West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers each fell simply wanting the Championship play-off locations final season. Ending within the high six this time round is an goal they share.
That won’t be simple for both facet, however an opening-day win would elevate optimism ranges amongst their respective fan bases. Will West Brom or Blackburn triumph right here?
West Brom vs Blackburn finest bets
West Brom vs Blackburn odds
Discover the newest West Bromwich Albion vs Blackburn Rovers betting odds right here. All odds are supplied by our beneficial soccer bookmakers and are topic to vary.
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West Brom vs Blackburn predictions
Final season didn’t go properly for West Bromwich Albion, whose tally of 64 factors was their lowest within the second tier since 2000.
Play-off semi-finalists in 2023/24, West Brom have been as soon as once more concentrating on a top-six end final day trip. They have been going sturdy beneath Carlos Corberan, however the astute Spaniard was prised away by Valencia simply earlier than Christmas.
The hope was that Tony Mowbray, a well-liked determine at The Hawthorns from his first spell in cost, would have the ability to preserve West Brom aggressive on the high finish of the division.
He managed that for some time, with West Brom within the play-off spots within the March worldwide break, however a poor finish to the marketing campaign noticed the Baggies slide down the standings.
Mowbray was dismissed after a run of 5 defeats in six matches. James Morrison took 4 factors from a doable six as caretaker, however by then the harm had been executed: West Brom completed ninth, 4 factors outdoors the play-offs.
A top-six end is the target this season, however it’s exhausting to foretell with any confidence how West Brom will do.
That’s largely due to the appointment of Ryan Mason, an unknown amount on the subject of full-time administration. The previous midfielder has led Tottenham Hotspur as a caretaker boss twice earlier than, however that is his first everlasting gig.
West Brom have bolstered their defence with the signings of former Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips and USA worldwide George Campbell. Elsewhere, the Baggies have introduced in Norwegian centre-forward Aune Heggebo, a left-field however doubtlessly thrilling addition.
Blackburn Rovers simply missed out on the play-offs final season, ending one place and two factors outdoors the highest six.
5 consecutive defeats beneath Valerien Ismael, who was appointed in direction of the top of February, put his future unsure inside weeks, however the former West Brom head coach turned issues round with a robust finish to the marketing campaign.
Having now had a full pre-season to work along with his squad and hone Blackburn’s urgent recreation, the hope amongst supporters is that Blackburn can as soon as once more problem for the play-offs.
However there may be ongoing uncertainty behind the scenes and minimal cash to spend. All issues thought of, a top-half end can be an honest end result for Rovers this season.
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West Brom vs Blackburn Rovers betting suggestions
West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers are able to lock horns because the Championship returns.
Draw
It’s exhausting to decide on between West Brom and Blackburn on matchday one of many Championship season.
West Brom will in all probability find yourself having the higher season, nevertheless it may take some time for Mason to get his concepts throughout.
Blackburn, then again, have had longer to work with Ismael, and they need to be extra coherent on Saturday because of this.
Ismael’s high-intensity fashion ought to be efficient early within the season given everyone seems to be recent, so Blackburn ought to trigger West Brom a couple of issues right here.
The Baggies have the stronger squad total, although, therefore why we predict a draw is nice worth total.
⚽ Choose a draw at 5/2 with Spreadex ⚽
Underneath 2.5 targets
As talked about above, it may take a couple of months till we see a West Brom facet that has tailored to Mason’s methods.
Given his lack of frontline expertise, Mason might also require a little bit of time to get used to the job, particularly in a league just like the Championship the place video games come thick and quick.
Guaranteeing the Baggies are robust to play in opposition to can be certainly one of Mason’s foremost goals. Solely the highest 4 conceded fewer targets than West Brom final time period, so he has one thing to construct on.
Blackburn have been additionally extra defensively stable than most in 2024/25, and there’s a good probability that these two groups will cancel one another out on Saturday.
Targets may very well be at a premium at The Hawthorns on opening weekend.
⚽ Go for beneath 2.5 targets at 4/6 with Paddy Energy ⚽
Lewis Travis to be booked
Lewis Travis is an integral a part of this Blackburn staff, so it’s essential that they preserve maintain of him till the top of the switch window.
The Rovers captain is just not afraid to place his foot in within the centre of the park, and his power and tenacity make him an environment friendly ball-winner for Ismael’s males.
That has a draw back, although. Travis ranked sixteenth within the Championship for fouls final season, whereas solely 5 gamers have been booked extra typically.
Blackburn will get after West Brom all around the pitch, so Travis may discover himself having his title taken by the referee this weekend.
⚽ Select Lewis Travis to be booked at 2/1 with Tote ⚽
📺 The best way to watch West Brom vs Blackburn
- Location: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, England.
- Date and time: Saturday ninth August, 3pm.
- The best way to watch: Sky Sports activities+.
Concerning the writer
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a contract soccer author from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work revealed by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Observe Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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