bet365
BetMGM
William Hill
Betfred
BetUK
LiveScoreBet
10Bet
Virgin Bet
Lancashire derbies tend to carry their own rhythm, and this meeting is no exception. Preston are enjoying a steady period of form, having avoided defeat across their last four Championship fixtures and showing greater control in home matches at Deepdale. Blackburn, meanwhile, travel with a surprisingly resilient away record despite struggling for stability on their own turf. Both teams return from the international pause with differing pressures: Preston are pushing for the automatic promotion places, while Blackburn seek to climb away from the lower reaches of the table. With key attackers in encouraging form, this contest promises decisive moments at both ends.
Get Premium Tips before kick-off
Bet builders allow punters to combine multiple selections from the same match into one customised wager, creating a tailored angle that reflects how they expect the contest to unfold. These bets can link markets such as goals, cards or player shots, giving supporters a way to design a structured view of the match. What follows is a carefully considered set of selections rooted in current form, tactical patterns and player output.
Here’s our Bet Builder pick for Preston vs Blackburn, which has been placed with Bet365:
Works worldwide • Email + on-site access • Instant unlock
Why this pick
Preston’s assertive home style, combined with their consistent scoring run, creates a match environment where they should produce chances. Their advanced wing-backs leave transitional gaps, which Blackburn’s quick forwards can exploit. Blackburn’s away form is strong, and they often create clearer openings on the road due to their counter-attacking setup. Ohashi’s sharp movement increases their probability of scoring, while Preston’s attacking momentum at Deepdale typically yields goals. Despite Blackburn’s improved defensive record away from home, the combination of tactical profiles, recent scoring trends and derby intensity makes goals at both ends widely expected.
Why this pick
Smith’s role as Preston’s central forward ensures he receives a consistent flow of crosses and set-piece opportunities. His goal at Millwall shows he is finding strong positions, and with Preston likely to dominate territory, he should see repeated chances. The absence of Scott Wharton in Blackburn’s defence may weaken their aerial presence, increasing the likelihood that Smith wins duels and generates on-target attempts. Preston’s high-pressure approach at Deepdale leads to recycled possession and further shooting moments. With Smith in confident form and integral to their attacking structure, two shots on target is a logical expectation.
Why this pick
Ohashi is central to Blackburn’s counter-attacking threat and regularly finds shooting situations through his pace and movement. His recent goal against Derby was another example of his ability to exploit defensive gaps. Preston’s advanced full-backs may leave spaces for him to run into, increasing the likelihood of attempts on goal. Blackburn’s away setup encourages early forward passes, allowing Ohashi to shoot quickly before defenders settle. His confidence and willingness to take responsibility in attacking transitions make two shots on target a realistic projection, particularly against a Preston side prone to conceding counter-attacking opportunities.
The selections combine a match that favours goals with two forwards who thrive in contrasting attacking patterns. Preston’s pressure suits Smith’s volume shooting, while Ohashi exploits transitional spaces. Together, the trio forms a balanced, logically constructed bet builder reflecting both teams’ tactical tendencies.
Preston vs Blackburn Bet Builder Tip
Both Teams to Score
A derby fixture often creates an unpredictable rhythm, and this clash between Preston and Blackburn appears perfectly set up for chances at both ends. Preston arrive with a confident scoring pattern, having found the net in each of their last four league outings. Their recent performances illustrate a purposeful attacking structure, underpinned by the balance between their wide play and the physical presence up front. Even in challenging moments, they have repeatedly manufactured shooting opportunities, with Michael Smith’s contribution particularly crucial in their ability to sustain pressure.
Preston’s home form also reinforces the likelihood of goals. At Deepdale, they have been beaten just once in eight Championship matches, but what stands out more is their repeated capacity to create attacking momentum early in matches. Their wing-backs push high, allowing runners to join Smith centrally, which forces opponents into deeper defensive shape. This tendency naturally encourages a game state where Preston commit bodies forward, increasing the probability of conceding transitions when possession is lost. Opponents have often been able to exploit the space behind their advanced midfield positions, contributing to a pattern of open, stretched phases of play.
