Premier League: Blackburn Rovers v Derby County - Peter White's big match preview

CHRIS Sutton would dearly like to break the habit of a lifetime - and grab his first goal of the new season in tomorrow's Ewood opener against Derby County.

For the £5 million striker, who finished as the Premiership's joint leading scorer last season, readily admits that when it comes to the opening day, a hot-shot he is definitely not.

"I don't think I ever score on the first day of the season," said Sutton, who has shaken off the knock he collected against PSV Eindhoven in the final warm-up match.

"I certainly can't remember doing it, though I've managed a few in the second game; against Blackburn once," he laughed, recalling his two-goal feat for Norwich at Ewood five years ago.

And, of course, Sutton's first-ever Rovers goal came in the second match of championship season. Not to mention his second-day hat-trick against Aston Villa last year.

But a goal tomorrow could be doubly important as Rovers look for a good start - something on the lines of last season's four wins and a draw from the first five games would be perfect.

"It's so important how we start the season," added Sutton.

"To start well can be vital because it will give everyone confidence.

"That's what happened last year when our confidence was built up by good results early on and we went on from there."

A repeat of last season's opening-day win over Derby, thanks to a Kevin Gallacher goal as the Roy Hodgson era got under way, would not go amiss.

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