Scores & Fixtures Scores & Fixtures Championship Full time FT Preston Preston North End 0 Lincoln Lincoln City 1 Championship QPR Queens Park Rangers plays Preston Preston North End at 15:00 15:00 on Sat the 19 of Sep Championship Preston Preston North End plays Millwall Millwall at 15:00 15:00 on Sat the 10 of Oct Championship Birmingham Birmingham City plays Preston Preston North End at 20:00 20:00 on Tue the 13 of Oct Championship Wrexham Wrexham plays Preston Preston North End at 15:00 15:00 on Sat the 17 of Oct Championship Preston Preston North End plays West Brom West Bromwich Albion at 15:00 15:00 on Sat the 24 of Oct Championship Stoke Stoke City plays Preston Preston North End at 12:30 12:30 on Sat the 31 of Oct Championship Preston Preston North End plays Sheff Utd Sheffield United at 19:45 19:45 on Tue the 3 of Nov Championship Preston Preston North End plays Southampton Southampton at 15:00 15:00 on Sat the 7 of Nov Championship West Ham West Ham United plays Preston Preston North End at 15:00 15:00 on Sat the 21 of Nov Media caption, Heckingbottom: 'There's no lack of effort there' Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire following Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Lincoln City. "It was no surprise in terms of how difficult that game was and the pattern of the game. We are really frustrated that 90 per cent of the time their threats, because we limited the number of corners and set-plays, we did deal with them," he said. "But it's ultimately their biggest weapon and while we are not getting in front, they are going to have their opportunities with counter-attacks and set-plays. "The only way to stop that noise (sounds of boos from some fans) at the end of the game is to win games. "There is no lack of effort, I get that, but we are not the ones forcing the big moments to go our way." Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Heckingbottom: 'There's no lack of effort there' Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire following Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Lincoln City. "It was no surprise in terms of how difficult that game was and the pattern of the game. We are really frustrated that 90 per cent of the time their threats, because we limited the number of corners and set-plays, we did deal with them," he said. "But it's ultimately their biggest weapon and while we are not getting in front, they are going to have their opportunities with counter-attacks and set-plays. "The only way to stop that noise (sounds of boos from some fans) at the end of the game is to win games. "There is no lack of effort, I get that, but we are not the ones forcing the big moments to go our way." 17:16 BST 12 September Draper snatches win for Lincoln at lowly Preston , published at 17:16 BST 12 September Draper snatches win for Lincoln at lowly Preston Attribution Championship 17:16 BST 12 September Draper snatches win for Lincoln at lowly Preston , published at 17:16 BST 12 September Draper snatches win for Lincoln at lowly Preston Attribution Championship Media caption, Heckingbottom: 'The improvements are there' Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom says their poor start to the Championship season has taken him by surprise - but insists performances are improving. The Lilywhites are bottom of the table after suffering five defeats and picking up just one win in their opening six games. North End ended a run of four straight losses by beating Blackburn in the Lancashire derby last weekend but gave up a lead to lose 2-1 at Watford on Tuesday night, despite creating 2.44 expected goals (xG) - 1.18 xG more than the Hornets. "I knew at the start it was going to be difficult but we've gradually got better each game," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire before Saturday's clash with newly promoted Lincoln City at Deepdale (15:00 BST). "I can't say we're not frustrated, all of us are, but likewise you can't say that you've watched the games and not seen improvements every week and we should have had more points. "But it's shoulda, woulda, coulda. You get what you deserve ultimately, regardless of the level of performance." Heckingbottom said scoring more goals is the responsibility of the whole team and not just the forwards. The 49-year-old also emphasised that he is not going to give up on trying to play attacking football just to grind out results. "There's no way I'm going to park everyone in our box to try and keep a clean sheet," he added. "You have to attack together, you've got to defend together and that'll never change." Defender Andrija Vukcevic is expected to be fit for Saturday despite going off at Vicarage Road in midweek, while Brad Potts, who has missed the start of the season with injury, is back in training. Captain Ali McCann will be out for several months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Heckingbottom: 'The improvements are there' Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom says their poor start to the Championship season has taken him by surprise - but insists performances are improving. The Lilywhites are bottom of the table after suffering five defeats and picking up just one win in their opening six games. North End ended a run of four straight losses by beating Blackburn in the Lancashire derby last weekend but gave up a lead to lose 2-1 at Watford on Tuesday night, despite creating 2.44 expected goals (xG) - 1.18 xG more than the Hornets. "I knew at the start it was going to be difficult but we've gradually got better each game," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire before Saturday's clash with newly promoted Lincoln City at Deepdale (15:00 BST). "I can't say we're not frustrated, all of us are, but likewise you can't say that you've watched the games and not seen improvements every week and we should have had more points. "But it's shoulda, woulda, coulda. You get