Football Bet of the Day: Visitors could produce derby shock

Blackburn Rovers have had a solid Championship campaign thus far and sit just outside the play-off places. However, they have been in poor form recently and face a tough challenge on Friday night (20:00, Sky Sports Main Event) when they host rivals Preston North End in what should be a pulsating clash under the Lancashire lights.

The game doubles up as my Football Bet of the Day for Friday, January 31.

Blackburn Rovers vs Preston North End Odds

In the tightly congested middle of the Championship table, Blackburn sit seventh and Preston 15th, however, there are just five points between the pair and a competitive affair looks set to follow when they face off at Ewood Park.

Preston’s form had been inconsistent to start the season but they have been on their best run of the campaign recently.

North End have won three of their last four in all competitions, getting the better of Watford and Middlesbrough in their last two outings.

A tendency to share the spoils has held them back from a higher league position this season, only West Brom have drawn more games than Preston’s total of 13.

They have been hard to beat, however, and only the top five have lost fewer games than their eight defeats.

Football Odds

Paul Heckingbottom’s men have lost just two of their last 15 games and have the best defensive record in the bottom half of the table, conceding 36 times in 29 matches.

They face a Blackburn side who have struggled recently after a strong start to the season. Rovers have lost six of their last nine games in the Championship, with their only victory in that run coming against strugglers Portsmouth.

Perhaps most concerning for manager John Eustace is the fact that his side failed to score in five of those six defeats.

The hosts have plenty of injury concerns too, with Yuki Ohashi, Hayden Carter, Sondre Tronstad, Harry Pickering, Scott Wharton and Arnor Sigurdsson all doubtful or confirmed absentees for this derby clash.

Preston have also had the advantage in the recent head-to-heads between these two. North End are unbeaten in the last five meetings between the pair and have recorded 4-1 and 2-1 victories in that spell.

Offers

Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any Premier League or Championship game on Friday or Saturday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Sunday’s games. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)

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