Preston North End Vs Blackburn Rovers
Tuesday 20th July Pre-Season Friendly
After back-to-back victories away at non-league sides Bamber Bridge and Chorley on Tuesday and Friday respectively, this evening North End return to Deepdale to take on Premier League Blackburn Rovers.
Rovers, led by former Lilywhite Sam Allardyce, deem North End as an ideal challenge ahead of their Premier League campaign. Likewise, Fergie Jnr will be looking to see how his batch of fledglings and new additions get on against top flight opposition.
Although at this stage result is not all that important, a repeat of the 3-0 drubbing Paul Simpson's North End side 3 years ago received is the last thing the fans will want come Tuesday evening, not to mention the current gaffer.
Previous Meetings
As mentioned above, in friendly competition, North End welcomed the visit of Blackburn in August 2007 where the Premier League outfit hammered a hapless North End 3-0. Andre Oijer gave the visitors the lead before a headed brace from Christopher Samba rounded up the scoring.
However, the last time North End went up against their Lancashire rivals in competitive action was back during the 2000/2001 season. The East Lancs side recorded the double over North End that season thanks to a 3-2 defeat at Ewood Park before a 1-0 loss at Deepdale, a result that was enough to see Blackburn promoted back to the Premier League.
Team News
Matt James' inclusion in the England U19 squad will mean the Manchester United midfielder is set to miss out.
Keith Treacy is set to face his former club for the first time since his move across Lancashire in January.
For pictures of North End's 3-1 win in the Jack Kirkland Trophy match against Chorley, click here