what you deserve ultimately, regardless of the level of performance." Heckingbottom said scoring more goals is the responsibility of the whole team and not just the forwards. The 49-year-old also emphasised that he is not going to give up on trying to play attacking football just to grind out results. "There's no way I'm going to park everyone in our box to try and keep a clean sheet," he added. "You have to attack together, you've got to defend together and that'll never change." Defender Andrija Vukcevic is expected to be fit for Saturday despite going off at Vicarage Road in midweek, while Brad Potts, who has missed the start of the season with injury, is back in training. Captain Ali McCann will be out for several months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury. Image source, Opta Bottom side Preston North End host newly promoted Lincoln City in the Championship on Saturday (15:00 BST). The Lilywhites have won one and lost five of their opening six games, while the Imps have also picked up one victory so far (D2 L2) in their first season in the second tier since 1961. This will be the first season in which Preston and Lincoln City have faced in the league since 1998-99, when the Lilywhites completed a league double over the Imps. Lincoln City have won just one of their past 10 league matches against Preston (D3 L6), a 2-1 away win in August 1995. With three points, this is Preston's joint-lowest points tally after their first six games of a league season since 1930 (assuming 3 pts/win all-time), also having three at this stage in 2010-11 and 2016-17. Lincoln City are the lowest scorers in the Championship this season with four goals – their joint-fewest after their opening five games of a league campaign since returning to the EFL in 2017 (also four goals in 2021-22 and 2022-23). Preston have lost both of their previous two league games against newly promoted opponents, last losing three in a row in February 2013. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Bottom side Preston North End host newly promoted Lincoln City in the Championship on Saturday (15:00 BST). The Lilywhites have won one and lost five of their opening six games, while the Imps have also picked up one victory so far (D2 L2) in their first season in the second tier since 1961. This will be the first season in which Preston and Lincoln City have faced in the league since 1998-99, when the Lilywhites completed a league double over the Imps. This will be the first season in which Preston and Lincoln City have faced in the league since 1998-99, when the Lilywhites completed a league double over the Imps. Lincoln City have won just one of their past 10 league matches against Preston (D3 L6), a 2-1 away win in August 1995. Lincoln City have won just one of their past 10 league matches against Preston (D3 L6), a 2-1 away win in August 1995. With three points, this is Preston's joint-lowest points tally after their first six games of a league season since 1930 (assuming 3 pts/win all-time), also having three at this stage in 2010-11 and 2016-17. With three points, this is Preston's joint-lowest points tally after their first six games of a league season since 1930 (assuming 3 pts/win all-time), also having three at this stage in 2010-11 and 2016-17. Lincoln City are the lowest scorers in the Championship this season with four goals – their joint-fewest after their opening five games of a league campaign since returning to the EFL in 2017 (also four goals in 2021-22 and 2022-23). Lincoln City are the lowest scorers in the Championship this season with four goals – their joint-fewest after their opening five games of a league campaign since returning to the EFL in 2017 (also four goals in 2021-22 and 2022-23). Preston have lost both of their previous two league games against newly promoted opponents, last losing three in a row in February 2013. Preston have lost both of their previous two league games against newly promoted opponents, last losing three in a row in February 2013. 16:04 BST 10 September Preston captain McCann out 'for months' after op , published at 16:04 BST 10 September Preston captain McCann out 'for months' after op Attribution Preston 16:04 BST 10 September Preston captain McCann out 'for months' after op , published at 16:04 BST 10 September Preston captain McCann out 'for months' after op Attribution Preston Image source, Getty Images Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom lamented his side's defending after they let a lead slip in the 2-1 defeat by Watford. North End led at half-time thanks to Callum Lang's goal but a slack clearance from midfielder Alfie Devine allowed Edo Kayembe to equalise before Mamadou Doumbia headed Watford's winner. "You get what you deserve regardless of performance levels. We should have been out of sight and I felt really comfortable right up to them scoring," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire. "It's very similar [to other performances this season]. That's the frustrating bit. Bristol City was similar. "People I've just seen up there asked, 'How have you not seen that out?' But those goals [conceded] are really poor and unless we as a group sort that, we're not going to get what we deserve from games." Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom lamented his side's defending after they let a lead slip in the 2-1 defeat by Watford. North End led at half-time thanks to Callum Lang's goal but a slack clearance from midfielder Alfie Devine allowed Edo Kayembe to equalise before Mamadou Doumbia headed Watford's winner. "You get what you deserve regardless of performance levels. We should have been out of sight and I felt really comfortable right up to them scoring," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire. "It's very similar [to other performances this season]. That's the frustrating bit. Bristol City was similar. "People I've just seen up there asked, 'How have you not seen that out?' But those goals [conceded] are really poor and unless we as a group sort that, we're not going to get what we deserve from games." 