Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End return to competitive action with a derby showdown in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

While the two clubs occupy third and ninth position in the standings, Preston will move to within two points of their hosts with victory at Ewood Park.

Match preview

With nine defeats from 21 Championship fixtures, it is difficult to say that Blackburn have enjoyed an ideal season thus far, yet Jon Dahl Tomasson will be more than satisfied with his team's efforts.

Prevailing in the other 12 matches left Rovers in third spot before the World Cup break, five points adrift of the leaders and the same amount clear of seventh position.

Losing 3-0 to rivals and frontrunners Burnley last time out came as a blow, particularly the manner of the setback as the Clarets stormed to victory in the second half at Turf Moor.

Nevertheless, Tomasson will be prepared to look at the bigger picture, aware that Rovers can cement their top-six spot with success at the weekend.

Blackburn played Hearts and Ajax in friendlies last weekend, recording 4-0 and 2-0 triumphs over the Scottish and Dutch outfits.

Meanwhile, Preston have held behind-closed-doors fixtures against St Johnstone and Leeds United, the former ending in a 3-0 triumph and the result versus the Premier League club unconfirmed.

However, it was important game time in the legs of Ryan Lowe's squad, who went into the break with four victories from their final six matches.

A 4-2 home defeat to Millwall was less than ideal, but Lowe will be delighted that his team remain level on points with the final playoff position at this stage.

Although Preston still possess the second-worst attacking record in the division, they have netted in their last six games, something which should give them confidence ahead of what is traditionally one of their most anticipated encounters of the season.

Team News

Tomasson will likely revert back to a defensive four after a back three failed to work out against Burnley.

Sammie Szmodics should return in midfield, while Harry Pickering is in line to return at left-back with Callum Brittain switching flanks.

While Sam Gallagher and Jack Vale are both injury doubts, one of the players are in line to lead the attack.

Troy Parrott remains sidelined for Preston as he continues his recovery from the hamstring injury sustained on October 8.

Lowe is unlikely to make major changes from last time out, although Alvaro Fernandez and Ben Woodburn are in contention for recalls.

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:
Kaminski; Brittain, Hyam, Ayala, Pickering; Morton, Travis; Hedges, Szmodics, Brereton; Gallagher

Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Hughes; Potts, Ledson, Browne, Brady; McCann; Evans, Riis Jakobsen

We say: Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Preston North End

With the form book completely out the window, this is a difficult one to call. Preston will fancy their chances of causing a surprise, yet we cannot back against a team who possess one of the best home records in the division and are yet to register a single draw in the league.

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