Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 2:07 am GMT
As the teams step onto the pitch at Deepdale, Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers clash for a thrilling Lancashire derby this Sunday. With Preston celebrating a dramatic EFL Cup win and Blackburn aiming to maintain their impressive Championship form, both teams are eager for a victory that could elevate their standings in the early season.
Preston North End’s Recent Success
Preston North End comes into this match on a high after a gripping EFL Cup tie against Fulham. The Lilywhites overcame the Premier League side in a penalty shootout that ended 16-15 following an intense shootout showdown. Goals from Ryan Ledson and Reiss Nelson were crucial in pushing the contest to penalties. This win marks a significant milestone for head coach Paul Heckingbottom since he took charge last month, taking over from Ryan Lowe. However, the team’s recent league performance has been shaky, currently sitting in 21st place in the Championship.
Key points about Preston North End:
- Secured a dramatic win over Fulham in the EFL Cup.
- Currently in 21st place in the Championship after a rocky start.
- Hoping to extend their unbeaten run in this derby to five matches.
Heckingbottom’s side has shown flashes of potential. Earlier this season, they secured a league victory against Luton Town thanks to a solitary goal from Will Keane. However, the Lilywhites are still struggling with injuries, particularly with Keane sidelined due to a hamstring issue and defender Patrick Bauer possibly out after suffering a shoulder knock.
Blackburn Rovers on the Rise
In contrast, Blackburn Rovers is enjoying a strong start to the Championship season. Under the management of John Eustace, the team is undefeated in their first five league matches, with three wins and two draws. They currently sit third in the league table, just behind West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United. Blackburn’s recent performances have shown their attacking capabilities, exemplified by convincing wins against Derby County and Bristol City, where they scored four and three goals, respectively.
Highlights of Blackburn Rovers’ form:
- Sits third in the Championship with an unbeaten record.
- Impressive offensive performance, scoring 4 and 6 goals in earlier matches.
- Yuki Ohashi is in fine form, totaling five goals this season.
Despite a successful start, Blackburn will be without key players, including full-backs Harry Pickering and Callum Brittain, affecting their defensive lineup. Additionally, Scott Wharton will be out until the New Year due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Head-to-Head and Game Predictions
Historically, the Lancashire derby has seen Preston have the edge, with six wins in the last twelve encounters between the two teams. The last meeting at Deepdale ended in a 2-2 draw, raising stakes even further for both sides. Preston will be looking to maintain their dominance in this derby while Blackburn aims to continue their undefeated streak.
Offensive talent will be crucial, with players like Yuki Ohashi for Blackburn and Mads Frokjaer-Jensen for Preston expected to make impactful contributions. Bettors have made Blackburn Rovers slight favorites at 29/20, while Preston North End is priced at 17/10, and a draw is set at 11/5.
Key statistics to consider:
- Blackburn is undefeated this season and has scored in six out of their seven games.
- Preston has also been consistent in finding the back of the net.
- Both teams are dealing with injury woes, but Blackburn appears to have stronger overall form.
Match Details
The exciting encounter between Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers is scheduled for Sunday, September 22, 2024, kicking off at 12:00 PM. Fans will be looking forward to an intense match filled with the rich history of Lancashire derby rivalries.
As both teams prepare to face off, the evolving dynamics of their lineups and the emotional stakes of the derby make this match a must-watch for both fans and sports analysts alike. With the Championship table still evolving, victory could be pivotal for either team as they aim for their respective goals for the season.
If you’re planning to watch, get ready for an exciting game! Both teams will be fighting hard, and they’ll want to win for points and for their pride.
