Both teams will be without key players on Friday night

A packed out Deepdale awaits tonight as Preston North End host Blackburn Rovers.

It’s the first Lancashire derby of the campaign, and the first game back after the November international break. The Lilywhites sit fourth in the Championship table while Valerien Ismael’s side occupy 19th spot.

Preston drew 1-1 at Millwall in their previous outing. Blackburn, meanwhile, were edged 1-2 at home to Derby County - though they had won their three matches prior to that Ewood Park defeat.

PNE manager Paul Heckingbottom hopes to welcome back some first team players on Friday but plenty will remain out for North End. The visitors are in a similar boat, albeit with fewer numbers missing.

Here is the team news from both camps.

Preston North End

Robbie Brady is the longest absentee for PNE - he underwent calf surgery in September and hasn’t kicked a ball this season. Lewis Gibson is still ‘a while’ off yet after injuring his thigh in late October, while Andrija Vukcevic , Ali McCann and Brad Potts are not ready to return yet from their respective issues. Milutin Osmajic has eight more matches of his ban to serve.

Will Keane is said to be back in training; it remains to be seen whether he is involved for the first time this campaign. If so, he could return along with Pol Valentin and Daniel Jebbison - who have both been declared fit. Loan star Harrison Armstrong played no part in England Under 19s’ last two games, but Heckingbottom played down any fears around a potential injury for the midfielder - time will tell if he is involved.

Out: Lewis Gibson, Andrija Vukcevic, Ali McCann, Brad Potts, Robbie Brady, Milutin Osmajic. Doubts: Will Keane, Harrison Armstrong

Blackburn Rovers

A huge blow has been suffered by Blackburn, since their last game. Defender Hayden Carter was back in the squad against Derby, after two months out, but has now suffered a ‘massive setback’ relating to his calf. Friday’s visitors are also without first choice goalkeeper Balazs Toth, opening the door for Aynsley Pears to start.

Centre-back Scott Wharton and winger Augustus Kargbo are both sidelined until the new year, with respective Achilles and thigh problems. Key midfielder Todd Cantwell has played no part in Blackburn’s last six games due to a knee issue and won’t be ready for Friday. Summer signing Moussa Baradji is training and could be included in the squad. Midfielder Taylor Gardner-Hickman is suspended.

Out: Hayden Carter, Todd Cantwell, Balazs Toth, Scott Wharton, Augustus Kargbo, Jake Garrett, Taylor Gardner-Hickman. Doubts: Moussa Baradji.

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