Almost 12 months on from a stunning victory at Ewood Park, goalkeeper Freddie Woodman expects a different test against Blackburn Rovers on Friday night.
North End blew their Lancashire rivals away in December 2022 as they left East Lancashire with a 4-1 victory in freezing and snowy conditions.
Still in the early periods of Jon Dahl Tomasson’s reign at the club at that point, Freddie feels it’ll be a completely different challenge this time around.
Freddie said: “Obviously we’re looking forward to it because it’s another chance to get three points.
“Obviously it’s a little bit of a derby. It’s not as big as the Blackpool one, but yeah we’re looking forward to getting back out on the pitch and trying to get three points again.
“To be honest I didn’t enjoy it too much [last year] because I was freezing cold,” he joked. “I didn’t have too much to do in the game!
“It was probably the coldest game I’ve played in, but in terms of cruising to a victory it was nice, but we fully expect it’s not going to be the same this year.
“They’re a decent side so I’m sure we’ll be ready for a different test this season.”
PNE go into the derby occupying the final Play-Off position, while Rovers sit tenth and three points outside of the top six.
North End got back to winning ways against Coventry City last weekend, and Freddie is also keen to return to keeping clean sheets – something which was a key feature of the previous campaign.
Freddie said: “We haven’t managed to keep as many clean sheets as last year and it’s frustrating, especially for myself and for the defenders.
“It’ll be nice to get another clean sheet but the wins are more important and I feel like we’ve picked up more wins than last season so you have to compromise a little bit.
“But for me personally I’d love to get back to keeping clean sheets.”
Freddie and his teammates will be backed by the largest away following of the season so far, with more than 5,500 supporters making the journey across Lancashire.
“It’s fantastic,” he said. “I think it sums up especially the away supporters who follow this club.
“I think every time we go away they always make an effort and they support us well on the road.
“I’m really excited to play in front of them on Friday and hopefully we can give them something to shout about.”