21:57 BST 8 September Watford fight back to beat wasteful Preston , published at 21:57 BST 8 September Watford fight back to beat wasteful Preston Attribution Championship 21:57 BST 8 September Watford fight back to beat wasteful Preston , published at 21:57 BST 8 September Watford fight back to beat wasteful Preston Attribution Championship Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Callum Lang scored two goals in the Championship for Portsmouth last season Preston striker Callum Lang believes his double against Blackburn has helped North End turn the corner after their "massive" Lancashire derby win. Lang's two goals set the Championship strugglers up to secure a much-needed first league win of the campaign as he finally opened his account for Preston on his 12th appearance for the club. "As a forward player I need to add goals," the 27-year-old told BBC Radio Lancashire . "That's the most important thing. The better I do as a player, the better we do as a team. "You've got to be selfish sometimes as a forward. Just getting in the right areas - I think all of us have been working on that. We showed it against Bristol City as well. Just really trying to play on the front foot and be a lot more positive. "I think over the last two games we've really showed that and created a lot more chances for it. We were exciting and aggressive and look a lot of a better team for it." Lang, who moved to Deepdale from Portsmouth seven months ago, says a weight has been lifted as they prepare to face Watford tomorrow night. "It was really a massive result for us," he said. "Confidence-wise, we've had a tough start. We knew coming into the game this could be the turnaround. "It's a real boost for the team, all the fans and the staff and we really want to push on now." Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Callum Lang scored two goals in the Championship for Portsmouth last season Preston striker Callum Lang believes his double against Blackburn has helped North End turn the corner after their "massive" Lancashire derby win. Lang's two goals set the Championship strugglers up to secure a much-needed first league win of the campaign as he finally opened his account for Preston on his 12th appearance for the club. "As a forward player I need to add goals," the 27-year-old told BBC Radio Lancashire . "That's the most important thing. The better I do as a player, the better we do as a team. "You've got to be selfish sometimes as a forward. Just getting in the right areas - I think all of us have been working on that. We showed it against Bristol City as well. Just really trying to play on the front foot and be a lot more positive. "I think over the last two games we've really showed that and created a lot more chances for it. We were exciting and aggressive and look a lot of a better team for it." Lang, who moved to Deepdale from Portsmouth seven months ago, says a weight has been lifted as they prepare to face Watford tomorrow night. "It was really a massive result for us," he said. "Confidence-wise, we've had a tough start. We knew coming into the game this could be the turnaround. "It's a real boost for the team, all the fans and the staff and we really want to push on now." Watford are hoping to end a run of just one point from their past three Championship games when they meet Preston North End on Tuesday (19:45 BST). By contrast, Preston collected their first three points of the campaign and ended a four-game losing streak against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend. Watford have won just one of their past eight Championship games against Preston (D5 L2), a 5-1 away victory in December 2023. Preston are unbeaten in four league visits to Watford (W1 D3), this after losing three of their previous four prior (D1). Watford have only lost one of their past nine midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) home games in the Championship (W5 D3), a 2-0 defeat by Ipswich in February last season. Preston could lose each of their first three away games of a league season for the first time since 2018-19 (first five). Preston's Paul Heckingbottom is unbeaten in five league meetings with Watford (W3 D2) since a 1-0 defeat while in charge of Sheffield United in August 2022. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Watford are hoping to end a run of just one point from their past three Championship games when they meet Preston North End on Tuesday (19:45 BST). By contrast, Preston collected their first three points of the campaign and ended a four-game losing streak against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend. Watford have won just one of their past eight Championship games against Preston (D5 L2), a 5-1 away victory in December 2023. Watford have won just one of their past eight Championship games against Preston (D5 L2), a 5-1 away victory in December 2023. Preston are unbeaten in four league visits to Watford (W1 D3), this after losing three of their previous four prior (D1). Preston are unbeaten in four league visits to Watford (W1 D3), this after losing three of their previous four prior (D1). Watford have only lost one of their past nine midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) home games in the Championship (W5 D3), a 2-0 defeat by Ipswich in February last season. Watford have only lost one of their past nine midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) home games in the Championship (W5 D3), a 2-0 defeat by Ipswich in February last season. Preston could lose each of their first three away games of a league season for the first time since 2018-19 (first five). Preston could lose each of their first three away games of a league season for the first time since 2018-19 (first