'More than just bragging rights' - David Prutton delivers prediction for Preston North End clash vs Blackburn Rovers

Alex Neil’s go into the clash off the back of a winless run of three matches, including consecutive defeats at the hands of struggling Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United.

By contrast, Rovers have lost just one of their last five, although that defeat did come against QPR in their last outing.

A win against Preston would take them to within three points of the play-off places, while a North End victory would take them level on points with their local rivals.

Looking ahead to the encounter for Sky Sports News, Prutton said: “A big Lancashire derby live on Sky on Friday night! What a great way to start the Championship weekend.

“There is more riding on it than just bragging rights, however.

"Both sides are in that position where they need to go on a bit of a run if they want to make the top six this season.

"To that extent there is quite a lot riding on this one, it could go either way but I fancy a home win here.”

The pundit forecasts a 2-1 win for Blackburn.

Historically, Preston have had the better of this clash, with Rovers winning just one of their previous eight meetings between the two sides.

That sole victory did come earlier this season, however, with Adam Armstrong, Ben Brereton, and Tyrhys Dolan finding the back of the net in a comfortable 3-0 after North End were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages of the first half.