Wolves maintained their Premier League status last season despite a final-day loss to Blackburn but I expect things to be different when the two teams meet at Ewood Park on Saturday.
It’s a pretty uninspiring set of first day fixtures, Tottenham versus Everton has succumbed to the riots too, but that doesn’t really matter if an early profit can be banked and I’m happy to oppose the hosts at a little over even money.
When Steve Kean was appointed Blackburn manager last season following the purchase of the club by Venky’s the talk was of Champions League qualification. The board and manager, however, are surely delusional and Rovers themselves only managed top flight safety with that win over their upcoming opponents.
Blackburn’s focus once again should be on avoiding dropping into The Championship but I think they’ve got a massive job on their hands to do so and Kean has very little quality to work with, especially going forward.
David Goodwillie, the former Dundee United striker, has been signed to lead the line ahead of the promising Junior Hoillet but the 1995 Premier League winners lack strength in depth and another troublesome season awaits.
Kevin Doyle’s services have been retained also, despite rumoured interest from Arsenal, and there should be more to come from Matt Jarvis this term.
Jarvis featured in the England squad after a series of impressive displays at Molineux and Wolves have enough about them to avoid a relegation scrap providing they get off to a good start.
Having conceded a number of late goals last season, Wolves should have secured their safety sooner but another year of Premier League football will have done the majority of a well-established squad the world of good and they can start this campaign with at least a point.
Blackburn’s record in front of their own fans was decent over the last 12 months but Ewood Park is far from intimidating for visiting sides and Wolves might just be able to sneak a win.
3pts Lay Blackburn (vs. Wolves) @ 2.16 (Betfair)