Rovers looking to get back to winning ways as they edge towards the Play-Offs against Lancashire neighbours Preston

Tony Mowbray will want a response from his side following their 1-0 defeat away to QPR as they open up the weekend’s Championship action on Friday night.

Blackburn will welcome 12th placed Preston to Ewood Park as Alex Neil’s side look to address two consecutive defeats against lowly Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.

The clash will see the two clubs, who were both founding members of the Football League, face off for the 100th time in the league, 130 years on from their very first tussle.

Visiting Ewood Park for the first time without any away support, North End will be without long-term absentees Declan Rudd, Patrick Bauer and Louis Moult for the game, whilst a late fitness test is required for captain Alan Browne after he missed their trip to Yorkshire last weekend.

Rovers have had an injury-hit campaign so far but have been able to welcome back Bradley Dack and Lewis Travis in recent weeks following long spells out of the squad. Elliott Bennett and Corry Evans both got minutes under their belt in a development fixture this week and will also be hoping for a squad recall.

Despite the positive news of recoveries, they are still without practically an entire defensive four with Derrick Williams, Daniel Ayala, Scott Wharton and Joe Rankin-Costello still sidelined, although the defensive worries will be eased as Barry Douglas will return following the birth of his daughter.

The big miss for the East Lancashire club is Lewis Holtby who is expected to miss the remainder of the season after a reoccurrence of a knee ligament injury that cost him so dearly in the last campaign.

Yet, Tony Mowbray can still rely on his main asset in this one with Adam Armstrong raring to go. Contributing 17 goals so far this season, alongside his attacking counterparts Ben Brereton and Sam Gallagher who have become an increasingly dangerous force as the months go on.

Preston, on the other hand, have failed to score in three of their last five games. With new recruit Ched Evans notching his first goal for the club in their last outing, Neil will be hopeful he can call on the ex-Fleetwood man to provide the spark for a resurgence in what has been a rollercoaster season.

Blackburn are averaging a season expected goals for (xG) of 1.82 which stands as one of the highest in the league, with a stark contrast to Preston who have only tallied up a 1.10 xG, providing a note to their lack of goalscoring exploits.

Rovers are unbeaten in their last eight home league games and have made a habit of remaining defensively astute despite their absentees, winning by the odd goal for the majority of their victories.

North End had a high profile end to the transfer window with the loss of Ben Davies to Liverpool well covered, however, in Liam Lindsay. They have brought in a capable replacement who will add a commanding presence against a fluid Blackburn frontline.

All things considered, this has the makings of an interesting contest. With Rovers garnering a reputation for making their home stadium at fortress it will be hard to see past a victory for Mowbray’s men, yet if Preston can remain astute in the defensive phases and bring Ched Evans into proceedings then they can have hope of taking something from this.

This is a big game for both sides as Rovers look to keep tabs on Bournemouth in the last remaining Play-Off place with a game in hand, whilst it is important for North End to keep their season from turning into anything other than a mid-table canter.

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