Blackburn Rovers: John Eustace issues "really dangerous" warning ahead of Portsmouth FC clash | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace admits that Portsmouth are a dangerous team ahead of Saturday's clash between Rovers and Pompey

Blackburn Rovers manager John Eustace has admitted that his side will be in for a tough afternoon when they host Portsmouth on Saturday.

Rovers currently sit ninth in the Championship table and are in the hunt for a play-off spot, whereas Pompey are in the relegation zone following last season's promotion from League One.

The Hampshire side have won just two league games in 15 attempts so far this campaign, but their last triumph came in their most recent fixture, as they defeated Preston North End 3-1 prior to the international break.

On the other hand, Rovers have managed a much healthier six victories in the Championship, and are also in search of two consecutive wins, after beating Cardiff City 3-1 last time out.

Blackburn boss Eustace makes Portsmouth admission

Ahead of his side's clash with Pompey at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon, the Rovers boss said: "I think they should have more points than what they’ve got.

"I’ve watched their last six or seven games, and they’ve been in all of them.

"They’re a really dangerous team, they have lots of energy and John’s (Mousinho) a really good coach.

"I think they should have more points, and we know that we’ll be in for a really difficult game on Saturday.

"Over the course of the 46 games, you get what you deserve, and I can certainly see them pushing up the table, for sure."

While Rovers are in search of a top-six position, whereas Pompey are focused on retaining their Championship position, Eustace's comments should come as a reminder to his players that there is no room for complacency, and that the second tier boasts quality throughout the league.

Perhaps this is a lesson that the Ewood Park outfit have already learned this campaign, as they suffered defeats to both Coventry City and Plymouth Argyle, who sit 17th and 18th respectively, last month.

Pompey clash presents Rovers with a big opportunity

While Eustace is right to highlight that Pompey are a dangerous side in their own right, who scored three goals last time out, Rovers supporters will be expecting to see their side emerge victorious on Saturday afternoon.

Albeit Championship clubs still have two-thirds of the season ahead of them, Rovers will be desperate to avoid dropping points at home against a side who are currently in the relegation zone, amid their battle for a top-six spot.

Eustace's men are struggling for consistency, and have still not managed the feat of two consecutive victories in the league yet this season, which is something they will be looking to put right this weekend.

While the Lancashire side still sit below the play-off places, it is evident that their inability to string a run of wins together is the main factor which is currently holding their top-six hunt back.

But a home fixture against a lowly Pompey side is exactly the sort of fixture that could help Rovers in their quest for more consistency.

However, the Hampshire outfit do possess some quality attacking players, such as wideman Josh Murphy, and former Wigan Athletic star Callum Lang, who has scored four Championship goals so far.

Therefore, a somewhat leaky Rovers defence, who have conceded 17 goals this term, will have to be at their best in order to keep Mousinho's side at bay, and grab what could prove to be a crucial victory.