Following three successive victories, Preston North End are taking on Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers at Deepdale this weekend.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 17th February, 3pm kick-off
Venue: Deepdale
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Kit: Home kit
Supporter Information
Subject to availability, tickets will remain on sale until kick-off online, over the phone on 0344 856 1966, and in person from the ticket office.
Home fans can head down to Deepdale early to join us in The Gentry Bar from 11am for pre-match drinks and live entertainment. The fan zone will also reopen following the full-time whistle.
Supporters can get to and from the stadium by using the club’s shuttle bus service which runs from Leyland through Bamber Bridge on its way to Deepdale. Return tickets cost £6 on-board and timings are as follows:
Leyland Tesco (Stop A – Car Park) – 1.20pm
The Railway Pub, Leyland – 1.30pm
Ye Olde Hob Inn, Bamber Bridge – 1.35pm
Beam and Brycg Pub, Bamber Bridge – 1.40pm
Arrive at Deepdale, Lowthorpe Road – 2pm
Who’s Available?
Ryan Lowe said in his pre-match press conference that everyone in Wednesday night’s matchday squad will once again be available for this weekend.
Andrew Hughes, Ben Whiteman and Liam Lindsay were all taken off with knocks in the win over Middlesbrough, but appear to have recovered in time for this one.
Brad Potts will miss the next few weeks, as will Ched Evans, while Duane Holmes is expected to be available for next Friday’s match against Coventry City.
Opposition Focus
There’s been a change-up at Rovers in recent weeks with their captain and manager vacating, and they’re now under the guidance of head coach John Eustace – formerly of Birmingham City.
Eustace took his new side to his ex-employers during the week and it wasn’t a happy return as Blues came out on top, and the new boss has called for patience in the early days of his tenure.
Rovers, who sit 16th, have been hindered this season by their 57 goals conceded – the second-worst record in the league – however, Sammie Szmodics’ 17 strikes in the Championship have gone some way to evening that out.
A Recent Clash
North End came out on top of the reverse fixture at Ewood Park in November 2023 thanks to a last-gasp Liam Lindsay header.
Follow The Action
Fans around the world are able to listen to this match live on iFollow PNE, with Jonathan Breeze and Andy Fensome on commentary duty. Audio match and monthly passes are available to purchase here.
Supporters outside of the UK & Ireland will be able to watch live for £10, or with a seasonal pass.
There will also be in-depth coverage before, during, and after the game here on the website and across social media channels.
Match Officials
Referee: David Webb
Assistant Referees: Rob Smith and Nigel Lugg
Fourth Official: Peter Wright
David Webb will referee’s Saturday’s derby in what will be his fourth PNE match of the season, with the most recent of those being the late defeat at Elland Road.
Webb has history when it comes to Lancashire derbies, having overseen a 2-1 victory at Ewood Park in February 2021, and North End’s 1-0 win over Blackpool in April 2022.
So far this season, Webb has taken charge of 23 matches, showing 97 yellow cards and one red.