In what will be the first fixture of both Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City's 2016/2017 campaign, what sort of game can we expect from two former Premier League outfits?

Well a tough one at that from two sides that will more than likely be aiming for the same thing: promotion come the end of the season.

As we know, the Championship is a notoriously difficult league to escape out of, and for Norwich, the chance of a return to the big-time at the first-attempt is going to be tough.

So with this in mind here's THREE things to look out for in this game...

 

Just how much will Norwich City miss Nathan Redmond? 

Seeing one of your best players leave in the transfer window is always tough going and for Norwich City, the departure of winger Nathan Redmond to Southampton is going to leave a gaping hole on the flank.

He's a man that brings pace, directness and the ability to score a goal or two into the side, and he'll be a massive loss for the Canaries.

With Robbie Brady also being linked with an exit from Carrow Road, Norwich City could be extremely short of widemen as the season comes around in just two days time.

Alex Neil needs to bring in someone to replace the former Birmingham man on the flank, because without someone who has that ability to run at players, it could be an extremely long season indeed for the Canaries.

Can Danny Graham fire Rovers to promotion? 

He had a pretty fruitful loan spell at Ewood Park towards the end of the last campaign, dispatching seven times in 18 appearances and has now signed on a permanent deal.

He's got a solid goalscoring history at this level with his best spells coming at Watford and Swansea City over six years ago, his career has dried up a little since. Going into 2014, he had unsuccessful loan moves to Middlesbrough and Wolves which left left the former England U20 man a little short of confidence.

But Rovers manager Owen Coyle obviously sees the potential in the 30-year-old and his form will be decisive as to what sort of a campaign Rovers will have this season.

Will Alex Neil be able to get the Canaries promoted for the second time? 

Neil already has Championship promotion on his CV after leading his side into the top flight back in 2015, but unfortunately, they were sent packing after just one season.

Saturday's test against Blackburn Rovers will show just how much steel his squad really has, with his side facing a long trip up north on Saturday to take on Owen Coyle's side.

His British-orientated squad will be thoroughly tested in the division this year and with Aston Villa and Newcastle both expected to bounce straight back into the Premier League, it may be a tougher season than originally expected for the Canaries.