West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers both fell just short of the Championship play-off places last season. Finishing in the top six this time around is an objective they share.
That will not be easy for either side, but an opening-day win would raise optimism levels among their respective fan bases. Will West Brom or Blackburn triumph here?
West Brom vs Blackburn best bets
Match to end as a draw – 5/2 with Spreadex Under 2.5 goals – 4/6 with Paddy Power Lewis Travis to be booked – 2/1 with ToteWest Brom vs Blackburn odds
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West Brom vs Blackburn predictions
Last season did not go well for West Bromwich Albion, whose tally of 64 points was their lowest in the second tier since 2000.
Play-off semi-finalists in 2023/24, West Brom were once again targeting a top-six finish last time out. They were going strong under Carlos Corberan, but the astute Spaniard was prised away by Valencia just before Christmas.
The hope was that Tony Mowbray, a popular figure at The Hawthorns from his first spell in charge, would be able to keep West Brom competitive at the top end of the division.
He managed that for a while, with West Brom in the play-off spots in the March international break, but a poor end to the campaign saw the Baggies slide down the standings.
Mowbray was dismissed after a run of five defeats in six matches. James Morrison took four points from a possible six as caretaker, but by then the damage had been done: West Brom finished ninth, four points outside the play-offs.
A top-six finish is the objective this season, but it is hard to predict with any confidence how West Brom will do.
That is in large part because of the appointment of Ryan Mason, an unknown quantity when it comes to full-time management. The former midfielder has led Tottenham Hotspur as a caretaker boss twice before, but this is his first permanent gig.
West Brom have bolstered their defence with the signings of former Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips and USA international George Campbell. Elsewhere, the Baggies have brought in Norwegian centre-forward Aune Heggebo, a left-field but potentially exciting addition.
Blackburn Rovers just missed out on the play-offs last season, finishing one place and two points outside the top six.
Five consecutive defeats under Valerien Ismael, who was appointed towards the end of February, put his future in doubt within weeks, but the former West Brom head coach turned things around with a strong end to the campaign.
Having now had a full pre-season to work with his squad and hone Blackburn’s pressing game, the hope among supporters is that Blackburn can once again challenge for the play-offs.
But there is ongoing uncertainty behind the scenes and minimal money to spend. All things considered, a top-half finish would be a decent outcome for Rovers this season.
West Bromwich Albion vs Blackburn Rovers betting tips. 18+ GambleAware.org – Please play responsibly.West Brom vs Blackburn Rovers betting tips
West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers are ready to lock horns as the Championship returns.
Draw
It is hard to choose between West Brom and Blackburn on matchday one of the Championship season.
West Brom will probably end up having the better season, but it could take a while for Mason to get his ideas across.
Blackburn, on the other hand, have had longer to work with Ismael, and they should be more coherent on Saturday as a result.
Ismael’s high-intensity style should be effective early in the season given everyone is fresh, so Blackburn should cause West Brom a few problems here.
The Baggies have the stronger squad overall, though, hence why we think a draw is good value overall.
Select a draw at 5/2 with Spreadex
Under 2.5 goals
As mentioned above, it could take a few months until we see a West Brom side that has adapted to Mason’s ways.
Given his lack of frontline experience, Mason may also require a bit of time to get used to the job, especially in a league like the Championship where games come thick and fast.
Ensuring the Baggies are tough to play against will be one of Mason’s main aims. Only the top four conceded fewer goals than West Brom last term, so he has something to build on.
Blackburn were also more defensively solid than most in 2024/25, and there is a good chance that these two teams will cancel each other out on Saturday.
Goals could be at a premium at The Hawthorns on opening weekend.
Go for under 2.5 goals at 4/6 with Paddy Power
Lewis Travis to be booked
Lewis Travis is an integral part of this Blackburn team, so it is crucial that they keep hold of him until the end of the transfer window.
The Rovers captain is not afraid to put his foot in in the centre of the park, and his energy and tenacity make him an efficient ball-winner for Ismael’s men.
That has a downside, though. Travis ranked 16th in the Championship for fouls last season, while only five players were booked more often.
Blackburn will get after West Brom all over the pitch, so Travis could find himself having his name taken by the referee this weekend.
Choose Lewis Travis to be booked at 2/1 with Tote
How to watch West Brom vs Blackburn
Location: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, England. Date and time: Saturday 9th August, 3pm. How to watch: Sky Sports+.About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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