There only ever seems to be a wafer thin line between confidence and a crisis in football.

It was full on meltdown last week with a tumbleweed rolling passed Compton Park and Michael Jacobs packing his bags for Wigan.

But as Kenny and co depart for Ewood Park tomorrow, morale in the wider Wolves camp couldn’t be higher as we reflect on what was probably the perfect preseason.

Undefeated in six matches, four new signings and with another handful of promising academy prospects rolling off the conveyor belt, could things have gone much better?

Whatever your opinion on that, I don’t think many would disagree that we line up at the starting gate in more than adequate condition for the 46 challenges that lie ahead.

If we were cautiously optimistic last August, we’re battle hardened and expectant this time around. And it’s that expectancy that could prove the toughest hurdle of all.

Blackburn

Blackburn haven’t had things so easy over the summer months with Gary Bowyer hamstrung by a transfer embargo and key players jumping ship.

Rudy Gestede has already departed for Aston Villa, while fellow talisman Jordan Rhodes looks desperate to push through a move to big spending Middlesbrough.

41 of their 66 goals last season came from their star strikers, so the prospect of losing both and relying on free transfers to plug the hole suggests a tough season ahead.

Rovers, like Bolton, like Notts Forest and like many others in the Championship are handicapped by a lack of financial firepower having previously spent and failed in their attempts to climb out of this debilitating league.

Their situation highlights why Wolves’ ‘steady as she goes’ approach is undoubtedly the more sustainable model for continual progress.

Wolves

It’s interesting to see how Kenny Jackett has built and evolved his squad over three summers. There have been consistent performers, but always complemented by a pleasing injection of new blood.

With Danny Batth injured, the back four seems certain to be built on the experience of Richard Stearman, the steadiness of Scott Golbourne and the raw potential of Kortney Hause and Dominic Iorfa.

A narrower midfield anchored by Conor Coady and Kevin McDonald is likely to also incorporate the energy of Dave Edwards with natural width provided by either James Henry or Rajiv van La Parra. Henry seems a more likely bet.

The front two pick themselves, despite the arrival of Adam le Fondre and their continued availability over the season will be crucial. When they play, goals seem inevitable.

If the above XI plays as expected that still leaves the likes of Batth, Doherty, Price, Wallace, Ojo and Le Fondre waiting in the wings and providing the necessary depth to go the distance.

Predictions

The Prediction League is back for another season. Test yourself against fellow supporters to see how your expectations tally with reality.

It’s 2 points if you predict the correct outcome and 3 points if you get the correct score. Simply leave your prediction in the comment section below in the boxes indicated. Best of luck!

A note of caution: You must always use the same email address to comment and leave your predictions in every preview. Your email address is what ties you to your overall score in the table.

As for me, I’m predicting a draw. We’ve won on our last three visits to Ewood Park but starting as the away side on opening day is normally tough and I think they’ll play above themselves.

If Jordan Rhodes starts, he’ll pose a significant threat and be ably supported by Conway and Marshall who are also both very good players.

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Here’s to a great season.

Up The Wolves!