BLACKBURN ROVERS and Preston North End both have ambitions of getting into the play-offs in the English Championship and this intriguing Lancashire Derby could go a long way to show who has the better chance of doing just that.
Neither side are in particularly blockbusting form, although the Deepdale outfit have more concerns than most having won just once in their last seven games.
But Lillywhites boss Alex Neil made plenty of moves in the January transfer window having made eight signings including controversial striker Ched Evans and he will want to see them make an impact.
Blackburn's problem has been being unable to launch any kind of consistent run. They chalked up a couple of decent wins at Middlesbrough and against Luton, only to throw it all away against QPR in their last game.
How the bookies view it
Hosts Blackburn are solid favourites at evens with William Hill's. Preston are 29/10 with Tonybet and the draw is 13/5 with McBookie.com.
Recent head to head
Tony Mowbray's Rovers chalked up an impressive 3-0 win at Deepdale in November, but that was their first win in the fixture for eight games. PNE are also unbeaten on their last four visits to Ewood Park.
Players to watch
The new-look Preston hardly got off to the best of starts after the transfer window after a 2-1 home defeat to Rotherham United, but Ched Evan did score and he's set to lead the line again on Friday night. He's 5/2 to score anytime with bet365.
Former Celtic striker Scott Sinclair is PNE's top scorer, but was benched in Preston's last game. He should return on Friday.
Adam Armstrong is one of the Championship's hottest prospects with 18 goals in all competitions capturing the eyes of plenty of top flight clubs. The Former Newcastle United striker has been linked with a return to Tyneside and is 11/10 with PaddyPower to score anytime. He's netted 41 per cent of all Rovers' league goals.
Anything else catch the eye?
Four out of Blackburn's last five games have finished in a 1-0 win either way. And in just one of their last nine games have over 2.5 goals backers been paid out.
Interestingly, Preston have a far better away record than at home having won seven games away from Deepdale and just four at home. They seem to do their best work on the road.
Corners backers should beware the home side – Blackburn are averaging just 7.6 flag kicks per game and they are second lowest in the league. Preston are only 9.8 too.
With Preston's price, injection of new players and better record away from home, they appeal more than inconsistent Rovers.
This England Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End will be played on Feb 12, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Blackburn Rovers vs Preston North End prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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