Blackburn Rovers FC vs. Middlesbrough FC

Middlesbrough enter as slight favorites for the Championship opener at Ewood Park due to greater squad depth and promotion pedigree following their recent playoff campaign, while Blackburn aim to stabilize after finishing 20th last term with limited home success. New signings including Sam Morsy bolster Rovers under returning head coach Tony Mowbray, but Middlesbrough’s attacking options and investment position them ahead in early trader assessments. Limited confirmed team news exists this far ahead, though Blackburn face an early test of home form improvements against a side expected to challenge near the top. Historical head-to-heads show competitiveness, supporting the close draw probability in market pricing.