Our prediction: 17th
Likely finish: 14th–21st
Transfer window so far: 4/10
Biggest question
Will Blackburn bring in the reinforcements they desperately need before the transfer window closes?
Why I have Blackburn finishing 17th
Blackburn have had a quiet summer so far, and that is exactly why I have concerns. Moussa Baradji has arrived, while Sondre Tronstad, Ryan Hedges and Nathan Redmond have all departed. As things stand, the squad has lost experience, depth and several important contributors without replacing them sufficiently.
The biggest loss is undoubtedly Tronstad. He was the glue in midfield, combining relentless work rate with positional discipline and an ability to make those around him better. Players like that are often harder to replace than goalscorers because they provide the balance every successful team needs.
The concern is not one individual departure but the overall picture. Right now, Blackburn’s squad looks thinner and less equipped than several of their Championship rivals.
Strengths
Blackburn possess one of England’s finest academies and have never been afraid to trust young players. It would be no surprise to see one or two academy graduates emerge as genuine first-team regulars this season, continuing the club’s proud tradition of developing home-grown talent.
The squad also contains several technically gifted players who can dominate possession when everything clicks. Moussa Baradji should add greater energy, mobility and forward drive in central midfield.
AdvertisementWeaknesses
Squad depth is my biggest concern. The current group looks too thin to cope with the demands of a long Championship campaign. Injuries and suspensions could quickly expose a lack of proven alternatives.
Blackburn also lack an established striker capable of scoring 15 to 20 league goals. Without that reliable source of goals, they risk dropping too many tight matches throughout the season.
I also feel the club have been too passive in the transfer market. Several direct rivals have strengthened far more aggressively, leaving Blackburn with significant work still to do.
Key player
Moussa Baradji
Baradji will play a crucial role in replacing some of the balance Blackburn lost following Sondre Tronstad’s departure.
He has the qualities to become one of the smarter signings of the summer, but he will need stronger support around him if Blackburn are to enjoy a comfortable season.
One to watch
One of Blackburn’s academy graduates
Blackburn have built an outstanding reputation for producing talented young footballers. Once again, they may depend on another academy product taking a significant step forward and establishing himself as an important first-team player.
What they still need
Blackburn still require a proven goalscorer, a winger, another centre-back and greater squad depth. Few Championship clubs have more work to do before the transfer window closes.
Verdict
As things stand today, I expect Blackburn to endure a difficult campaign. There is still enough quality within the squad to avoid relegation, but the margins are becoming increasingly fine. If they fail to strengthen before the deadline, they could easily find themselves dragged into a prolonged survival battle.
I have Blackburn Rovers finishing 17th, although a productive end to the transfer window could easily see them climb several places. Without further reinforcements, however, they may spend much of the season looking over their shoulders.