Blackburn Rovers vs Derby Predictions

• Blackburn avoided the drop by three points last season
• Derby finished second in League One as they achieved promotion
• Rovers won 3-1 in their last home meeting with the Rams in 2022

Home advantage to pay off as Rovers edge cagey affair

Blackburn endured a troubling and difficult last season but, after avoiding relegation, they will hope that they can put their previous issues behind them with an opening day victory over the returning Derby County.

Rovers were largely saved by the exploits of striker Sammie Szmodics last season – who netted 27 goals to win the Golden Boot – and he currently remains at Ewood Park despite strong interest from around the Premier League.

Derby claimed 92 points in League One last season but their recent pre-season friendlies have not provided as much joy as Paul Warne will have wanted, with three defeats from their last four, as well as losing the likes of Conor Hourihane and Louie Sibley in the summer.

There are major doubts on whether Szmodics will feature for Blackburn given the transfer speculation surrounding him and this will likely affect the quality of performance from the hosts. However, the shrewd signings of experienced Championship players Danny Batth and Andreas Weimann could help steer Rovers to victory and they may be able to edge to a 1-0 victory.