five). Preston's Paul Heckingbottom is unbeaten in five league meetings with Watford (W3 D2) since a 1-0 defeat while in charge of Sheffield United in August 2022. Preston's Paul Heckingbottom is unbeaten in five league meetings with Watford (W3 D2) since a 1-0 defeat while in charge of Sheffield United in August 2022. Image source, Getty Images Former Preston North End goalkeeper Alan Kelly has praised striker Callum Lang's "striker's instinct" to score the first of his two goals against Blackburn Rovers. Lang scored the opener in just the ninth minute before doubling the lead in the 27th minute. "He's not thinking what could have been, he's thinking I'm going to be there just in case," Kelly said. "It is there, he taps the ball in. The relief around the ground from Preston fans that one, we are 1-0 up and two, we've actually got on the end of something and got the ball in the back of the net. "What a great start from Preston and giving themselves that foot in the door. But let's be under no illusions, Blackburn did come at them." Listen to the full post-match reaction below or on BBC Sounds here . Media caption, Kelly: 'A fantastic local derby' Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Former Preston North End goalkeeper Alan Kelly has praised striker Callum Lang's "striker's instinct" to score the first of his two goals against Blackburn Rovers. Lang scored the opener in just the ninth minute before doubling the lead in the 27th minute. "He's not thinking what could have been, he's thinking I'm going to be there just in case," Kelly said. "It is there, he taps the ball in. The relief around the ground from Preston fans that one, we are 1-0 up and two, we've actually got on the end of something and got the ball in the back of the net. "What a great start from Preston and giving themselves that foot in the door. But let's be under no illusions, Blackburn did come at them." Listen to the full post-match reaction below or on BBC Sounds here . Kelly: 'A fantastic local derby' We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Lancashire derby between Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers gave the Lilywhites their first points of the season. Here are some of your comments: Preston North End fans Tony: At last, good performance, but we still need to sort the defence out. Clarke was like a leader, and, if Lang can stay fit, we should be okay. Will: Good first half but under pressure for most of the second. Lang played well and also Clarke and Mills. No major problems from the defence, but Blackburn missing several players. Better squad depth and quality should help throughout the season. Richard: A win is a win, both sides squandered golden opportunities. Preston's game management was poor for most of the game, but the final 11 that played started to bring it back into some sort of forward attacking play that was missing in the rest of the game. Not detracting from Lang's goals that were well taken and a much-needed win for Preston. Onwards and upwards. Image source, Getty Images Blackburn Rovers fans Gordon: Hard luck today against a PNE team desperate for a win. 12 injured players decimated the Rovers, but despite that, they easily won the battle of the stats, and but for some poor finishing and absence of Lady Luck, they would have won the only stat that matters, the final score. Just a pity the signing of two new players this week was hijacked at the death. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Lancashire derby between Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers gave the Lilywhites their first points of the season. Here are some of your comments: Preston North End fans Tony: At last, good performance, but we still need to sort the defence out. Clarke was like a leader, and, if Lang can stay fit, we should be okay. Will: Good first half but under pressure for most of the second. Lang played well and also Clarke and Mills. No major problems from the defence, but Blackburn missing several players. Better squad depth and quality should help throughout the season. Richard: A win is a win, both sides squandered golden opportunities. Preston's game management was poor for most of the game, but the final 11 that played started to bring it back into some sort of forward attacking play that was missing in the rest of the game. Not detracting from Lang's goals that were well taken and a much-needed win for Preston. Onwards and upwards. Blackburn Rovers fans Gordon: Hard luck today against a PNE team desperate for a win. 12 injured players decimated the Rovers, but despite that, they easily won the battle of the stats, and but for some poor finishing and absence of Lady Luck, they would have won the only stat that matters, the final score. Just a pity the signing of two new players this week was hijacked at the death. Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire after they recorded their first league win of the season by beating Blackburn Rovers 2-1. For a written selection of his quotes click here. Media caption, Heckingbottom: 'It's vital in this league' Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire after they recorded their first league win of the season by beating Blackburn Rovers 2-1. For a written selection of his quotes click here. Heckingbottom: 'It's vital in this league' 14:31 BST 5 September Lang leads Preston to derby win over Blackburn , published at 14:31 BST 5 September Lang leads Preston to derby win over Blackburn Attribution Championship 14:31 BST 5 September Lang leads Preston to derby win over Blackburn , published at 14:31 BST 5 September Lang leads Preston to derby win over Blackburn Attribution Championship Image source, Getty Images Ben Whiteman says Wrexham's ambition to reach the Premier League was a key driver in his decision to join the club from Preston North End. Ahead of the current campaign, the central midfielder signed a three-year contract