Prediction: Blackburn vs Swansea

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

International football is firmly in the rear-view mirror and in its place, we have the return of arguably the most entertaining league in the entire sport: the English Championship. The second tier is home to some of the most notable names in the country and while it may not always have the quality, it definitely has the drama – and we’re expecting bucket loads of that on Saturday when Blackburn Rovers host Swansea city.

Blackburn

It’s almost strange to think of Blackburn Rovers as former Premier League champions given their current state and yet, that’s precisely what they are. They have spent the last few years flirting with the idea of an emergence onto the playoff stage and yet, every single time they fall away at the final hurdle. Some blame the management, some think they’re actually overachieving, and others just want a team that’s going to give everything they’ve got for the badge on their shirt.

Swansea

The lofty heights of Swansea City winning the League Cup and reaching the Round of 32 in the Europa League feel a million miles away for a lot of supporters, especially in the wake of their playoff final defeat to Brentford just a few short months ago. They’re still easily one of the most impressive teams in the division but with a fresh set of three relegated sides making their way down through the relegation system, they need to hold firm and get off to a strong start in what is always an absolute marathon of a season.

Factors to Consider

• Blackburn are currently the narrow favourites with the bookies.
• Blackburn finished 15th in last season’s Championship with 57 points.
• Swansea finished 4th in last season’s Championship with 80 points.
• Blackburn scored 65 goals and conceded 54 last season.
• Swansea scored 56 goals and conceded 39 last season.

Conclusion

There are always going to be nerves on the opening weekend of the new season and if there’s a league that personifies that, it’s the Championship. Both of these sides have some real talent within their ranks but in equal measure, they have a tendency to be dragged into a brawl if called upon. Swansea are tighter at the back and but they’re coming up against a pretty insistent Rovers side, which is why we’re going to call for a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park to get things back underway.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: 888sport