, and why did the promotion push come up short in the end?

Ultimately, it came down to a lack of goals. They missed out only on goal difference and not having a No 9 cost them. 

The team drastically improved after the turn of the year, having picked up a lot of points before Christmas without necessarily playing well. They showed their best form in February and March before injuries and a lack of firepower eventually caught up with them.

How would you describe Rovers’ performances this season and the current expectations at Ewood Park?

Performances have deserved far more than they've received. Tomasson has been very happy with the displays and there have been countless games where the team hasn't got what they deserved.

They're struggling with a lot of injuries to key first-team players which has stretched what is already a very young squad. There are no real expectations on Tomasson other than to continue playing attractive football and develop the young players in the squad. 

Jake Garrett celebrates with Sammie Szmodics in November's 3-0 win at Stoke

Blackburn haven’t drawn a game in more than four months – a sequence spanning 22 games in all competitions. Is that purely a coincidence, or is it a consequence of the team’s style of play?

It's definitely not a coincidence, they went 27 league games last season before eventually drawing at Bristol City in January. 

They are a very gung-ho team and that makes for very entertaining games. They always go for the win and that means they win a lot of games and lose plenty too!

How would you describe the team’s approach under Jon Dahl Tomasson, and how highly rated is the manager among Rovers fans?

Tomasson is very highly thought of by the fans. The supporters have really enjoyed his exciting brand of football and he doesn't try to kid them. There is an acceptance that he's working with a hand tied behind his back but still has the team competing.

The approach is to go and win. I'd expect they will try and beat Southampton by pressing high and hurting them on the counter-attack. The away form has been impressive this season and so they'll be hopeful of another positive result on the road.

Sammie Szmodics is the Championship's leading scorer with 14 goals

How have performances been recently, and which players should Saints watch out for?

Performances have been good, as I say. Sam Szmodics is the obvious danger man having scored 14 league goals, making him the top scorer in the league.

Adam Wharton is the wonderkid in midfield. The England youth international has just signed a new five-year deal and looks destined to reach the top.

How do you see the game going on Saturday?

I'm interested to see how Rovers approach it. They don't usually sit in a low block but did so against Russell Martin's Swansea early last season and ended up winning 3-0. Usually, they'd get after the opposition and press them high.

I'll go for a 2-1 Saints win. They have the talent advantage and whilst it will probably be an even game between both boxes, they will have the players capable of being clinical in the final third.