PREGNANT Gemma Rafferty and her football-barmy husband are facing a roller-coaster of emotions as they prepare for one of the most exciting days of their lives -- and the birth of their first child!

While naturally delighted to be parents for the first time, the pair have got their fingers crossed after doctors revealed the child was due the day after Sunday's Division One clash between Blackburn and Burnley.

And instead of being in the maternity ward at Queen's Park Hospital, the pair of Clarets fans would much rather be at Ewood Park.

The couple's fathers, both Rovers fanatics, will definitely be at the match, hoping for a repeat of December's 2-0 victory at Turf Moor.

Michael and Gemma, of Ringwood Close, Accrington, are both fanatical Clarets supporters and already have their tickets to see the match.

Despite being heavily pregnant, 23-year-old Gemma is planning to be at the game with Michael. If Gemma can't make it, Michael will have a mobile phone glued to his ear in case of emergencies.

Michael said: "Gemma has missed some away games recently but she is still going to home games, although we will see later in the week.

"It's obviously a big game and it's a big decision, and if Gemma is not giving birth I will be there. If she is, my loyalty is with Gemma and I'll be in Queen's Park Hospital.

"I will be ecstatic in one sense but gutted in the other. We could do with the baby either being born now or on Monday."

The couple's dads, John Rafferty and Tony Palmer, are also keeping their fingers crossed for Sunday -- for a Rovers win. John and Tony have been Rovers fans all their lives and will be at the game on Sunday regardless of the progress of their grandchild.

Michael said: "They have both been winding us up about missing the game but hopefully we will be there."

Michael and Gemma, who went to the game at Turf Moor on December 16, are avid Clarets fans who rarely miss home and away games. Both are members of Accrington Clarets Supporters' Club.

Michael was present the last time Rovers and Clarets met twice in a season in 1983.

As soon as they heard the date Gemma was due, they realised the significance immediately.

Michael said: "The original date was March 14 but when the midwife said April 2 we both thought "oh no".

"April 1 has been pencilled in the diary since the fixtures came out, the Rovers and Burnley games are the first games people look for."

If Gemma is not fit to go to the game Michael has still vowed to go, and keep in touch using his mobile phone.