Match Info

Competition: Championship — Gameweek 1

Date: August 14, 2026

Time: 20:00 (UK)

Venue: Molineux Stadium

Wolves Preview

Wolverhampton Wanderers begin their Championship campaign looking to put last season's disastrous Premier League campaign behind them. Wolves won just three league matches last term, but Cesar Peixoto's side have already provided supporters with encouragement after beating Port Vale 3-0 in the EFL Cup. The hosts have also kept five clean sheets across their last seven matches in pre-season and competitive action. The experience of players such as Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez should be particularly valuable as Wolves attempt to mount an immediate promotion challenge, although Peixoto still has several squad issues to resolve before the transfer window closes.

Blackburn Rovers Preview

Blackburn Rovers head to Molineux after an encouraging summer under Tony Mowbray. Rovers won two and drew three of their six pre-season friendlies, including a notable 2-0 victory over Strasbourg, before coming from behind to beat Burton Albion 2-1 in their EFL Cup opener. Their strong fitness levels and ability to recover from difficult situations should give Blackburn confidence ahead of their Championship opener. The recent arrival of former Ipswich Town midfielder Sam Morsy has also added experience and strength to the squad, although he is expected to begin on the substitutes' bench.

Probable Lineups

Wolves (4-2-3-1)

Bentley; Trippier, Mosquera, T Gomes, H Bueno; Andre, Munetsi; R Gomes, Lopez, Mane; Armstrong

Blackburn Rovers (4-2-3-1)

Toth; Alebiosu, Atcheson, McLoughlin, Pickering; Forshaw, Tavares; Morishita, Cantwell, Fevrier; Gudjohnsen

We Say

Both sides have already enjoyed positive results in the EFL Cup, but Wolves carry considerably greater pressure given their objective of returning to the Premier League at the first attempt. Blackburn have enough organisation and attacking threat to make this competitive, yet the quality and home advantage of the hosts should give Wolves the upper hand.