Preston v Blackburn Rovers: survival fight meets steady start | OneFootball

Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers meet in the Championship at Deepdale on Saturday, 5 September 2026, with the hosts bottom after four defeats and the visitors aiming to build on a steadier opening.

Preston North End lost both league meetings to Blackburn Rovers last season, 2-1 at home and 1-0 away, so the hosts face a form and history check as they chase a first point.

Preston have opened with four straight league defeats, scoring three and conceding nine, and are yet to keep a clean sheet. Blackburn have five points from four games (one win, two draws, one defeat) with five scored and five conceded, reflecting a more balanced start.

Injuries bite on both sides. Preston are without midfielders Brad Potts, Alistair McCann and Theo Carroll. Blackburn's list is longer, with defenders Harry Pickering, Scott Wharton, Hayden Carter and Ryan Alebiosu out, Lewis Miller also sidelined, goalkeeper Balazs Toth unavailable, forwards Mathias Jorgensen, Augustus Kargbo and Yuki Ohashi missing, and Tom Atcheson suspended.

This could turn on simple routes to goal. Blackburn have three headed goals this season and may test a home defence still seeking a shutout. Their 82.93% passing accuracy suggests they can control phases before feeding Andri Gudjohnsen, who has two league goals. Preston's 53 open-play crosses at 35.85% accuracy point to wide deliveries as a route, with Delano Burgzorg already supplying an assist.

A home win would put Preston on three points and could ease immediate relegation pressure. Victory for Blackburn would take them to eight points and may nudge them towards the top half and the play-off picture.