Blackburn v Derby

Blackburn Rovers vs Derby County Preview

Friday night sees the return of the new English Championship season and features this upcoming clash between two clubs who experienced contrasting campaigns last season; Blackburn Rovers managed to escape relegation by the skin of their teeth by recording a 2-0 win away from home at Leicester City, while Derby County clinched automatic promotion from League One on the final day of the season thanks to a 2-0 home win against Carlisle United.

With just three wins gained in their final 16 league matches which consisted of vital wins against Sunderland, Leeds United and Leicester City along with being handed five defeats in the process as well, Blackburn Rovers certainly led a charmed life towards the end of the season but ultimately the Lancashire club achieved survival for another season.

Having been sacked by Birmingham City earlier in the season under highly controversial circumstances which saw John Eustace make way for Wayne Rooney at the St Andrews helm, Eustace finally had the last laugh as Blackburn Rovers, not Birmingham City, survived!

However, Eustace must turn around Blackburn's flagging form at Ewood Park this time around after seeing his Rovers side pick up just one win in their final 12 home games, and despite star striker Sammy Szmodics in their personnel, goals could also be at a premium as seven of the last 12 home games also resulted in Under 2.5 goals.

After a two-year absence, Derby County return to the Championship following last season's automatic promotion from League One as The Rams finished runners-up behind third tier champions Portsmouth and five points clear of third placed Bolton Wanderers which was helped by winning their last three games of the season on the trot.

Vital wins against Leyton Orient, Cambridge United and Carlisle United sealed Derby's return to the English second tier for this upcoming season and manager Paul Warne will be desperate for his side to consolidate their second tier status in this upcoming campaign.

The start of this new season though has not completely gone according to plan for The Rams as the east midlands club have lost four of their six pre-season games which consists of defeats away from home at Academico Viseu, Chesterfield, Shrewsbury Town and Barnsley, while also picking up wins against Matlock Town and Real Valladolid.

Prior to these recent four pre-season defeats on the road though, Derby County had been handed just three defeats in their preceding 16 competitive outings on their travels which gives the visitors a chance of securing a result at Ewood Park on Friday night.

Blackburn Rovers v Derby County Verdict

Blackburn Rovers have won the last four meetings on the trot but Derby County might just sneak a narrow win here in what could be a low-scoring season opener.

Therefore, our main bet will be Under 2.5 goals @ 1.95

Other side bets worth considering:

Derby County win @ 3.10

Correct Score: Derby County 2-0 @ 15.00