Wolverhampton Wanderers

Image source, Opta

The Championship campaign kicks off on Friday night as Blackburn head to newly-relegated Wolves (20:00 BST).

Both sides made winning starts to the campaign in the EFL Cup first round last weekend but it's a first league game in the dugout for Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto while Tony Mowbray begins his second spell in charge of Rovers.

Wanderers have lost their past five opening day games while Blackburn had won four straight before going down 1-0 at West Brom to start last season.

• Wolverhampton Wanderers are unbeaten in their past eight league meetings with Blackburn Rovers (W4 D4), drawing both games the last time they met in 2016-17.

• Blackburn Rovers have lost just one of their past nine away league games against Wolverhampton Wanderers (W2 D6), with their last two visits to Molineux both finishing 0-0 (April 2016 and April 2017).

• Wolves ended the Premier League last season losing just one of their final six home games (W2 D3), earning more points in that time (9) than in their previous 15 at Molineux (6 – W1 D3 L11).

• 59.6% of Blackburn's points in the EFL Championship last season came away from home (31/52), the highest proportion; Rovers finished 2025-26 winning three of their final five matches on the road (D1 L1).

• New Wolves signing, Rafiki Saïd, attempted more take-ons than any other player in the Belgian Pro League last season (171), completing 69 of them, while leading the competition for shots following a take-on (16) and behind only Nacho Ferri (2.69) for xG from a take-on (2.61).

Ajax are weighing up a move for Wolves defender Santiago Bueno, 27, the club's reigning Player of the Season. (Football Insider, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Friday's gossip column here.

The new EFL season is back and so is the 72+ podcast.

Aaron Paul is joined by Andy Woodman, Luke Chambers and Lyle Taylor to preview all three divisions on our new 72+ feed, looking at who are the promotion contenders, relegated giants and dark horses.

Salford City manager Peter Cklamovski also discusses his journey from Australia and Asia to English football, working with Ange Postecoglou and the pressure of taking charge of one of League Two's promotion favourites.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

The 72+ podcast has a new home - click here to subscribe

The 72+ podcast is BACK and it's got a brand new home.

Follow along as Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff dive into the biggest stories across the EFL, with expert analysis, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about.

A new episode drops on Tuesday night so make sure not to miss it by clicking subscribe on the new 72+: The EFL Podcast BBC Sounds page here.

West Ham and Wolves sent scouts to watch Colombian Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deossa, 26, in the Spanish La Liga side's 3-1 pre-season friendly win over Arsenal in Dublin. (Mundo Betis - in Spanish), external

West Ham, Wolves, Middlesbrough and Burnley are all battling for the signing of Welsh ex-Leicester City midfielder Jordan James, 22, from French side Rennes. (Alan Nixon - subscription required), external

For more EFL transfer news and rumours, read Monday's full gossip column here.

Don't forget to tap the 'follow' button at the top of this page to stay up to date with your club's latest news.

Dazzling Dave
Fan writer - Always Wolves

Image source, Shutterstock

There is a different feel around Wolves going into the new Championship season.

Pre-season results should not be overplayed, but the early signs under new head coach Cesar Peixoto are encouraging. The team looks more organised than it did under Rob Edwards, with a clearer structure on and off the ball and a more defined way of playing.

There is plenty to improve, but the basics look stronger. Wolves seem fitter, sharper and harder to play through, while carrying a greater threat in the final third. Set-pieces have become a genuine source of danger, and their movement and attacking intent have given supporters reasons to be positive.

Wolves should be aiming for automatic promotion.

That is chairman Nathan Shi's stated ambition and a realistic expectation for a club with Wolves' resources, support and squad quality. As things stand, this group should be capable of excelling in the Championship.

Firm predictions are difficult before the transfer window closes on 1 September. Wolves need player exits and likely additions, so the squad that begins the campaign may look very different after the window shuts.

The challenge is to retain quality and experience while adding the energy, depth and physicality needed across a long Championship season.

The opening games feel particularly important.

After a season in which Wolves won only three league games, the club must rebuild confidence quickly. A strong start would lift the mood around Molineux, give Peixoto valuable breathing room and help players believe in what they are trying to do.

The Championship can be unforgiving, full of organised and physical teams capable of taking points from anyone. Wolves cannot assume their name or squad will be enough. They need to build momentum and show consistency from the first month.

There are obvious names to watch. Kieran Trippier brings experience, leadership and quality, while Raul Jimenez can be a major figure if he is fit and firing.

One of pre-season's most exciting stories has been Fer Lopez. After a loan spell at Celta Vigo last season, he has returned looking more complete. He has been sharp, creative and calm under pressure. His movement has stood out, and he looks capable of making a real impact.

Wolves have the ingredients for a strong season. Now they need to turn that promise into a side we can be proud of and celebrate our 150th anniversary year in style.

Plenty more from Dazzling Dave can be found on his website Always Wolves, external

Image source, Getty Images

Can't get enough of your beloved Championship club? Fear not.

BBC Sport covers all 24 Championship sides with dedicated online and radio reporters at hand to tell the story from every angle.

Expect match reports, analysis, in-depth features, interviews, fan views, quizzes - the works.

We'll also have live text pages for every Championship match this season so you won't miss any of the action even when you're out of town.

Remember, the best way to get all of this content is to download the BBC Sport app and follow your favourite teams and sports using the My Sport tab.

Once you've set this up, you'll have quick access to those pages at the top of your Home tab and we'll be able to serve you better, more personalised, experiences in future.

And when following your Championship team, from the start of the 2026-27 season you'll also get Live Notifications which gives you score updates directly on your phone's lock screen during a match.