with the Red Dragons, who hold the option to extend Whiteman's deal by a further 12 months. The 30-year-old also revealed Ben Sheaf and Ollie Rathbone played a role in his decision to move to the Racecourse Ground. "I think it was the ambition of the football club wanting to get to the Premier League, that was something that I wanted to do in my career," he said of his switch to north Wales. "From the outside looking in, everything's done properly, really. "If you look at the football club, I spoke to a couple of the boys that I know here in Ollie Rathbone and Sheafo [Ben Sheaf], they told me what an exciting project it is. "But I think the ambition was the main goal really." The midfielder has featured in each of Wrexham's five matches across all competitions so far this season. Before Wrexham's contest at Swansea City on Saturday night (20:00 BST), manager Phil Parkinson admitted he was "really pleased" with Whiteman's performances so far. Despite an encouraging start to life with Wrexham, Whiteman - who made more than 200 appearances for Preston - admits it was a difficult decision to leave Deepdale in the summer. "I've got great memories from that football club, I captained it and it was a huge honour for me," he said. "I've still got loads of mates there now. They've had a really disappointing start, but I'm sure they'll turn it around. "They've got some great people at the football club and hopefully they can do that. "But now I'm a Wrexham player and my full focus is on getting us to the Premier League." Whiteman left the Lilywhites on a sour note - with North End boss Paul Heckingbottom questioning the midfielder's conduct just two days before he secured a transfer to Wrexham. "Ben knew there was a line I didn't want him to cross and unfortunately he has," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire in early August. Despite his somewhat bitter exit from the Lancashire side, Whiteman stated he had no control over what others said about his situation. "It's football and I can't control what people say," added Whiteman. "There's a few people that knew what happened and that's all I can say." Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing

Ben Whiteman says Wrexham's ambition to reach the Premier League was a key driver in his decision to join the club from Preston North End. Ahead of the current campaign, the central midfielder signed a three-year contract with the Red Dragons, who hold the option to extend Whiteman's deal by a further 12 months. The 30-year-old also revealed Ben Sheaf and Ollie Rathbone played a role in his decision to move to the Racecourse Ground. "I think it was the ambition of the football club wanting to get to the Premier League, that was something that I wanted to do in my career," he said of his switch to north Wales. "From the outside looking in, everything's done properly, really. "If you look at the football club, I spoke to a couple of the boys that I know here in Ollie Rathbone and Sheafo [Ben Sheaf], they told me what an exciting project it is. "But I think the ambition was the main goal really." The midfielder has featured in each of Wrexham's five matches across all competitions so far this season. Before Wrexham's contest at Swansea City on Saturday night (20:00 BST), manager Phil Parkinson admitted he was "really pleased" with Whiteman's performances so far. Despite an encouraging start to life with Wrexham, Whiteman - who made more than 200 appearances for Preston - admits it was a difficult decision to leave Deepdale in the summer. "I've got great memories from that football club, I captained it and it was a huge honour for me," he said. "I've still got loads of mates there now. They've had a really disappointing start, but I'm sure they'll turn it around. "They've got some great people at the football club and hopefully they can do that. "But now I'm a Wrexham player and my full focus is on getting us to the Premier League." Whiteman left the Lilywhites on a sour note - with North End boss Paul Heckingbottom questioning the midfielder's conduct just two days before he secured a transfer to Wrexham. "Ben knew there was a line I didn't want him to cross and unfortunately he has," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire in early August. Despite his somewhat bitter exit from the Lancashire side, Whiteman stated he had no control over what others said about his situation. "It's football and I can't control what people say," added Whiteman. "There's a few people that knew what happened and that's all I can say." 14:39 BST 4 September Only wins will stop the noise - Heckingbottom , published at 14:39 BST 4 September Only wins will stop the noise - Heckingbottom Attribution Preston 14:39 BST 4 September Only wins will stop the noise - Heckingbottom , published at 14:39 BST 4 September Only wins will stop the noise - Heckingbottom Attribution Preston 14:07 BST 4 September Surprise pacesetters & resurgent runs - five things to watch in the EFL , published at 14:07 BST 4 September Surprise pacesetters & resurgent runs - five things to watch in the EFL Attribution Football 14:07 BST 4 September Surprise pacesetters & resurgent runs - five things to watch in the EFL , published at 14:07 BST 4 September Surprise pacesetters & resurgent runs - five things to watch in the EFL Attribution Football Preston North End are seeking their first Championship points as they welcome Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 BST). The Lilywhites are yet to get their season started after four games, while Rovers are sitting in the midtable five points ahead. Preston are winless in six home league games against Blackburn Rovers (D3 L3) since a 3-2 victory in October 2019 under Alex Neil. Blackburn have won each of their last three league games against Preston, last winning four in a row against the Lilywhites in August 1919. Preston are the only Championship side to lose each of their opening four matches this season, and are looking to avoid losing their opening five of a league campaign for just the third time, after 1924-25 and 1929-30. Blackburn Rovers have only lost one of their last seven away games in the Championship (W3 D3), a 0-3 defeat to Southampton in April. No side has had fewer high turnovers in the Championship than Blackburn this season (11), with Rovers also the only side yet to have a shot from a high turnover. