Matchday: Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers - Aug 17

[BluZ]

This thread is for the general discussion of the Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers - Aug 17. Please add to the discussion here.

Blackburn Rovers: Opposition Focus​

Championship Match – Sunday, 17 August | Venue: Ewood Park


Birmingham head to Ewood Park backed by over 7,000 travelling fans for their Championship clash with Blackburn Rovers.

Summer Moves & Squad Refresh​

Manager Valérien Ismaël has reshaped the squad with several notable signings:

• Sidnei Tavares – Creative midfielder from Moreirense.
• Ryan Alebiosu – Athletic full-back from Kortrijk.
• Sean McLoughlin – Experienced centre-back from Hull City.
• Dion De Neve – Left-sided attacker bringing pace and width.
• Lewis Miller – Tough-tackling Australian right-back from Hibernian.
• Axel Henriksson – Central attacking midfielder from GAIS.

Key Players to Watch​

• Sidnei Tavares – Links defence and attack, capable of unlocking tight games.
• Lewis Miller and Ryan Alebiosu – Full-back pair who add physicality and attacking threat.
• Sean McLoughlin – Reliable in the air and in one-on-one situations.
• Dion De Neve – Direct runner who can stretch defences.

Recent Context & Form​

• Blackburn opened their 2025/26 campaign with a 1–0 defeat at West Brom, hinting at early-season defensive adjustments.
• Last season: 66 points, 53 goals scored, 48 conceded.
• Style: Balanced approach with just under 50% possession on average, capable of switching between direct and possession-based play.

Opposition Brief: What to Expect at Ewood Park​

Blackburn are still bedding in a number of summer signings, which could be an opportunity for Birmingham to take advantage. However, with new creativity in midfield and fresh energy out wide, they will be dangerous, especially at home in front of their fans. Expect a competitive and physical contest.



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We’d love to hear your thoughts ahead of the game! Share your opinions on the team selection, formation choices, and who you think should (or shouldn’t) have made the squad. What starting XI would you go with, and what’s your score prediction?


Join the discussion right here—before, during and after the match. Let us know your pick for Player of the Match and be part of the debate as the action unfolds.


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Want to meet up in person? Drop a comment if you're keen to attend a local meetup with members in your area. We’re always happy to bring supporters together!

 

[kiwipete]

Like every game in the Championship this season I am expecting a tough hard-fought game, and I am backing Blues to come out narrowly victorious 0-1 or 1-2, as momentum will carry them through along with voiciferous support from the 7000 travelling fans.
I expect much the same line up as the Ipswich game with maybe Anderson instead of Gray (If he hasn't recovered from his knock against the Owls)

 

[kiwipete]

Hope the oppositions 12th man isn't wearing Black this week

 

[BluZ]

If we play our game, and put the chances away. The man in black will be irrelevant. He'll be there to blow his whistle at the end and put Rovers out of their misery.

 

[BluZ]

List of countries the game is available in for blues+ viewers.

American Samoa, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brunei, Cambodia, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cook Islands, East Timor, Faroe Islands, Fiji, France (Tahiti), Germany, Gibraltar, Guam, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kiribati, Laos, Leichtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue, Norfolk Island, North Korea, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Poland, Portugal, Samoa, Socotra, Solomon Islands, South Tyrol (Italy), Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tokelau, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis & Futuna, Western Samoa (Samoa).

 

[admin]

Will be a close one I think. Gone for 0-1

 

[kiwipete]

We did it the hard way.... AGAIN. A good performance from the players who kept right on to the end.
I feel mention of the ref is warranted, he didn't have a perfect game by any means but at least he was consistent for both teams I felt.

 

[BluZ]

Still buzzing after this game. So pleased with the way they played and never gave up. The team from the last championship season loses that game. I've watched the replay of that 2nd goal a thousand times, each time taking in another person's reaction. Oh, how I wished I could have been there. There have been some great vlogs from the supporters, the highlight being this one from Blues Focus (language warning).

That's a good point about the ref. He made the decisions and yet was anonymous, not trying to be the centre of attention. He had a good game.