Blackburn Rovers v Preston: play-off push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers host Preston North End in the Championship at Ewood Park on Friday, 20 February 2026, with the visitors chasing the play-offs and the hosts looking to pull clear of the relegation battle.

These sides last met in November, when Blackburn Rovers won 2-1 away at Preston North End. The hosts start this round in 20th, while the visitors arrive in eighth.

Rovers have picked up two wins in their past three league games, including victory at Queens Park Rangers last time out, after a loss at Norwich. Preston are unbeaten in three after back to back defeats, drawing with Watford after beating Portsmouth and sharing the points at Ipswich.

Blackburn Rovers list several injuries, including Todd Cantwell and Scott Wharton, alongside Ryan Hedges, Aynsley Pears, Augustus Kargbo, Lewis Miller, Sidnei Tavares, Sondre Trondstad and Matty Litherland. Preston are without Robbie Brady, Brad Potts, Liam Lindsay and Daniel Iversen.

Tactically, Preston may threaten from range. They've scored 10 league goals from outside the box, while Rovers do most of their damage inside the area, with 29 of their 30 goals coming from there. The hosts also carry an aerial outlet with seven headed goals, and with both teams yet to score from a set piece this season, open play patterns could decide the game.

Preston sit eighth and could strengthen their play-off push with a result. Blackburn Rovers, 20th, may create more daylight to the relegation places and build on improved recent form.