Blackburn Rovers vs Derby County Championship Live Stream

Blackburn Rovers vs Derby County: Championship Clash Preview and Predictions

Blackburn Rovers vs Derby County: As the 2024/25 Championship season kicks off, Blackburn Rovers are eager to put the previous year's disappointments behind them. Their opening match against the newly-promoted Derby County presents a crucial opportunity to set a positive tone for the season. Fans and pundits alike are keen to see how this fixture unfolds at Ewood Park.

Blackburn vs Derby Championship Prediction: Can the Rams Make an Impact?

The return of Derby County to the Championship has generated significant buzz, but Blackburn Rovers remain the favorites in this encounter. Historically, Blackburn has dominated this fixture, winning eight of their last ten meetings against Derby. With this strong record, Rovers will be confident of starting their campaign on the right foot.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Blackburn 2-1 Derby (8/1 with Star Sports)

Blackburn's superiority in head-to-head encounters makes them the likely winners. In their last ten games, Blackburn has consistently outperformed Derby, including four consecutive wins. The pattern suggests a closely contested match, but one where Blackburn edges out Derby.

James Collins to Score Anytime (9/4 with Sky Bet)

While Blackburn’s Sammie Szmodics is a key player, his participation remains uncertain. On the other side, Derby’s James Collins, who netted 14 goals in League One last season, is expected to be a significant threat. Betting on Collins to score anytime could be a savvy choice.

Blackburn to Win by One Goal (14/5 with 10bet)

Blackburn's performance in the previous Championship season was characterized by narrow victories. With seven of their 14 wins coming by a single goal margin, it’s plausible that this trend could continue in their opener against Derby.

Blackburn Rovers: A Season of Redemption?

After a disappointing 2023/24 campaign that saw Blackburn finish just three points above the relegation zone, there is pressure to perform better this season. The previous season’s struggles under Jon Dahl Tomasson led to his replacement by John Eustace in February. Eustace managed to steer the team to safety, securing crucial wins against strong opponents like Sunderland, Leeds United, and Leicester City. However, the team’s tendency to draw too many matches hindered further progress.

With Eustace now having a full pre-season under his belt, there’s hope that Blackburn can convert more of those draws into wins. However, the uncertainty surrounding the future of key player Sammie Szmodics could be a potential stumbling block as the season begins.

Derby County’s Championship Return: Aiming to Stay Afloat

Derby County’s return to the Championship has been a long time coming. After finishing as runners-up in League One, Derby’s promotion was hard-earned, following a tense three-way battle with Portsmouth and Bolton. The Rams' strong finish, with eight victories in their last 11 matches, ensured their return to the second tier without the ordeal of play-offs.

Now, Derby's primary objective will be to remain in the Championship. Under the management of Paul Warne, the Rams have made several strategic signings to strengthen their squad. These additions suggest that Derby has the potential to hold their own in the league.

Blackburn vs Derby: Key Match Details and Team News

Kick-off: Friday, 9th August, 8:00 PM Venue: Ewood Park, Blackburn

Blackburn Team News Blackburn’s preparations have been somewhat disrupted by the uncertainty surrounding Sammie Szmodics, who has missed the last three pre-season matches amid transfer speculation. Reports suggest that talks with Ipswich are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached. In his absence, Blackburn may rely on new signings Makhtar Gueye and Yuki Ohashi to provide firepower upfront. Additionally, Andreas Weimann has joined the squad, while Sam Gallagher is among the five players who have left the club.

Derby Team News Paul Warne has brought in seven new faces to strengthen Derby's squad for the upcoming Championship season. Key signings include Ben Osborn, Corey Blackett-Taylor, and Kayden Jackson, who have all joined on free transfers. Additionally, David Ozoh and Jerry Yates have arrived on loan from Crystal Palace and Swansea, respectively. The midfield will see new competition as Ebou Adams and Kenzo Goudmijn aim to establish themselves following the departures of Conor Hourihane and Louie Sibley.

Blackburn vs Derby: Head-to-Head Analysis

The head-to-head record between Blackburn and Derby heavily favors the Rovers. Blackburn has secured eight wins and one draw in their last ten meetings with Derby. Derby’s only victory in this period was a 3-0 win at Pride Park back in 2020. This historical dominance further cements Blackburn as the favorites in this upcoming clash.

How to Watch Blackburn vs Derby Live

Fans can catch the live action of Blackburn Rovers vs Derby County on Friday, 9th August, at 8:00 PM. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this exciting Championship opener as both teams strive to start their season with a win.