Blackburn Rovers have flown out of the traps in the new campaign and will be looking to keep their momentum going when they host Oxford United in the EFL Championship.
Rovers only just dodged the drop last term but this campaign looks like being much better if they can keep up the form they've shown so far.
John Eustace's side beat Derby 4-2 in their opener then followed it up by smashing six past Stockport in the Carabao. They claimed a creditable 2-2 draw away to Norwich last time out and will now be looking to put three more points on the board against Oxford United.
After winning promotion from League One, many expected Des Buckingham's side to struggle but they have also made a good start to the season.
Successive 2-0 wins over Norwich and Peterborough in league and cup got them off to a flier and they also came within a whisker of claiming a point at Coventry before Haji Wright hit a last-gasp winner for the Sky Blues.
That was a cruel blow but Buckingham's players have shown they can compete at this level so will fancy their chances at Ewood Park.
How the bookies view it: Blackburn backed to push on
With Rovers in such impressive early-season form they are hot favourites for this one at just 7/10 with Betfred. Oxford United are 16/5 outsiders and the draw is also pretty big at 13/5.
Recent head to head: Rovers on a roll
Blackburn Rovers have dominated this fixture in recent years, going five games unbeaten against Oxford United. They last met in League One seven seasons ago, with Rovers winning both games, including a 2-1 triumph at Ewood Park.
Players to watch: Yuki off to a flyer
Japanese striker Yuki Ohashi has made a flying start to his Blackburn career with goals in all three appearances so far. He has started both league games on the bench but should be unleashed from the off here and is 6/4 for anytime scorer.
I flagged up Mark Harris as the big Oxford threat against Coventry and he got on the scoresheet to make it two goals in two Championship outings so far. He will fancy his chance again in this one and is ovepriced at 3/1 for anytime scorer.
Probable teams
Will Goodwin remains out for Oxford United but they should be along similar lines to the team that played against Coventry. Ohashi will be hoping his scoring exploits earn him the nod ahead of Makhtar Gueye for Blackburn. Scott Wharton is out long-term for Rovers.
Blackburn Rovers: Pears, Brittain, Pickering, Hyam, Carter, Tronstad, Dolan, Rankin-Costello, Hedges, Travis, Ohashi.
Oxford United: Cumming; Long, Moore, Brown, Bennett; Vaulks; Goodrham, Rodrigues, Brannagan, Placheta; Harris
Anything else catch the eye?
Both these teams have been involved in some thrillers, with each of them scoring two or more goals in every game so far. That bodes well for an entertaining game here so combining BTTS with over 2.5 goals appeals at 21/20 with Betfred.
All of Oxford's games so far have hit double figures for corners and it's the same for Blackburn. But it was Coventry who did the heavy lifting on Oxford's last away day as they won 13 flag kicks to just one for Buckingham's side. That makes me think backing Rovers at -2 in the corner handicap could pay off here at 21/20 with Bet365. Over 10.5 match corners also appeals at 10/11.
This England Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United will be played on Aug 24, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Blackburn Rovers vs Oxford United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
