Jon Dahl Tomasson is expecting an intriguing tactical battle against Stoke City with Blackburn Rovers targeting a fourth-successive Championship away win.

Rovers have been far better away from home than at Ewood Park this season. That has been reversed from last year, where they only took 26 points from their 23 Championship trips.

They have already amassed that half that total this season, with only three teams boasting a better record. Wins at Queens Park Rangers, Millwall and Norwich City have set them up to chase a fourth-successive triumph this weekend.

Rovers lost 3-2 in this same fixture in March, with Ki-Jana Hoever scoring twice with headers at the back post. Rovers have devised a plan to try and prevent the right-back from having similar success, in what Tomasson expects to be an intriguing game between a very good attacking team and one who excels in defence.

READ MORE: Blackburn Rovers team news for Stoke

"It's a good game, I am really looking forward to it," Tomasson said. "They haven't lost in five games, they haven't conceded in four games.

"They're really solid defensively, they're really good in defence. They have the right full-back, Hoever, who is very dynamic. We had problems with him last season, he scored two goals and he's very important to how they play.

"One of the teams that creates the most chances in the league, us, and a team who is very solid. I am excited. 

"We go through every player and all the plans. If the opponent has a player who we have particularly struggled with, then we always think about it."

The shift in points tally at home and away has been intriguing to witness. Part of the difference could be the increased ability to play in transition, which particularly suits Rovers.

However, Tomasson thinks that the difference has been more nuanced, game-to-game. He believes that it has been down the timing of goals in each match, rather than anything specific about the tactical set-up of his side, or the opposition, in home or away matches.

"I think we all know that timing of scoring your chances is the key," Tomasson said. "If you look at the last three away games, and we could win our fourth away game which doesn't happen a lot, it's a great opportunity.

"The timing of taking chances, the amount we create, how big they are, we are top of the league. To win games, you have to take those moments and we have been very good at that away from home.

"I would rather win every game, home and away, it's true though. We had a fortress at Ewood last season and this season, we're better away. 

"The question is, what's the reason for that? I think it's down to the timing of the chances, nine out of ten times we have more than the opponent. Sometimes at home, we are scoring, sometimes we are not."

After this last international break, Rovers now have a fourth-month stretch of matches without any punctuation. With the FA Cup also thrown into the mix, the games will come thick and fast.

Tomasson's squad have nine games to contest between now and the New Year which will undoubtedly test the resolve of the group considering their injury problems.

One particularly concerning statistic has been the concession of late goals. 11 have gone in already this season in the final 15 minutes of games, the latest against Preston last time out.

Tomasson boils that down to experience in the group, with the oldest player famously aged 28. He admits it's something that will only improve over time, as the team develops, highlighting an instance with Daniel Ayala last season to explain the importance of senior heads.

"I was very happy with the break we just had," Tomasson admitted. "But I love the Christmas period in England.

"It's all about football and hopefully the group can come through the group. It will be a challenge because we are not the biggest squad and we don't have the biggest depth.

"The way we lost against Preston, I didn't think we should have conceded. That happens when you're a young squad and you lack experience.

"I remember last season beating Millwall and Daniel Ayala came on in the last period and it would've been a draw if he didn't head it away before Jake Cooper did into our goal.

"The joy and the atmosphere in the group is really good. It's a concern when you are conceding goals but our oldest player is 28. I am sure they will develop over time but experience is key in those circumstances."