Preston North End face a critical early-season test as they host Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers this Saturday, desperately seeking their first Championship points of the campaign. The Lilywhites sit rock bottom of the table, a position confirmed by the latest standings, with zero points from four consecutive defeats, scoring just three goals while conceding nine.
Can Preston end their dismal derby record?
Preston's recent history against Blackburn makes for grim reading. They are winless in their last six home league meetings with Rovers, a run stretching back to a 3-2 victory in October 2019 under former manager Alex Neil. Since then, it's been three draws and three losses at Deepdale. Worse still, Blackburn have won each of the last three league encounters between the sides. A victory for the visitors this weekend would see them win four in a row against Preston for the first time since August 1919, a statistic reported by the BBC. The pressure is firmly on Ryan Lowe's side to halt this slide in a fixture that means so much to the fans.
Why is Preston's start so concerning?
The numbers are stark. Preston North End are the only team in the Championship to have lost all of their opening four matches this season. They now risk losing their first five games of a league campaign for only the third time in the club's long history, following the 1924-25 and 1929-30 seasons. This poor form is compounded by significant injury absences, with key midfielders Ali McCann and Brad Potts currently sidelined, as listed on the club's injuries page. The squad's depth will be tested as they look to climb from 24th place, already ten points adrift of early leaders Swansea City.
What are Blackburn bringing to Deepdale?
Blackburn Rovers arrive in midtable, five points better off than their hosts, and with a solid recent record on the road. They have lost just one of their last seven away Championship matches, a 3-0 defeat at Southampton back in April, winning three and drawing three of the others. However, one area of their game has been notably quiet. No side has registered fewer high turnovers in the division this season than Blackburn's tally of 11. Also, they are the only Championship team yet to have a single shot originating from a high turnover. This suggests a more patient build-up approach from John Eustace's side, which Preston will need to disrupt.
What comes next after the derby?
Regardless of Saturday's result, the focus will quickly shift to the next challenge. Preston North End travel to face Watford at Vicarage Road on Tuesday, September 8th. Watford currently occupy 14th place, presenting another tough assignment for a team in need of momentum. Fans can track the team's busy schedule on our dedicated fixtures page. Ending the winless start against their local rivals would provide a massive boost ahead of that trip and finally give the season a platform to build upon.
Preston's next match is away to 14th-placed Watford on September 8th.