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Preston North End are seeking their first Championship points as they welcome Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 BST). The Lilywhites are yet to get their season started after four games, while Rovers are sitting in the midtable five points ahead. Preston are winless in six home league games against Blackburn Rovers (D3 L3) since a 3-2 victory in October 2019 under Alex Neil. Preston are winless in six home league games against Blackburn Rovers (D3 L3) since a 3-2 victory in October 2019 under Alex Neil. Blackburn have won each of their last three league games against Preston, last winning four in a row against the Lilywhites in August 1919. Blackburn have won each of their last three league games against Preston, last winning four in a row against the Lilywhites in August 1919. Preston are the only Championship side to lose each of their opening four matches this season, and are looking to avoid losing their opening five of a league campaign for just the third time, after 1924-25 and 1929-30. Preston are the only Championship side to lose each of their opening four matches this season, and are looking to avoid losing their opening five of a league campaign for just the third time, after 1924-25 and 1929-30. Blackburn Rovers have only lost one of their last seven away games in the Championship (W3 D3), a 0-3 defeat to Southampton in April. Blackburn Rovers have only lost one of their last seven away games in the Championship (W3 D3), a 0-3 defeat to Southampton in April. No side has had fewer high turnovers in the Championship than Blackburn this season (11), with Rovers also the only side yet to have a shot from a high turnover. No side has had fewer high turnovers in the Championship than Blackburn this season (11), with Rovers also the only side yet to have a shot from a high turnover. Tom Sandells BBC Radio Lancashire Image source, Getty Images Preston North End are approaching what could already be a pivotal week for the course of their whole season. A strong claim just a few weeks into the campaign - but with discontent growing amongst their support leading into this term, they have done nothing to quell worries with their start. They remain winless across 90 minutes from their five games so far and are currently rooted to the bottom of the Championship table - behind a team who started with negative points, mind. A late equaliser and penalty shootout win against lesser-ranked Huddersfield Town - at Goodison Park - is the only source of joy so far for the Lilywhites' faithful who have spent recent weeks watching their club toil both on and off the pitch. All eyes were on one particular executive box at Deepdale on Tuesday as the transfer window closed, amidst a disappointing 3-1 defeat by Bristol City, a game in which North End were admittedly the better team. In that room were PNE CEO Peter Ridsdale, as well as other club officials, as deals were hashed out. In came Johnny Kenny and Liam Gibbs, for a reported £3m and a season-long loan respectively. Although perhaps unfair to the players who have yet to step foot beyond the lines in blue and white, the double deal was met with an underwhelming response from PR1 as the deals were announced on the big screen mid-match. Former club captain Alan Browne, linked with a return, remained on Wearside with Premier League Sunderland, a deal largely out of North End's control. But as the season continues, the importance of Saturday's Lancashire derby with Blackburn Rovers only grows. Frustration mounts among supporters and Paul Heckingbottom's record at PNE does not rank him highly over recent incumbents. His side's start to the season has not done anything to win back dissenters and he now faces a much-depleted Rovers side in a derby. Football fans are hard to win back once they have made their mind up and Preston fans are no different in that respect. Apathy amongst Lilywhites fans is often a death rattle for the man in charge of their club and that grows with each passing defeat. A defeat against a local rival, who are struggling to fill their bench, could prove insurmountable for the support Heckingbottom would want from his side's fanbase. The board at North End are not renowned for snap decisions, more the opposite, but another lacklustre weekend will only intensify desire for change from the outside. It could, however, also be argued that Heckingbottom has left the summer with a weaker squad than he entered it with as the 2025-26 season drew to a close. The PNE boss has spoken often about wanting to play four at the back this campaign - he has a squad ill-equipped for such a system and early showings this campaign suggest that doing it anyway may not yield the desired results. There have been some good acquisitions, going off early impressions. Caleb Wiley impressed in his first league start for the club, so too Stan Mills. Leo Leroy looks an astute addition to replace want-away captain Ben Whiteman, Harry Clarke looks a dynamic addition to the backline; with Alfie Devine's pedigree proven last campaign. The jury remains out on Delano Burgzorg and Jusef Erabi, with Lee Nicholls ideally not being needed much as a back-up. This is the most PNE have spent in a single transfer window, of that there is no doubt. They have bested their previous transfer record from before the summer window at least three times and have their most expensively assembled squad in the club's history. Regardless of how it has been spent, the investment in the playing squad this summer is historic and should be commended. With that, they are 24th and relegation worries are very real. All eyes will be on Deepdale on Saturday lunchtime. It's a game that could kick-start North End's season, or, already, derail it. