A licensed image from Reuters Connect documents Blackburn Rovers' recent Sky Bet Championship fixture against Preston North End. The photograph, captured by MI News for NurPhoto, shows Rovers player Oladapo Afolayan in action during the match at Deepdale on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
The image is part of the agency's sports coverage from the 2026/27 season. It carries the unique identifier MT1NURPHO000ARQQLL and is categorized under the slug SOCCER-ENGLAND-PRE-BLA. The picture originates from Preston in the United Kingdom and covers topics relevant to European sport.
What does the image show from the match?
The photograph focuses on Blackburn Rovers forward Oladapo Afolayan, identifiable by his number 21 shirt. It provides a visual record of the Championship contest between two Lancashire clubs. While the image itself does not convey the match result, it serves as a verified piece of media from the event. The photo agency NurPhoto licensed the content through the Reuters Connect platform, which was reported by www.reutersconnect.com.
This visual documentation comes as Blackburn Rovers prepare for their next Championship fixture. The team currently sits 16th in the league table with five points from five matches. Their record shows one win, two draws, and two losses, with recent form reading LDLWD. Rovers have scored six goals while conceding seven, giving them a minus-one goal difference.
Where do Blackburn Rovers stand in the league?
John Eustace's side finds itself six points behind early leaders Swansea City. The gap highlights the competitive nature of the Championship at this stage of the 2026/27 campaign.
Supporters tracking the team's progress can monitor all upcoming games on the official fixtures schedule. The next match presents an immediate chance to improve their league position.
Who is unavailable for selection?
Blackburn Rovers are currently managing several absences from their squad. The list of sidelined players includes Augustus Kargbo, Balázs Tóth, Harry Pickering, Lewis Miller, Mathias Jørgensen, and Moussa Baradji. These fitness issues impact team selection and available options for the manager.
Fans seeking the latest on player availability can consult the club's official injuries updates. The depth of the squad will be tested during this period, requiring contributions from across the roster. The team faces Sheffield United at Ewood Park on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
That home fixture against the 15th-placed Blades offers Rovers a platform to build momentum. A positive result could help shift their early-season trajectory. The match is scheduled for just three days after the Deepdale encounter documented in the Reuters image.
Blackburn Rovers will look to their attacking players, including the pictured Oladapo Afolayan, to find the net more consistently. Improving their goal difference forms part of the broader challenge. The full squad details and player statistics are available on the club's squad page for the 2026/27 season.
