Deeney predicts 2-2 draw in West Brom opener

Former player Troy Deeney expects a 2-2 start to the season as West Brom host Blackburn Rovers, marking the beginning of a new era at The Hawthorns.

Deeney Predicts Draw as West Brom Face Blackburn

Troy Deeney has predicted a 2-2 draw for West Brom’s opening game of the Championship season against Blackburn Rovers, a clash that kicks off the Ryan Mason era at The Hawthorns. The former player made his forecast on TikTok, suggesting a balanced start as both teams seek momentum on the first weekend of action. The match at 3pm will be the stage for a fresh managerial chapter for Albion after Mason was appointed to lead the club into the new campaign.

Blackburn Rovers arrive in good form after a late surge into the playoffs last season under Valerien Ismael, and they head to the Midlands seeking to maintain pressure on the top end of the table. While results on opening weekends are often scrappy and fluid, the early pace of the campaign can set tone for both sides as they push for a strong start. A wider look at the Hawthorns shows why this fixture is viewed as a potential turning point for Albion. The club has enjoyed a strong home record in recent Championship seasons, a factor that could influence how Blackburn approach the game and its tactical setup.

The match serves as a proving ground for a West Brom side that is trying to redefine itself under a new manager. Home form at The Hawthorns has historically been a pillar for the club, and that legacy will be tested against a Blackburn team with appetite for an immediate impact. The data suggests the stadium can be a difficult place for visiting sides, but early-season fixtures are influenced by fitness, cohesion, and the ability to exploit gaps in the opponent’s structure. The opening weekend often rewards teams that balance caution with aggression, and the result may hinge on which team best translates preparation into pressure in the final third. This game also frames how the Mason era will be judged in its infancy: by results that reflect intent, not just the narrative around new leadership.

Fans will watch not only for the points but for proof that West Brom can sustain a competitive rhythm at home. Blackburn’s form suggests they are credible challengers, making this a meaningful early test rather than a routine fixture. The outcome could shape conversations about both clubs’ trajectories as the season unfolds, underscoring how fragile a fresh start can be before it becomes a sustained run of results.

Highlights

A season’s first step rarely defines the path ahead, but this weekend will reveal how ready both sides are for a longer fight.