Blackburn Rovers: Sky Bet Championship season preview 2016/17

All the transfer news, fan opinion, predictions and odds ahead of Blackburn Rovers' 2016/17 Sky Bet Championship campaign.

Last year's finish: 15th

Manager: Owen Coyle

Title odds: 80/1 with Sky Bet

First five games: Norwich (H), Wigan (A), Cardiff (A), Burton Albion (H), Fulham (H)

Players In: Liam Feeney (Bolton Wanderers, Free), Danny Graham (Unassigned Players, Free), Anthony Stokes (Hibernian, Free), Jack Byrne (Man City, Loan)

Players Out: Simon Eastwood (Oxford United, Undisclosed), Grant Hanley (Newcastle United, £5.5m), Tommy Spur (Preston North End, Free), Lee Williamson (Burton Albion, Free), Chris Taylor (Bolton, Free), Simeon Jackson (Walsall, Free)

Fan's view - Matthew Stanger (@MatthewStanger), Editor of The Set Pieces

Expectation: With a small squad and talk of further sales to follow captain Grant Hanley's move to Newcastle, it looks set to be a difficult season. If Rovers are to avoid a relegation battle, it's vital they rebuff Celtic's interest in Shane Duffy while Owen Coyle is still keen to make additions.

The Venkys' appointment of the former Burnley manager did little to improve relations between the owners and supporters, but Coyle will receive the fans' backing if the team get off to a good start. It's a tough division this year and Rovers will do well to keep themselves out of trouble in mid-table.

Most important player: Rafa Benitez may find that Grant Hanley isn't as solid as he hoped, but the centre-back's leadership will be missed at Ewood Park. Shane Duffy should fill the void after impressing for Ireland at Euro 2016, while Manchester City youngster Jack Byrne could prove a shrewd loan signing.

League winner: Newcastle

Dark horse: Preston

One Championship player you'd want to sign: Moussa Sissoko

Ollie's prediction: 18th

Owen Coyle will need a tin hat and a bullet proof car if things don't go well at Blackburn this season with his Burnley and Bolton connections! It's hard to judge how Rovers will do, but I do know selling Grant Hanley to Newcastle won't help their cause. 

Sky Bet odds

Blackburn are expected to face a tough campaign, with EFL sponsor Sky Bet making them 4/1 fourth favourites for relegation. The Ewood Park outfit are up against odds of 25/1 to secure promotion and 100/1 to be crowned champions, with even a top-half finish deemed unlikely at 14/1. Rovers begin their campaign by hosting recently relegated Norwich and are once again outsiders at 9/5 for the victory.