We take a closer look at the key dates next season and which games could prove to be important for Rovers.
Ismael reunion
The opener on Saturday, August 9 sees Valerien Ismael return to the Hawthorns, where he had a spell in the dugout during the 2021/22 campaign.
Ismael took charge of the Baggies following their relegation from the Premier League. He was chosen as Sam Allardyce’s replacement after guiding Barnsley into the play-offs.
The Frenchman had a strong start, winning four of his first matches in the hot seat. However, Ismael’s side won eight of their next 24 games and he departed the club after the January window.
The Midlands club appointed Ryan Mason as their new boss earlier this summer and are aiming to build on their ninth-place finish.
Eustace return
John Eustace is set to return to Ewood Park on Saturday, November 8 when his Derby side travel to Lancashire.
It will be Eustace’s first game back since his Rovers exit in February, although he did come up against his former squad at Pride Park a month later.
The Rams were in danger of relegation when the 45-year-old took charge but ended up finishing in 19th place and a point above the drop zone.
Derby have since signed striker Carlton Morris from Luton following the Hatters’ relegation to League One.
Local encounters
Supporters always look out for the local fixtures when the schedule is released and Rovers are set for another couple of battles with Preston North End next season.
The first is set for Saturday, November 22 when Ismael’s squad make the short trip across the M65 to Deepdale. The return fixture at Ewood Park is pencilled in for Saturday, February 21.
Rovers came out on top when the sides met in January thanks to goals from Makhtar Gueye and Todd Cantwell, getting through a nervy ending after Brad Potts’ strike.
PNE have already brought in several fresh faces this summer including Daniel Iversen and Thierry Small.
Festive focus
Boxing Day is another fixture fans rush to check when the schedule is confirmed and next season’s could be an interesting one.
Boro were around the play-off picture for most of last season but ended up finishing in 10th place, winning one of their final five games.
Edwards arrives with an impressive CV, having taken Luton from League One to the Premier League. He had also won promotion from League Two with Forest Green before heading to Kenilworth Road.
Hollywood clash
New Year’s Day is another highly-anticipated game and this time the fixture list threw up a clash with newly-promoted Wrexham.
Phil Parkinson’s side have had quite the journey, winning three straight promotions from the National League under their Hollywood owners.
It looks set to be another busy summer in the transfer market for the Welsh club as they prepare for the step up from League One.
Wrexham have not played a league game at Ewood Park since the early 80s and both clubs will be eager to kick off the calendar year with three points.
Eventful Easter
The Easter period is always tricky and next season will be no different, as Rovers head to Birmingham before the return fixture against West Brom.
The former are preparing for life back in the Championship after clinching the League One title on a record 111 points, having flexed their financial muscle to sign Jay Stansfield among others.
Many are now tipping the Blues to have a real go in the second tier under their US-based owners, which includes NFL legend Tom Brady.
Rovers have lost on their last couple of trips to St Andrew’s, although they did win in the FA Cup in January 2023.
Leicester repeat
It might be at Ewood Park this time but Rovers fans have happy memories of facing the Foxes on the final day.
The club’s safety in the Championship was still at risk as they headed to the King Power Stadium in 2023/24.
Moreover, Leicester were preparing to lift the trophy and still had a chance of finishing the campaign on 100 points.
Sam Szmodics’ second-half brace secured a stunning victory on the road. It proved vital as Stoke, QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth and Birmingham all won their respective matches.
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