Championship

Preston North End

05 Sep 2026 12:30

Blackburn Rovers

Prediction:

Preston North End to win 2.47

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Preston North EndDraw Blackburn Rovers

Preston North End vs Blackburn Rovers Predictions, Picks & Odds – 05/09/2026

Championship · 5

Our prediction

X2: Double Chance Draw or Blackburn Rovers

2.92 on Betano · Confidence Medium

Odds recorded on 03 Sep 2026 at 23:27 · Odds are subject to change

Preston North End vs Blackburn Rovers Preview

Preston North End are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table after five straight defeats, a run that has left Deepdale in a state of crisis. Their most recent outing, a 3-1 home loss to Bristol City, summed up the malaise, though new loan signing Caleb Wiley did provide a rare bright spot with his first goal for the club. Striker Johnny Kenny and midfielder Liam Gibbs have arrived but may only feature from the bench.

Blackburn Rovers sit 13th and arrive at Deepdale in mixed form, having picked up a draw and a win among their last five outings. Their goalless stalemate with Lincoln City was overshadowed by Tom Atcheson's red card, which rules the defender out of this Lancashire derby. Manager Tony Mowbray faces a genuine defensive headache, with only one natural centre-back available. Still, Rovers carry confidence from a dominant recent record against their local rivals.

Preston's five consecutive losses tell a grim story, and their average of just 0.75 goals per match underlines a chronic lack of cutting edge. New arrivals Johnny Kenny and Liam Gibbs are unlikely to start given the quick turnaround. Blackburn, despite sitting mid-table, carry genuine confidence into this Lancashire derby having won three of the last four head-to-head meetings, including a victory at Deepdale.

Blackburn's defensive crisis cannot be ignored. Tony Mowbray has only one natural centre-back available, and Tom Atcheson's suspension after his red card against Lincoln City compounds the problem. Still, Preston have been so poor that even a patched-up Rovers backline should cope. The draw or away double chance reflects the gulf in current momentum between these two sides.

The away win at 2.92 offers solid value given Blackburn's dominance in this fixture, though their depleted backline introduces risk. A draw at 3.30 provides a safety net within the X2 selection. Under 2.5 goals at N/A also appeals; Preston's blunt attack and Blackburn's recent goalless draw at Lincoln suggest a low-scoring affair. Odds correct at time of publication.

Trends to Know about Preston North End vs Blackburn Rovers

• Preston winless in five straight matches
• Blackburn won three of four derbies
• Preston averaging just 0.75 goals scored

A 5-3-2 versus 4-2-3-1 setup frames this Lancashire derby, with Preston's wing-backs expected to be key in both phases against Blackburn's wider attacking shape. Both lineups come from a single source with a couple of days' distance from kickoff, so some late changes remain possible on either side.

Andri Gudjohnsen leads the Rovers attack in a system designed to create overloads through Morishita and Cantwell behind him, while Preston will look to Delano Burgzorg and Callum Lang to stretch Blackburn's back four on the counter. The compactness of Preston's three-man defence will be tested by Blackburn's fluid movement in the final third.

How to Watch Preston North End vs Blackburn Rovers Match?

What time is Preston North End vs Blackburn Rovers?

This Lancashire derby kicks off at Deepdale on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 12:30 local time.

Where is Preston North End vs Blackburn Rovers being played?

This Lancashire derby takes place at Deepdale, the home ground of Preston North End.

How Can I Watch Preston North End vs Blackburn Rovers on TV and Live Stream?

Check local Championship broadcast listings for live coverage of this Lancashire derby at Deepdale.