Blackburn Rovers will take on newly promoted Derby County in their opening game of EFL Championship 2024-25 season at Ewood Park, Blackburn on Friday, August 9.
The Rovers were on verge of relegation, due to too many draws, during the 2023-24 season. But 11 points from their last seven matches helped them clinch a 19th-place finish and secure their berth in the Championships. This will be new coach John Eustace first full season in charge.
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.
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Blackburn Rovers vs. Derby County live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this EFL Competition match in the U.S.:
TV channel: CBS Sports Network
Live stream: FuboTV , Paramount+
The game will be available to watch LIVE in the US on CBS Sports Network. The channel can be streamed online on Fubo , who are offering a FREE trial for new users. Viewers can also catch the action on CBS streaming service Paramount+ .
What time does Blackburn Rovers vs. Derby County kick-off?
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.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Aug. 9 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Aug. 9 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Aug. 9 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Aug. 9 | 12:00 p.m. |
Blackburn vs. Derby County lineups, team news
This will be John Eustace's first full season in charge and he will be hoping to convert the draws into wins.
However, he may have to do it without last season’s Championship top goalscorer Sammie Szmodics, who is touted for a 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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