Local bragging rights will be up for grabs between two of the EFL's historic clubs, but the main concern for Blackburn Rovers manager John Eustace and Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom will be the three Championship points on offer.
Injury-hit Rovers have had a difficult winter and slipped out of the play-offs after last Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Bristol City, but a derby victory would restore morale and move them back into the top six.
The Lilywhites are on a five-game unbeaten run and need maximum points to climb into the top half for the first time this season.
Preston draw no bet - 13/8
Preston have won on their last two visits to Ewood Park and can give their travelling fans another memorable experience by securing the Lancashire derby spoils.
The season has been a slow burner for Preston, who won three of their opening 19 games and seemed set for a battle against the drop.
They made a managerial change in August, replacing Ryan Lowe with Heckingbottom and, after a mixed couple of months, results and performances have steadily improved.
Fears of relegation have dissipated and North End make the short trip to Blackburn knowing that a victory takes them just four points shy of the play-off places.
Preston have piled up 14 points from their last seven fixtures, including 2-1 wins away to Watford and at home to Middlesbrough in their last two encounters.
They have been faring well against play-off-chasing teams and should not be fearful of out-of-form Blackburn, who dropped out of the top six after last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Ashton Gate.
Rovers have been in and around the play-offs for the majority of the season and know that a win against Preston would restore them to the top six.
However, they have been on a poor run, taking only five points from the last nine fixtures and are in a depleted state with Hayden Carter, Harry Pickering, Sondre Tronstad, Scott Wharton, Arnor Sigurdsson and Yuki Ohashi out of action.
Manager Eustace is not the type of person to make excuses, but he has mentioned on a few occasions about the need for January reinforcements.
There could be a few late deals in the pipeline, but Rovers won’t see the benefit this weekend and they may struggle to prevent Preston from sealing a third straight victory.
Milutin Osmajic to score anytime - 10/3
Preston have good attacking options, with Milutin Osmajic and Emil Riis competing to lead their offensive line.
Riis came off the bench to bag the winning goal against Boro last Saturday, but he may struggle to dislodge Osmajic, who has netted four goals in his last four appearances.
The Montenegrin notched a superb double in the recent 2-1 win at Watford and looks an overpriced 10/3 shot to add to his tally.
Makhtar Gueye to be carded - 7/2
A high work-rate is demanded from Blackburn’s players, including their attackers, who make plenty of tactical fouls.
Rovers centre-forward Makhtar Gueye is on seven yellow cards and is worth a 7/2 wager to increase his caution count.
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Blackburn Rovers - 11/10
Draw - 11/5
Preston North End - 27/10
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time