Blackburn - Middlesbrough
Last updated: Today, at Blackburn Rovers host Middlesbrough for matchday 2
Saturday, 22 August 2026, marks the second matchday of the Championship season as Blackburn Rovers welcome Middlesbrough to Ewood Park. Both sides enter this encounter looking to build momentum following positive starts to their respective campaigns. Blackburn Rovers arrive after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Middlesbrough secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Lincoln City in their most recent league outing.
Tactical discipline will be at the forefront, with the expected XI for Blackburn Rovers featuring Andri Gudjohnsen and Oladapo Afolayan leading the line. Middlesbrough are expected to counter with the attacking threat of Kyle Joseph and Will Lankshear. Recent history between these two clubs has been defined by tight margins, including a pair of goalless draws during the previous season. Maintaining defensive composure will be essential for both teams as they seek to establish early authority in the division.
