EFL Championship: Game Week 44
Stadium: Deepdale
22nd April 2023
Preston North End is set to host Blackburn Rovers on Saturday at Deepdale. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?
Receive Your Welcome Bonus!Preston North End form
Preston's poor form continued on Wednesday as they lost 4-2 to Swansea, marking their second consecutive defeat. Despite the loss, other teams' failures to win means Preston remains in 11th place in the Championship, just two points behind their opponents this weekend, who currently sit in sixth. To secure a playoff spot, they will need to finish strongly in their final three matches against Rovers, Sheffield United, and Sunderland. Fortunately, they will play at home this weekend after two consecutive away losses and have won four of their last five games at Deepdale.
Preston North End Predicted lineup
Woodman; Diaby, Lindsay, Hughes; Potts, Johnson, Ledson, Brady, Fernandez; Parrott, Cannon
Blackburn Rovers Form
On Wednesday night, Blackburn Rovers' dismal form persisted with a 1-1 draw against fellow promotion contenders Coventry, with their failure to secure all three points being a remarkable sight.
For much of the game, Sam Gallagher's first-half goal appeared to be enough for the win. However, in the 95th minute, a corner kick resulted in Sky Blues' goalkeeper Ben Wilson scoring a surprising equalizer - one that he may have used his hands to bundle in. Despite holding onto their top-six standing thanks to the likes of Norwich City and Sunderland also failing to win, Jon Dahl Tomasson's team have only managed to win one of their last eight games in all competitions.
If Rovers fail to win another game, their playoff status is likely to slip away. Following their game against Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers will face Burnley, Luton Town, and Millwall - they will need to produce some exceptional performances to maintain their top-six position.
Blackburn Rovers possible lineup
Pears; Rankin-Costello, Carter, Hyam, Brittain; Travis, Morton, Wharton; Szmodics, Gallagher, Brereton Diaz
Preston North End vs Blackburn Rovers Expert Tips
Preston has suffered consecutive defeats lately, despite losing just one of their last 11 matches. They have a positive record at home, winning their last three games. On the other hand, Blackburn has been on a three-game drawing streak and is winless in their last six games, including three defeats in their last four away games. This makes them vulnerable to defeat in this match. Expect less than 2.5 goals in the game.