Preston vs Blackburn Rovers Predictions

Preston vs Blackburn Rovers predictions for this Lancashire derby. Preston North End host Blackburn Rovers in their first Lancashire derby of the season. Both teams are in good form, setting up an intense Championship clash at Deepdale on Sunday. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.

Championship | Sep 22, 2024 at 12pm UK at Deepdale

Preston vs Blackburn Rovers Predictions

Can Preston Halt Blackburn’s Momentum in the Lancashire Derby?

• Preston’s Home Resilience: Preston North End have managed to avoid defeat in their last four home matches against Blackburn Rovers, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion in this derby fixture. Despite a poor start to the season, their recent form at Deepdale suggests they could frustrate the high-flying visitors.
• Blackburn’s Scoring Prowess: Blackburn Rovers have netted 12 goals in their first five Championship matches this season, averaging 2.4 goals per game. With Yuki Ohashi leading the charge, they have proven themselves as one of the most potent attacking forces in the division, capable of troubling any defence.
• Preston’s Leaky Defence: The Lilywhites have conceded nine goals in their five Championship matches, highlighting a defensive fragility that Blackburn’s forwards will look to exploit. Despite this, they have managed to keep one clean sheet and will need a disciplined performance to hold off their rivals.

Our Tips

The Championship season is well underway, and a classic Lancashire derby awaits us as Preston North End host Blackburn Rovers at Deepdale on Sunday afternoon. This encounter is set against the backdrop of contrasting form and ambitions. While Blackburn are flying high at the top end of the table, unbeaten in their opening five fixtures, Preston are scrapping to find their footing under new management, currently languishing near the relegation zone.

Preston come into this match on the back of a thrilling but exhausting EFL Cup win against Fulham, a victory that saw them triumph in a record-breaking penalty shootout. Although it was a morale-boosting result, the physical and mental toll of such an event could weigh heavily on the team. Manager Paul Heckingbottom, who recently took the reins at Deepdale, will be keen to use this momentum to spark a turnaround in their league form. Their home record has been decent, and they will hope that playing in familiar surroundings can inspire a performance capable of denting Blackburn’s unbeaten streak.

Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers, under the stewardship of John Eustace, have been one of the surprise packages this season. With an attacking prowess that has seen them net 12 goals already, they are riding high in third place and look capable of mounting a serious promotion challenge. With Yuki Ohashi in red-hot form, scoring four goals in the league so far, Rovers will be confident of extending their run and securing another three points.

Best Bet: Draw

Given the form of both teams and the dynamics of a local derby, the best bet for this match is a draw. Preston, despite their struggles, have shown resilience at home and in recent derbies. They have managed to avoid defeat in their last four meetings against Blackburn at Deepdale, a statistic that should not be overlooked. Although they have struggled defensively, conceding nine goals in five games, they have also managed to find the net in each of their last three matches, suggesting they have enough firepower to trouble Blackburn.

On the other hand, Blackburn’s early-season form has been impressive, but they have shown vulnerability, particularly on the road. Their two away draws this season, where they came from behind to secure a point, indicate that while they are difficult to beat, they are not impervious. The absence of key defensive players like Scott Wharton and the potential fatigue in midfield, where they have had to rely heavily on a consistent core, could mean that they will find it hard to dominate as they might have done in previous encounters.

In such tightly contested matches, especially derbies, the intensity and emotion often level the playing field. Preston’s recent cup success could serve as a catalyst for a spirited performance, while Blackburn, though potent in attack, might be wary of over-committing. A draw seems a sensible outcome, with both teams likely to cancel each other out in what could be a cagey affair. As our expert Graham Hartshorn from BettingTips4You.com suggests:

“Derbies are often unpredictable, and with Preston finding some form at home and Blackburn yet to prove their defensive solidity away, a stalemate could be on the cards.”

Correct Score Prediction: 1-1 Draw

The prediction of a 1-1 draw aligns well with the expectation of a closely fought match. Preston have managed to score in each of their last three games under Heckingbottom, and while their attack isn’t prolific, they have been efficient. Players like Emil Riis Jakobsen and Mads Frøkjær-Jensen have the potential to exploit Blackburn’s defensive lapses, especially with Wharton sidelined.

Blackburn, for their part, have been among the league’s top scorers, but their defensive record isn’t spotless, having conceded six goals in five matches. This points towards a likely scenario where both sides find the net, but neither can assert enough dominance to claim all three points. A 1-1 result would reflect both teams’ strengths and weaknesses fairly, with Blackburn’s attacking threat countered by their defensive uncertainties and Preston’s battling spirit at home.

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