Preston have endured a difficult start to the Championship campaign, suffering four defeats from four matches while conceding an average of 2.25 goals per game overall and three goals per game at home. Blackburn remain unbeaten on the road with two draws from two away trips, and they have dominated recent clashes between the sides, winning the last three head-to-head fixtures and remaining undefeated in their last five visits to Deepdale.
- Round
- Regular Season - 5
- Venue
- Deepdale, Preston
- Referee
- Anthony Backhouse, England
Published by the BetGenius Editorial Desk · Editorial policy
Recent form
Last 5 matches · 0W-1D-4L · -9 goal difference
Last 5 matches · 3W-1D-1L · +3 goal difference
Our verdict
BetGenius backs Blackburn or Draw (Double Chance) at 76% confidence — a strong call. Total goals: Over 2.5 Goals.
Match preview
Preston welcome Lancashire rivals Blackburn to Deepdale looking to halt a dismal opening run to the Championship campaign. The hosts sit bottom of the table in 24th position after losing all four of their league matches, scoring three goals while conceding nine. Their defensive frailties have been particularly evident at home, where they have conceded six times across two league outings.
Blackburn enter the derby in 13th position with five points from four games, having recorded one win, two draws, and one defeat. While their overall form has seen mixed results, they remain undefeated on their travels in league play, having drawn both away fixtures 1-1. Striker A. Gudjohnsen has provided a focal point in attack with two goals and one assist so far this term.
Recent head-to-head encounters heavily tilt toward the visitors. Blackburn have won each of the last three meetings between the two sides and are unbeaten in their last five visits to Preston, collecting two victories and three draws. Given Preston's early-season struggles and Blackburn's historical edge in this fixture, the visitors look well placed to take something from this encounter.
Key factors
- Preston sit 24th in the Championship table having lost all four of their league matches this season
- Preston have conceded nine goals across four matches, including six in two home league games
- Blackburn are unbeaten in away league matches this season with two draws from two games
- Blackburn have won the last three direct meetings against Preston and are unbeaten in their last five visits to Deepdale
- Preston are dealing with injuries to B. Potts, T. Carroll, and A. McCann, while Blackburn are missing suspended defender T. Atcheson
Team news
Preston
- H. ClarkeKnee Injury
- L. GibbsMuscle Injury
- A. McCannHamstring Injury
- T. CarrollAnkle Injury
- C. WileyInactive
Blackburn
- A. ForshawHip Injury
- M. LitherlandMuscle Injury
- L. MillerAchilles Tendon Injury
- Y. OhashiHamstring Injury
- Y. RibeiroHamstring Injury
- S. WhartonAchilles Tendon Injury
Statistical comparison
Combined scoring rate: 2.1 goals per game (Preston at home plus Blackburn away).
Key players this season
Blackburn
- A. Guðjohnsen6G
League scoring and assist totals for this season — not a predicted lineup. Availability is only shown where team news names the same player.
Table context
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | WolvesPromotion - Championship (Play Offs: Quarter-finals) | 11 | +3 | 18 |
| 8 | SouthamptonPromotion - Championship (Play Offs: Quarter-finals) | 11 | +11 | 17 |
| 9 | QPR | 11 | +3 | 17 |
| 10 | Blackburn | 11 | +1 | 15 |
| 11 | Sheffield Utd | 11 | +1 | 15 |
| 12 | Millwall | 11 | 0 | 15 |
| 13 | Portsmouth | 11 | 0 | 15 |
| 21 | Norwich | 11 | -4 | 9 |
| 22 | BurnleyRelegation - League One | 11 | -5 | 8 |
| 23 | DerbyRelegation - League One | 11 | -11 | 6 |
| 24 | PrestonRelegation - League One | 11 | -15 | 4 |
Head-to-head
- 3
- Preston
- 3
- Draws
- 4
- Blackburn
Blackburn have won 4 of the last 10 meetings, averaging 2.9 goals a game, both teams scored in 80% of them.
- 2026-09-05Preston2-1Blackburn
- 2026-02-20Blackburn1-0Preston
- 2025-11-21Preston1-2Blackburn
- 2025-01-31Blackburn2-1Preston
- 2024-09-22Preston0-0Blackburn
Our record in Championship
Settled results only — every published pick is recorded win or lose. Full track record →
Based on at least 20 settled predictions.1 published market
More from BetGenius
Understand these picks
- Double chance: Double chance predictions · How double chance works · Double chance record
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Teams around them in the table
Published September 3, 2026. Form, team news and table context refresh automatically.