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Tom Sandells BBC Radio Lancashire Preston North End are approaching what could already be a pivotal week for the course of their whole season. A strong claim just a few weeks into the campaign - but with discontent growing amongst their support leading into this term, they have done nothing to quell worries with their start. They remain winless across 90 minutes from their five games so far and are currently rooted to the bottom of the Championship table - behind a team who started with negative points, mind. A late equaliser and penalty shootout win against lesser-ranked Huddersfield Town - at Goodison Park - is the only source of joy so far for the Lilywhites' faithful who have spent recent weeks watching their club toil both on and off the pitch. All eyes were on one particular executive box at Deepdale on Tuesday as the transfer window closed, amidst a disappointing 3-1 defeat by Bristol City, a game in which North End were admittedly the better team. In that room were PNE CEO Peter Ridsdale, as well as other club officials, as deals were hashed out. In came Johnny Kenny and Liam Gibbs, for a reported £3m and a season-long loan respectively. Although perhaps unfair to the players who have yet to step foot beyond the lines in blue and white, the double deal was met with an underwhelming response from PR1 as the deals were announced on the big screen mid-match. Former club captain Alan Browne, linked with a return, remained on Wearside with Premier League Sunderland, a deal largely out of North End's control. But as the season continues, the importance of Saturday's Lancashire derby with Blackburn Rovers only grows. Frustration mounts among supporters and Paul Heckingbottom's record at PNE does not rank him highly over recent incumbents. His side's start to the season has not done anything to win back dissenters and he now faces a much-depleted Rovers side in a derby. Football fans are hard to win back once they have made their mind up and Preston fans are no different in that respect. Apathy amongst Lilywhites fans is often a death rattle for the man in charge of their club and that grows with each passing defeat. A defeat against a local rival, who are struggling to fill their bench, could prove insurmountable for the support Heckingbottom would want from his side's fanbase. The board at North End are not renowned for snap decisions, more the opposite, but another lacklustre weekend will only intensify desire for change from the outside. It could, however, also be argued that Heckingbottom has left the summer with a weaker squad than he entered it with as the 2025-26 season drew to a close. The PNE boss has spoken often about wanting to play four at the back this campaign - he has a squad ill-equipped for such a system and early showings this campaign suggest that doing it anyway may not yield the desired results. There have been some good acquisitions, going off early impressions. Caleb Wiley impressed in his first league start for the club, so too Stan Mills. Leo Leroy looks an astute addition to replace want-away captain Ben Whiteman, Harry Clarke looks a dynamic addition to the backline; with Alfie Devine's pedigree proven last campaign. The jury remains out on Delano Burgzorg and Jusef Erabi, with Lee Nicholls ideally not being needed much as a back-up. This is the most PNE have spent in a single transfer window, of that there is no doubt. They have bested their previous transfer record from before the summer window at least three times and have their most expensively assembled squad in the club's history. Regardless of how it has been spent, the investment in the playing squad this summer is historic and should be commended. With that, they are 24th and relegation worries are very real. All eyes will be on Deepdale on Saturday lunchtime. It's a game that could kick-start North End's season, or, already, derail it. We asked for your thoughts after Preston North End succumbed to a third loss in the Championship, leaving them the only side still seeking a point this season. Here are some of your comments: Will: Preston's midfield and build-up looked good and better than last season but the defence was shaky. However, there was little up front, indeed some laughable attempts on goal, a real pity. This must be addressed - and quickly. Colin: Ironically for 70 minutes we played the best football in a long time. Then we just ran out of steam and Bristol's subs changed the course of the game. We are very low on confidence and when the second goal for Bristol went in heads dropped and we faced the inevitable. No rub of the green tonight, though small comfort in the fact if we continue with the new brand of football seen tonight a win is just round the corner. Sean: Our problems have been with the defence for the past two seasons. We have not addressed this in terms of the central positions as was once again evident tonight. Image source, Getty Images Noel: Lots of new players signed, look promising. Can Paul Heckingbottom get them to gel and save his neck? We have to score twice at least to win a game because we can't keep a clean sheet. Neil: No well-organised football club should ever need to make last-minute panic signings. The fact we have tried to sign five players in the last two days of the window tells you everything about how Preston North End is being managed. Clare: This dreadful start to the season is a continuation from last January. We have lost shape, players petrified of taking responsibility and a complete lack of confidence. How the manager keeps mentioning the finer points is so far off the mark. This team needs a complete shake-up. We have known for at least three seasons that Lindsay, Storey, Hughes and Potts are not good enough for this level, and the likes of Small and Gibson are hanging on by a thread. No need to go on about the manager's very poor win ratio, which is starting to make Westley look better. Once again a new broom may just keep us up this season. