Preston vs Blackburn predictions: Lancashire rivals set to entertain
- Both teams have scored in the last five meetings between Preston and Blackburn
- There have been over 2.5 goals in four of Blackburn's last five Championship games
- Recommended bet: Both teams to score
This weekend’s Championship action comes to a close with Preston hosting Lancashire rivals Blackburn on Sunday lunchtime and the pair have had contrasting starts to the season.
While Blackburn are belying pre-season expectations and flying high with 11 points from five league games, Preston have collected only four points from their five outings and are taking time to hit top stride.
However, it is still early days for Preston under manager Paul Heckingbottom, who replaced Ryan Lowe at the end of August, and last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough was at least a step in the right direction.
Rovers remain unbeaten in the Championship under the guidance of John Eustace, but he will be well aware that form can often go out of the window in derby dust-ups.
Team news
Liam Lindsey returns from suspension to bolster Preston’s defence while Stefan Thordardson (illness) was back in the starting line-up for the Carabao Cup win over Fulham.
Preston’s deadline-day signing Josh Bowler made his first appearance for the club in last weekend’s draw at Middlesbrough and will hope to retain his place, but striker Will Keane remains sidelined.
Callum Brittain, Harry Pickering and Arnor Sigurdsson all missed Blackburn's 3-0 victory at home to Bristol City last weekend and they must be assessed.
The stats
Both teams have scored in the last five Lancashire derbies between Preston and Blackburn.
There have been over 2.5 goals in four of Blackburn's last five Championship matches.
Blackburn are unbeaten in five Championship outings this term, although both teams have scored in four of those games.
Preston are unbeaten in four meetings with Blackburn and they have lost just one of their last five matches in all competitions.
Seven of Preston's Championship home games had four or more goals last season.
Prediction
Blackburn have shown no ill-effects from losing star forward Sammie Szmodics to Premier League side Ipswich, going five games unbeaten to start the new Championship campaign.
Rovers were impressive in taking care of Bristol City 3-0 at home last weekend, but that does not mean they should be taking the challenge of fierce rivals Preston lightly.
North End are showing clear signs of progress under Heckingbottom, highlighted by last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough, and confidence levels should be on the rise after they knocked Fulham out of the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Derbies can often underwhelm but this fixture has seen both teams score in each of the last five meetings, which includes a thrilling 2-2 draw at Deepdale last season.
With both teams having also scored in four of Blackburn’s opening five games this season, goals at each end could provide the best bet in Sunday’s showdown.
Preston have kept only one clean sheet from their five league games but in the dangerous Danish trio Emil Riis, Mads Frokjær-Jensen and Jeppe Okkels they have some excellent attacking options at their disposal.
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