Preview: Preston North End vs. Blackburn Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the home side sit in ninth place, the visitors make the short trip to Deepdale on Saturday afternoon down in 16th position in the standings.

Match preview

There was a time not so long ago when Preston had looked to have given up their strong start to the season with a prolonged run of poor form.

Just five wins were posted across a 22-game period in the Championship, yet Ryan Lowe's side have responded with three wins in succession.

Ipswich Town, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough have all been defeated this month, and Preston have now collected 13 points from a possible 18.

As one of three teams level on points with sixth-placed Coventry City, Preston will back themselves to move back into the top six in the near future.

Although their form at Deepdale has sometimes been indifferent, Preston have still recorded nine wins in 16 games ahead of facing one of their closest neighbours.

Having appointed John Eustace as their new boss, Blackburn will expect to comfortably avoid a relegation scrap that may have ensued under Jon Dahl Tomasson.

An immediate 3-1 success under the temporary management team eased concerns on that front, yet Eustace got his reign off to a disappointing start with a 1-0 defeat at former club Birmingham City.

While they remain as high as 16th spot, Blackburn are just seven points adrift of the relegation zone and within three points of 21st place, a scenario which needs to sharpen focus at Ewood Park.

However, Rovers make the 13-mile trip to Deepdale having lost their most recent six away fixtures in the Championship.

Preston North End Championship form:

W

L

D

W

W

W

Blackburn Rovers Championship form:

D

L

D

L

W

L

Blackburn Rovers form (all competitions):

L

D

W

L

W

L

Team News

Preston have a number of injury issues, most notably Brad Potts who will be sidelined for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury.

Andrew Hughes (knock) and Ben Whiteman (dead leg) will be assessed to see whether they can keep their places in the team.

Greg Cunningham is on standby to replace Hughes in the back three, while Ali McCann would likely come in for Whiteman if required.

Meanwhile, Jake Garrett may be introduced into the Blackburn XI courtesy of Joe Rankin-Costello being forced off during the first half versus Birmingham.

Andrew Moran could also return in the final third, but Eustace may be prepared to hand the majority of the players who featured in his back-three system on Tuesday another chance.

Preston North End possible starting lineup:

Woodman; Cunningham, Storey, Lindsay; Millar, Browne, Whiteman, Brady; Frokjaer-Jensen; Keane, Riis

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:

Pears; Hyam, McFadzean, Chrisene; Brittain, Garrett, Tronstad, Hedges; Moran, Szmodics; Gallagher

We say: Preston North End 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

While Preston deserve to be regarded as favourites for this contest, this is a derby and Blackburn need it to spark them into life. That could lead to the spoils being shared, a result that would suit neither team at this stage of the season.

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