Blackburn, for their part, have travelled well this season. They have collected 12 points from seven away trips and have displayed defensive discipline on the road, but it is their transition threat that makes them particularly dangerous in this fixture. Their wide rotations frequently release Yuki Ohashi, who has shown sharp movement in behind. His goal against Derby before the break demonstrated how quickly he can expose defensive gaps, and Preston’s tendency to press high could leave exactly the type of channels he thrives upon.
Furthermore, Blackburn have a tendency to produce more fluid attacking sequences away from home than at Ewood Park. Their forwards combine with pace, and their midfielders are capable of playing early progressive passes into the channels. This encourages moments where their counter-attacking structure becomes a genuine weapon. Even when they have been inconsistent overall, they regularly create clear openings in away matches, and their recent trio of road victories prove they can threaten any opponent.
When this attacking profile meets Preston’s expansive approach, the match dynamic leans towards an exchange of chances. While Blackburn’s away clean sheets highlight defensive improvement, Preston are a much more assertive side on their own pitch. Conversely, Preston’s defensive line, though committed, can be drawn out of shape when managing counters, particularly against mobile attacking units.
Taking all components into account—Preston’s consistency in front of goal, their aggressive home approach, Blackburn’s counter-attacking threat, and the individual sharpness of both frontline units—the scenario strongly supports a selection where both teams find the net. In a derby atmosphere, with momentum swings and attacking quality on both sides, the expectation of goals at each end is well justified.
William Hill
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Show Terms & Conditions
BetMGM
Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets
Show Terms & Conditions
bet365
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Betfred
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Show Terms & Conditions
10bet
100% Up To £50 On First Deposit
Show Terms & Conditions
Works worldwide • Email + on-site access • Instant unlock
Michael Smith – 2+ Shots on Target
Michael Smith’s recent form provides a compelling basis for backing him to register at least two efforts on target. His goal against Millwall highlighted his instinctive movement, particularly in tight spaces inside the penalty area. Within Preston’s current system, Smith benefits from consistent service from the flanks, especially with the wing-backs encouraged to deliver early crosses. This naturally increases his involvement in shooting situations, as he frequently positions himself between centre-backs to attack deliveries.
Preston’s expected lineup suggests they will again lean on Smith as their primary focal point. With Will Keane still working towards full fitness, Smith is likely to lead the line and receive a steady supply of possession. His physicality also draws fouls and creates set-piece opportunities, another source of direct shots on target. Blackburn have defended competently away from home, but they are missing Scott Wharton, which may reduce aerial dominance in central areas. Smith, who thrives when challenging makeshift defensive pairings, should find openings.
Moreover, Preston’s tendency to force sustained pressure at Deepdale contributes to repeat shooting chances. Their midfield pushes high, recycling the ball around the box, allowing Smith to attempt multiple efforts per match. Even in tight games, he consistently produces shots—making two or more on target a realistic target based on both style and recent form.
Yuki Ohashi – 2+ Shots on Target
Yuki Ohashi has emerged as one of Blackburn’s most incisive attackers, and his movement is key to understanding why he is well positioned to test the goalkeeper at least twice in this match. His finishing ability stood out again in the recent defeat to Derby, where he converted after timing his run perfectly. Beyond goals, Ohashi is regularly involved in attempts generated through transitions, which align well with the pattern this encounter is likely to follow.
Blackburn’s away approach tends to emphasise quick breaks, and Ohashi plays at the heart of that strategy. His pace allows him to peel into the channels behind defenders, while his agility creates space to shoot under pressure. With Preston pushing numbers into midfield and advancing their wing-backs, they inevitably leave areas for mobile attackers like Ohashi to exploit. If Blackburn regain the ball and release him early, he is likely to generate multiple shooting opportunities.
In addition, Blackburn’s creative midfielders and full-backs often attempt direct forward passes, which encourage early strikes before the defensive line reshapes. Ohashi’s confidence appears high, and with Blackburn needing to be assertive to move away from the lower part of the table, it is reasonable to expect him to take on responsibility in the final third.
These factors combined make his two-shot-on-target line achievable, particularly in a fixture shaped by transitional phases and space for forwards who move intelligently.
Enhance your betting game with our daily free betting tips, predictions, and accumulators.
For more betting tips and news, check out:
Don’t forget to visit our Free Bets page for the best possible value from our Today’s Football Predictions, as well as our Predictions hub for all the best tips.
