Blackburn Rovers looking for first league double over Preston North End in 20 years

The last time Rovers managed the feat was in the 2000/01 season, when 3-2 and 1-0 wins gave them the bragging rights.

Since then, North End have done the double over their East Lancashire rivals and had gone seven games unbeaten prior to their 3-0 defeat at Deepdale earlier on in the campaign.

On that night, it was a non-contest.

Rovers started the game the better side and then took full advantage when Joe Rafferty was sent off in the first half.

The focal point of the Blackburn attack will once again be Adam Armstrong, who was flanked by powerful forwards Ben Brereton and Sam Gallagher at Deepdale.

The former Newcastle man is second in the running for the golden boot in the division, currently having 17 to his name, which is better than a goal every other game.

The rumours have started over a move to the Premier League in the summer but for now at least, Rovers have themselves a goalscorer.

Armstrong is capable of scoring all sorts of goals, be they spectacular or poacher’s efforts.

His pace is something PNE will need to be aware of and Tony Mowbray’s men do like to get the defence turning on playing on the back foot.

Armstrong scored from the spot in the reverse fixture and has two in his last three games against the Lilywhites.

Elsewhere, goals are well spread out.

It would take adding the totals of the next seven top league scorers for Blackburn to eclipse the 24-year-old.

The drop-off is steep however, with Sam Gallagher and Harvey Elliott next best on just four each.

The latter is chief architect, with eight assists to his name so far.

There is an element of sub-plot to the game through the 17-year-old Livepool loanee.

He is seen as one of the best talents coming through the ranks at the Reds at the moment, with PNE sporting their Merseyside rivals’ Everton’s equivalent in Anthony Gordon.

Eyes from both side of Merseyside will be looking over to Lancashire to see which of the starlets take centre stage.

Rovers come into the game in indifferent form, winning three, drawing one and losing the last of their previous five games.

They have shown so far this season that when they are on song they are capable of blowing teams away, as PNE found to their cost.

They are amongst the top scorers in the division due to that fact.

Conditions will also play their part, the pitch at Ewood Park coming in for criticism from Rovers’ own boss Mowbray.

It is a different type of derby, without 7,000 PNE fans in full voice, but the motivation will be there all the same with pride on the line.

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