Preston can 'light a fire of optimism'

Although Preston North End's season looked to be over before it started as their early campaign descended into turmoil after just one game, they curiously seem to be able to reset their campaign completely and light a fire of optimism with their upcoming game on Friday night.

They travel to Ewood Park to play Blackburn Rovers and the start to the season for the Lancashire rivals could not have been more different.

North End's manager ended last season "unacceptably" according to chairman Craig Hemmings and so Ryan Lowe walked out one game and one defeat into the 2024-25 season.

Rovers had their boss in place last season and while they did not set the world alight, they were steady and reaped the rewards of their stability as they made a fast start to the campaign.

Blackburn started the Championship eight unbeaten while Preston won only two of their opening eight matches.

And while North End were going nine games without a win from October, Blackburn during that same time period won six in a row.

However, a win for the Lilywhites on Friday would put them just two points behind Rovers and they will head to East Lancashire backed by more than 5,000 supporters.

They also go there off the back of two fine wins against play-off chasers Watford and Middlesbrough and looked good value for the points in both contests.

Since Boxing Day, only two teams in the division have taken more points than Preston and one of them tops the table.

On the other hand, only three teams have taken fewer points than Blackburn.

Friday's Lancashire Derby is set up to be a potential catalyst for Paul Heckingbottom's side, especially if it brings Blackburn into range.

The Yorkshireman has now had time to settle into his role at the helm and has shown the attacking intent and positivity in the football he wants from his side.

A win to start the weekend and it is game on coming into the turn, post January window.

PNE have made efforts to improve their squad too, with Lewis Gibson and Jayden Meghoma joining on permanent and loan deals respectively.

Both have hit the ground running and with captain Ben Whiteman ruled out for around eight weeks with an ankle injury, Heckingbottom has hinted at potentially doing more January business to bolster their options.

There are positive signs for the North End faithful and with one defeat in their past eight when travelling to Ewood they have every reason to be confident of securing more bragging rights.