Blackburn Rovers face a important Lancashire derby this Saturday, travelling to Deepdale to take on a struggling Preston North End side. The match, reported by AOL, kicks off at 12:30 BST and offers Rovers a chance to solidify their mid-table standing and extend a dominant recent run against their local rivals.
What is the recent form of both teams?
Preston North End are in desperate need of a result. They are the only Championship side to have lost all four of their opening matches this season. A defeat on Saturday would see them lose their first five league games for only the third time in their history, matching unwanted records from the 1924-25 and 1929-30 campaigns. Blackburn Rovers, in contrast, arrive with five more points than their hosts and sit 16th in the Championship with a record of one win, two draws, and two losses from five games. Their recent form reads LDLWD, having scored six goals and conceded seven so far this season.
What is the historical head-to-head record?
The recent history of this fixture heavily favours Blackburn Rovers. They have won each of their last three league meetings with Preston. Also, Preston are winless in their last six home league games against Rovers, a run stretching back to a 3-2 victory in October 2019. "3-2 victory in October 2019 under Alex Neil," the then-Preston manager noted of that rare success. A fourth consecutive win for Blackburn would match a streak last achieved over a century ago in August 1919.
How strong are Blackburn Rovers away from home?
Rovers' form on the road provides further encouragement for their travelling supporters. They have lost just one of their last seven away games in the Championship, winning three and drawing three. That solitary defeat was a III-0 loss to Southampton back in April. This resilience will be tested at Deepdale as they look to climb the standings, currently sitting six points behind early leaders Swansea City.
What tactical quirk do Blackburn Rovers have?
Despite their solid away record, one area of their game stands out for its lack of activity. According to the data, no side has had fewer high turnovers in the Championship this season than Blackburn Rovers, with just 11. They are also the only team yet to register a single shot originating from a high turnover situation. This suggests a more patient, structured approach to regaining possession rather than an aggressive high press.
Who is unavailable for Blackburn Rovers?
The squad faces some selection challenges ahead of the derby. A significant number of players are currently sidelined, impacting depth across the pitch. The absentees include Augustus Kargbo, Harry Pickering, Lewis Miller, Mathias Jørgensen, Moussa Baradji, and Scott Wharton. Fans can check the latest availability updates on the club's injuries page. Following this derby clash, attention will quickly turn to the next fixture, a home match against 15th-placed Sheffield United on Tuesday, September 8th, which is listed on the club's fixtures schedule.
