Blackburn Rovers meet Wolves in their opening Championship game this weekend and both clubs appear to be heading for very different seasons. Blackburn are expected to struggle following the departure of key players such as Tom Cairney, Rudy Gestede and Joshua King having all departed Ewood Park. They have looked to replace them by bringing in midfielder Danny Guthrie and striker Nathan Delfouneso.
Wolves are expected to make a serious challenge at promotion this season. They may have lost midfielder Bakary Sako to Premier League Crystal Palace but they have added to their firepower by bringing in Adam Le Fondre on a season-long loan from Cardiff City. They have also bolstered their midfield options with the capture of Jed Wallace from Portsmouth and Conor Coady from Huddersfield Town.
Team news
Spanish goalkeeper David Raya could start for Blackburn after impressing in their last two friendlies. Delfouneso is likely to make his debut alongside Jordan Rhodes who remains at the club depsite constant interest from fellow Championship side Middlesbrough.
New signings Le Fondre and Sheyi Ojo are expected to make the bench at Ewood Park for Wolves. However, Wallace will not feature after missing much of the pre-season campaign with an injury.
Head-to-head record
Blackburn and Wolves are currently tied in the head-to-head meetings with 40 games won and 40 games lost each, although Wolves have not lost a meeting between the clubs since 2012 when a Junior Hoilett brace secured a 2-0 win for Blackburn while both clubs were in the Premier League.
The managers
Ahead of the game, Blackburn manager Gary Bowyer spoke of his delight at the capture of Guthrie: "Danny Guthrie is a fantastic signing for a free transfer,"
"He really is when you look at his ability with the ball and his background.
"To be able to get him on board speaks volumes of the hard work that has gone in by everybody.
"He has got Premier League technical ability and he is only going to get better with us when we get him fitter."
Wolves manager Kenny Jackett, meanwhile, expects a 'huge test' against Blackburn Rovers.
Speaking to the club's website, Jackett said: “Blackburn finished a place below us last year and we know going to Ewood park is a big test and a good game.
“Whoever you play in the Championship is going to be a hard game, we don’t focus on the opposition too much."
