Blackburn vs Preston predictions: North End can deliver on derby day
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- Blackburn have won just one of their last nine matches
- Preston have lost only two of their last 15 fixtures
- Recommended bet: Preston draw no bet
Blackburn have lost three successive Championship games for only the second time this season but will be aiming to stop the rot and climb back into the play-offs by pushing for a home win over fierce rivals Preston at Ewood Park.
It has been a tough winter for Rovers, who have picked up only five points from their last nine Championship matches.
But they are among a number of promotion-chasing teams struggling for consistency and, as a result, have stayed close to the top six.
Preston have been in the bottom half throughout the campaign but were 2-1 winners at home to Middlesbrough last Saturday and make the short trip to Blackburn knowing a victory would lift them from 15th to 11th.
Team news
Blackburn’s squad remains stretched due to an injury list featuring Hayden Carter, Harry Pickering, Sondre Tronstad, Arnor Sigurdsson and Yuki Ohashi.
Callum Brittain and Danny Batth recovered from knocks to start Saturday's 2-1 loss at Bristol City while first choice goalkeeper Aynsley Pears returned between the sticks after illness. Lewis Travis featured as a late substitute after overcoming a hamstring strain.
As for Preston, Brad Potts has not featured in 2025 but is nearing a return from injury and was on the bench for last weekend’s 2-1 win at home to Middlesbrough.
Jack Whatmough (knee) is also closing in on first team return and Emil Riis is pushing for a start at the expense of fellow striker Milutin Osmajic.
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The stats
Blackburn have conceded the first goal in six of their last seven league games.
Rovers have kept only one clean sheet in their last nine matches.
Preston are unbeaten in their last five fixtures.
North End have scored in 12 of their last 13 matches.
The Lilywhites have won three of their last four games by a 2-1 scoreline.
Both teams have scored in six of Preston’s last seven matches.
Prediction
The scramble for Championship playoff places involves numerous clubs and Preston can throw their hat into the ring by defeating local rivals Blackburn.
Preston started the season slowly, winning only three of their first 19 games, but they have made positive progress in recent times and dug deep to win 2-1 at home to Middlesbrough last weekend.
They have won on their last two trips to Blackburn and are set to face John Eustace’s injury-hit side at a good time.
Blackburn have been beaten in three of their last four home games and they might have to experience the bitter taste of derby disappointment.
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