Before the 2017/18 League One season kicked off, Blackburn Rovers were seen as huge favourites to secure immediate promotion back to The Championship following their relegation last season. However, it has been a remarkably poor start to the season for Rovers under the management of Tony Mowbray, and they are in desperate need of three points to get their season underway.
Blackburn Rovers began the campaign with a tricky away fixture at Southend United which they eventually lost 2-1 despite mounting a second-half comeback. However, it was the 3-1 defeat at home to Doncaster Rovers the week after that has really caused concern at Ewood Park that this season may not be as straightforward as many people thought.
As for Bradford City, they have been knocking on the door of The Championship for several years now and have made another strong start to this campaign. They have maintained a 100% record so far with wins over Blackpool and Gillingham and will fancy their chances of picking up another three points against Blackburn at Valley Parade on Saturday.
We take a look at five players who could potentially have a significant influence on the outcome of Saturday’s match between these two promotion candidates.
4. Peter Whittingham
Whittingham, similarly to Graham, is arguably too good for this level and his arrival at Ewood Park from Cardiff City this summer stunned many. During his spell at Cardiff, he oozed class, and he is gifted with a wand of a left foot. He even enjoyed a brief spell in the Premier League with the Bluebirds.
He will, without a doubt, find his form at Blackburn once he has settled into life at the club and also in League One. There is a significant difference between The Championship and League One, and it may take the 32-year-old midfielder a bit of time to adapt his game. He could go on to be a key figure for Blackburn this season, and he is certainly one to look out for in this game as he will be looking to dictate play throughout.
