Blackburn Rovers are hoping to kick-start the EFL Championship 2024-25 on a positive note as they take on promoted Derby County in their opening game of the season on Friday, August 9.
During the latter part of the 2023-24 season, it seemed that Rovers were heading for relegation, primarily due to a playing a number of draws following John Eustace's appointment as head coach.
Nevertheless, securing 11 points in their last seven matches was sufficient to evade that threat and clinch a 19th-place finish, three points clear of the relegation zone. They have won two of their four preseason friendlies and will be looking to carry over the positive momentum into the new season.
Meanwhile, Derby County will be making a return to the Championship as they finished runners-up in League One in 2023-24. They have some impressive talent in the squad, the likes of James Collins and Nathaniel Méndez-Laing, and are hoping to make an impression against the Championship teams. Derby County managed to win their last friendly against Real Valladolid.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Derby County live stream, TV channel
- TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HDR
- Live stream: Rams TV, Sky Go Extra
The game will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR in the UK. Viewers can also catch the action on Rams TV.
What time does Blackburn Rovers vs. Derby County kick-off?
| Date | Thursday, August 9 |
| Kick-off Time | 8:00 p.m. BST |
| Venue | Ewood Park |
| Location | Blackburn, Lancashire, UK |
This EFL Championship clash takes place at Ewood Park in Blackburn, Lancashire and kicks off on Thursday, August 9 at 8:00 p.m. local time (BST).
Blackburn Rovers vs. Derby County lineups, team news
Having survived relegation last season, Eustace, who joined mid-way through the 2023-24, will be looking forward to avoiding too many draws, and try and convert the close matches to wins.
Doing so without last season’s Championship top goalscorer Sammie Szmodics might be the tough part if he makes the much-talked about move to the Premier League.
Apart from that, Aodhan Doherty has arrived from Linfield, and key players like John Fleck and Kyle McFadzean have departed. Despite this, the core of the team largely intact without any major roster losses.
Blackburn Rovers predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Pears (GK) — Brittain, Hyam, Wharton, Pickering — Tronstad, Rankin-Costello —Hedges, Szmodics, Dolan — Gallagher.
Paul Warne has bolstered his squad with seven new players for the Championship. Ben Osborn, Corey Blackett-Taylor, and Kayden Jackson, all have joined on free transfers, while David Ozoh and Jerry Yates have arrived on loan from Crystal Palace and Swansea respectively.
Ebou Adams and Kenzo Goudmijn will be hoping to cement their midfield spots, especially after the departures of the experienced Conor Hourihane and Louie Sibley.
Derby County predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Vickers (GK) — Nelson, Bradley, Cashin, Wilson — Thompson, Adams, Osborn — Goudmijn, Brown, Washington.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Derby County prediction
- Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Derby County
Blackburn Rovers looks poised to dominate their opening match against newly promoted Derby County. The home side also hold a strong recent head-to-head record against Derby, having remained undefeated in their last four encounters.
The Rams will be keen to lay down an early marker, but we are backing Rovers to get off to a bright start to their campaign.
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