Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Blackburn Rovers Preview, Odds & Predictions: Wolves to Kick-Start League Campaign with Routine Win

The 2026-27 EFL Championship season kicks off tonight as Wolverhampton Wanderers entertain Blackburn Rovers.

Wolves are looking for an instant return to the Premier League, while Blackburn have been tipped to struggle. Who will come out on top at Molineux Stadium in the opening fixture? Check out our Wolves vs Blackburn preview for the latest Championship odds and top tips.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Blackburn Rovers Odds & Preview

Wolves’ eight-year run in the Premier League came to an end last term, as the Midlands club finished bottom of the pile after a miserable season in the top flight.

Wanderers picked up just three league wins and collected a mere 20 points. They lost 24 of 38 and conceded a whopping 68 goals.

Rob Edwards was set to be the man to get Wolves back to the EPL at the first time of asking, but the former Wales international was surprisingly sacked in June. Cesar Peixoto took over, and the new boss is looking to make an immediate impact at Molineux.

Peixoto has vast managerial experience, coaching the likes of Chaves, Moreirense, and Gil Vicente. However, this will be his first job in England, and the Championship is renowned for being one of the toughest leagues in Europe.

According to the latest odds, Wolves are second favourites for the title at 11/2. Only West Ham United, who were relegated from the Premier League alongside Wanderers last term, are ahead in the betting at 13/8.

Blackburn had another tough season in the Championship last time, finishing 20th. Rovers have been tipped to struggle again, with many predicting the Lancashire club to finish in the bottom three.

That said, Blackburn are a veteran Championship team with a solid squad. Tony Mowbray is just about as experienced as they come, and Rovers have brought in former Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy to add invaluable knowledge to the team.

While Wolves are expected to challenge for automatic promotion, Blackburn could be in a relegation battle. Before a ball has been kicked this season, Rovers are available at just 9/2 to be relegated.

As for Friday’s fixture at Molineux, Wolves are the big favourites at 52/100. The Blackburn win is priced at 21/4, while the draw is 59/20.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Blackburn Rovers Predictions

Raul Jimenez is back at Wolves in one of the standout Championship signings of the summer. The Mexican made his name at Molineux, playing 166 league and cup games, scoring 57 goals.

Jimenez was one of the star strikers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals. In fact, the 35-year-old ended last season with four goals in five matches for his national side.

Big things are expected of Wolves and Jimenez this season, and the Mexican ace could be in the running for the Championship Golden Boot.

He would love to get off the mark in his opening Championship game, and Jimenez is the joint 4/1 favourite with teammate Adam Armstrong to open the scoring. Our money is going on the No. 9.

Our Prediction: Raul Jimenez to Score First – 4/1

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Blackburn Rovers Picks

Wolves kicked off the new season with a convincing home victory over Port Vale in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Armstrong and Andre were among the scorers in an easy 3-0 triumph.

Wolves were woeful at the back in the Premier League last season, but the signing of ex-England international Kieran Trippier should shore things up in defence. Having kept a clean sheet last weekend, we fancy Peixoto’s side to win to nil again at odds of 8/5.

Our Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers to Win to Nil – 8/5

Odds taken from 10Bet at 10:00 UK time, on August 14