Explore Coral's detailed preview for match day 1 between West Brom & Blackburn in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 BST match.
Match Details
Fixture: West Brom vs Blackburn
Date: Saturday, 09 August 2025
Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Venue: The Hawthorns
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Our predictions for West Brom vs Blackburn
These two teams will be looking to mount promotion charges this season after finishing just outside the play-off spots last season. There was very little to separate the two teams last season, with just two places and points separating them in the final league table.
We expect this to be a close contest, with West Brom recording a narrow victory, and home advantage proving to be a key factor. The Baggies have lost just three of their previous 19 Championship games on home soil, and we are backing Ryan Mason’s team to continue that solid home form in front of a partisan home crowd.
Match Prediction: West Brom 2-1 Blackburn
Form Guide & Team Overview
West Brom
West Brom have been in fine form lately, which bodes well for their upcoming clash with Blackburn. Their ability to score goals and keep clean sheets has been impressive, and they'll be confident heading into this game. If they can maintain their high level of performance, they should be able to secure a positive result against a tough Blackburn side.
Recent Championship Results:
(W) 5–3 at home against Luton (03 May 2025)
(D) 0–0 at Cardiff (26 Apr 2025)
(L) 1–3 at home to Derby (21 Apr 2025)
(L) 0-2 at Coventry (18 Apr 2025)
(W)2–1 at home to Watford (12 Apr 2025)
Blackburn
Blackburn's recent results have been a bit up and down, but they've shown they can compete with the best. They'll need to be at their best to get a result against a strong West Brom team. If they can find their rhythm and capitalise on any opportunities, they could pull off an upset.
Recent Championship Results:
(D) 1–1 at Sheffield United (03 May 2025)
(W) 2–1 at home against Watford (26 Apr 2025)
(W) 1–0 at Sunderland (21 Apr 2025)
(W) 4–1 at home to Millwall (18 Apr 2025)
(W) 1–0 at Luton (12 Apr 2025)
Head-to-Head Record
The recent history of meetings between these two teams slightly favours Blackburn, who have won two of the last five meetings, including the most recent one at the Hawthorns. Two of the games have finished in draws, while West Brom have recorded one win.
Baggies boss Ryan Mason will look to dominate the midfield by controlling possession and pressing high, aiming to deny Blackburn the opportunity to build play and launch quick attacks. Exploit wide areas: The attacking full-backs and inverted wingers will aim to create numerical advantages out wide and deliver dangerous crosses or cutbacks.
The visitors will aim to disrupt West Brom's build-up. Blackburn's high press and aggressive midfield will aim to prevent West Brom from settling into their passing game under Ryan Mason. They will try to force long balls or turnovers in dangerous areas.
Key Battles & Players to Watch
West Brom's Midfield Control (Mowatt & Diakite) vs Blackburn's Engine Room (Travis and Tronstad). Both teams have strong midfields which attempt to dictate play. Whichever midfield wins the battle will likely win the game.
Tom Fellows (West Brom) vs Yuri Ribeiro (Blackburn): Fellows is regarded as one of the brightest young attacking prospects in the Championship, and Rovers' full-back Ribeiro will have his work cut out for him stopping the youngster from having a significant influence on the game.
Nat Phillips (West Brom): The new centre-back signing from Liverpool brings experience and a strong defensive presence. His leadership and aerial dominance will be vital in bolstering West Brom's backline and countering Blackburn's attacking threats, especially from set pieces.
Todd Cantwell (Blackburn): The former Norwich star provides creativity and vision to the Rovers team. He will be looking to cause the Baggies' defence issues in this encounter.
