Blackburn Rovers can retain their Championship status for the 2026/27 term when the travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United this evening.
Blackburn's Championship survival hopes were plunged into doubt in the early stages of the 2025/26 term when enduring a dismal run under the stewardship of Valerien Ismael, losing seven of their opening 10 league contests.
A pick up in form saw Rovers pick up 12 points from a possible 15 between Gameweek 12 and Gameweek 16, but they would go on to win just one of their next 14 second tier contests.
Ismael paid the ultimate price on 2nd February, sacked after a 1-0 defeat to Hull City, and Michael O'Neill was appointed to take the Ewood Park hotseat for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
O'Neill marked his first game in the Blackburn dugout with a 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers, and while his side haven't necessarily blown teams away, they've picked up crucial victories against Preston North End, Millwall and Birmingham City and should have enough to avoid a catastrophic drop to the third tier.
How can Blackburn Rovers secure Championship survival against Sheffield Utd?
Blackburn Rovers can secure Championship survival with a win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tonight.
Victory against Chris Wilder's side would take the Lancashire-based outfit to 52 points, while Oxford United, who currently sit behind them on 44 points, can only reach 50 points with wins against Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall.
If Blackburn pick up just one point from contests against the Blades and Leicester City, and Oxford pick up maximum points in their final two Championship games, then Matt Bloomfield's side would draw level on points with Rovers and, with a superior goal difference, would finish above them. Charlton Athletic could yet be dragged into the mix but need just one point from three games to secure safety.
Draws in both of Blackburn's last two games would also ensure survival.
