West Brom vs Blackburn: Football Preview & Free Football Betting Tips

Championship • Matchday 1 • Saturday 9 August 2025 • The Hawthorns

West Brom open the season in front of a passionate home crowd under new stability, while Blackburn return from a strong playoff push eager to prove themselves. This fixture always delivers fireworks — expect a charged atmosphere with both sets of fans raising the roof.

Tactically, West Brom favour possession-based 4-2-3-1 play, often relying on Josh Maja’s movement. Blackburn typically line up in a balanced 4-3-3, keen to press and transition swiftly, making midfield battles critical.

West Bromwich Albion: No fresh injuries reported. Josh Maja leads the attack from the start, with Torbjørn Heggem anchoring midfield and Joe Wildsmith in goal. Likely XI: Wildsmith; Frabotta, Heggem, Diakité, Dike; Styles, Molumby; Johnston, Maja, Fellows.

Blackburn Rovers: Squad fully fit. Sammie Szmodics returns to bolster attacking threat, with Sondre Tronstad holding midfield. Probable XI: Pears; Houghton, Hyams, Ribeiro, Weimann; Tronstad; Szmodics, Bradley; Dike, Armstrong.

West Brom (2024–25): 15W-19D-12L; goals 57 (1.24/gp), conceded 47 (1.02/gp), finishing 9th. A consistent middle-of-the-pack campaign. Blackburn Rovers: 19W-9D-18L; goals 53 (1.15/gp), conceded 48 (1.04/gp), securing 7th place.

Team	GF (per game)	GA (per game)	BTTS % (est.)
West Brom	1.24	1.02	~55%
Blackburn Rovers	1.15	1.04	~50%

West Brom at home: 11W-8D-4L — a strong fortress. Blackburn away: In 2024-25: 7W-5D-11L — inconsistent away results.

West Brom: Josh Maja’s goal threat remains potent, while Torbjørn Heggem’s midfield control sets the tone. Blackburn: Sammie Szmodics brings creativity and scoring power, while Sondre Tronstad’s composure in the middle is pivotal. Key duel: Maja vs central defence anchored by Hyams.

West Brom’s home strength and sharper form give them a slight edge. But Blackburn’s balance and playoff hunger make this close. Prediction: West Brom 2–1 Blackburn.

Main Bet: West Brom to win – solid home edge. Value Bet: BTTS – Yes — both teams can score, with defensive lapses likely.