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing We asked for your thoughts after Preston North End succumbed to a third loss in the Championship, leaving them the only side still seeking a point this season. Here are some of your comments: Will: Preston's midfield and build-up looked good and better than last season but the defence was shaky. However, there was little up front, indeed some laughable attempts on goal, a real pity. This must be addressed - and quickly. Colin: Ironically for 70 minutes we played the best football in a long time. Then we just ran out of steam and Bristol's subs changed the course of the game. We are very low on confidence and when the second goal for Bristol went in heads dropped and we faced the inevitable. No rub of the green tonight, though small comfort in the fact if we continue with the new brand of football seen tonight a win is just round the corner. Sean: Our problems have been with the defence for the past two seasons. We have not addressed this in terms of the central positions as was once again evident tonight. Noel: Lots of new players signed, look promising. Can Paul Heckingbottom get them to gel and save his neck? We have to score twice at least to win a game because we can't keep a clean sheet. Neil: No well-organised football club should ever need to make last-minute panic signings. The fact we have tried to sign five players in the last two days of the window tells you everything about how Preston North End is being managed. Clare: This dreadful start to the season is a continuation from last January. We have lost shape, players petrified of taking responsibility and a complete lack of confidence. How the manager keeps mentioning the finer points is so far off the mark. This team needs a complete shake-up. We have known for at least three seasons that Lindsay, Storey, Hughes and Potts are not good enough for this level, and the likes of Small and Gibson are hanging on by a thread. No need to go on about the manager's very poor win ratio, which is starting to make Westley look better. Once again a new broom may just keep us up this season. 00:01 BST 2 September Preston complete signings of Kenny and Gibbs , published at 00:01 BST 2 September Preston complete signings of Kenny and Gibbs Attribution Championship 00:01 BST 2 September Preston complete signings of Kenny and Gibbs , published at 00:01 BST 2 September Preston complete signings of Kenny and Gibbs Attribution Championship Media caption, Heckingbottom: 'It's always about the results' Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire after their 3-1 loss to Bristol City made it four successive league defeats to the start of a season for the first time in 70 years. For a written selection of his quotes, click here. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Heckingbottom: 'It's always about the results' Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire after their 3-1 loss to Bristol City made it four successive league defeats to the start of a season for the first time in 70 years. For a written selection of his quotes, click here. 21:45 BST 1 September Bristol City win to continue Preston's losing start , published at 21:45 BST 1 September Bristol City win to continue Preston's losing start Attribution Championship 21:45 BST 1 September Bristol City win to continue Preston's losing start , published at 21:45 BST 1 September Bristol City win to continue Preston's losing start Attribution Championship Preston North End on Sounds Hughes: 'We all need to dig in' Audio, 4 minutes Hughes: 'We all need to dig in' Andrew Hughes says it's time for clear heads and continued effort at Preston North End. Attribution BBC Radio Lancashire Available for over a year 4 mins Hughes: 'We all need to dig in' Audio, 4 minutes Hughes: 'We all need to dig in' Andrew Hughes says it's time for clear heads and continued effort at Preston North End. Attribution BBC Radio Lancashire Available for over a year Heckingbottom: 'There's no lack of effort there' Audio, 8 minutes Heckingbottom: 'There's no lack of effort there' The Preston boss says the only way to appease the fans is to start winning games. Attribution BBC Radio Lancashire Available for over a year 8 mins Heckingbottom: 'There's no lack of effort there' Audio, 8 minutes Heckingbottom: 'There's no lack of effort there' The Preston boss says the only way to appease the fans is to start winning games. Attribution BBC Radio Lancashire Available for over a year Small: 'We know that we've got a tight group' Audio, 7 minutes Small: 'We know that we've got a tight group' Thierry Small says that as long as Preston stick together, the results will come good. Attribution BBC Radio Lancashire Available for over a year 7 mins Small: 'We know that we've got a tight group' Audio, 7 minutes Small: 'We know that we've got a tight group' Thierry Small says that as long as Preston stick together, the results will come good. Attribution BBC Radio Lancashire Available for over a year Heckingbottom: 'The improvements are there' Audio, 12 minutes Heckingbottom: 'The improvements are there' Paul Heckingbottom says it hurts to lose games where they've given their all. Attribution BBC Radio Lancashire Available for over a year 12 mins Heckingbottom: 'The improvements are there' Audio, 12 minutes Heckingbottom: 'The improvements are there' Paul Heckingbottom says it hurts to lose games where they've given their all. Attribution BBC Radio Lancashire Available for over a year