The Championship season gets underway this weekend, with Derby County travelling to Blackburn Rovers on Friday night.
Following a two-year hiatus, Derby return to the Championship this weekend with a trip to Lancashire outfit Blackburn.
Paul Warne has assembled a new-look squad with six new additions at Pride Park however, the Rams boss still isn’t happy and expects further reinforcements to arrive in the coming weeks.
Warne said previously he wants to add to his attack while a first-choice goalkeeper is on the agenda, with it looking increasingly likely that Jacob Widell Zetterstrom will join.
For Derby, expectations for their squad are low and any position above the bottom three will be classed as a successful season for the Rams, who must avoid the relegation trap door.
Birmingham City getting relegated with 50 points last term just highlights how difficult the division is and a strong opening could be imperative, starting with a trip to Blackburn.
Blackburn Rovers vs Derby County score prediction
Blackburn Rovers have been tipped by many to struggle this term following the loss of Sam Gallagher to Stoke City and the impending departure of last season’s top scorer, Sammie Szmodics.
John Eustace has managed to strengthen his squad, though, bringing in experienced Championship players Danny Batth and Andreas Weimann, while buying unknown quantities, Makhtar Gueye and Yuki Ohashi.
Regardless of where Rovers have been predicted to finish, collecting three points on Friday night won’t be an easy task, although EFL pundit Sam Parkin does think Derby will mark their return to the second tier with a win.
He believes the buzz and excitement of supporters in the away end, along with the atmosphere generated, will play a vital part in the contest.
Speaking on the Championship Check-In podcast ahead of this weekend, Parkin said: “I’m going to for that buzz amongst the away supporters, that motivation, that freshness about Derby being back in the second tier.
“I think it’s going to be a difficult season for Blackburn, it may take them a few weeks to get going. Blackburn 0-1 Derby.”
Derby’s away record in 2023/24
Whilst they turned Pride Park into a fortress, Derby were strong on their travels last term.
In the 1-0 win over Cambridge United in April, the Rams set a club record for 13 away wins across a single campaign.
With Warne’s system focused on hitting teams on the break at pace, they can use that to their advantage against Blackburn, who will expect to have the lion’s share of possession.
At times last season, Derby looked more comfortable away from home, as they knew the hosts would come onto them, opening up gaps.
Whereas, when they played against teams at home, many would sit in a low block and the Rams would struggle to break them down.
This is why Derby can find joy on the counter against Rovers and hopefully, continue their brilliant away record.