Coca Cola Cup (2nd rnd 2nd leg): Preston North End v Blackburn Rovers - Peter White's big match preview

TONIGHT'S second leg is a mere formality, with Blackburn Rovers' 6-0 victory over Preston North End having killed off their Coca-Cola Cup second round clash - stone dead.

In fact, it could be seen as more of a hindrance than a help for respective managers Roy Hodgson and Gary Peters with plenty of tickets to spare for a game which, when the draw was made, had looked capable of selling out Deepdale twice over.

But don't talk like that in front of Rovers players such as Billy McKinlay, Tore Pedersen, Anders Andersson or Per Pedersen.

For they are just four of several Ewood men who will be hoping to stake a claim for a more permanent first team place with a top-notch performance against Preston.

North End have a lot of pride to play for following their first-leg drubbing and would still relish the chance of a win over a Premiership team, no matter how hollow.

Likewise, Rovers as a team are well aware of their responsibilities to produce a professional performance and, in any case, they don't want to be beaten by their neighbours.

But there shouldn't be any danger of selling the fans short, not least because of the importance of a chance for individuals to impress the manager. There will already be one vacancy in the team to play Wimbledon on Saturday, with Patrick Valery suspended.

And the up-and-coming three-match ban for Jason Wilcox will create another soon.

Add to that the fact that Rovers' performance against Coventry on Sunday fell below previous standards and there is no lack of incentive for players to turn it on at Deepdale.

Per Pedersen, restricted so far to an appearance as substitute in the first leg and a place on the bench for the Premiership game at Spurs, is just one who would dearly like to be given an opportunity tonight.

"I hope I can play and do well, it would be good for my confidence," said the Dane.

"I think we have a good reserve team and it's nice to play alongside the younger players. But when you are used to playing first team football there is nothing really to replace it.

"We don't know who will play but it is possible the manager will make some changes."

It's not easy for players to make an occasional appearance in the side and turn on top form just like a tap. But those striving to make their mark know that they must take their chances if and when they come along.

"Yes, it is difficult because you cannot just play well on command," said Pedersen.

"But it is important to do a good job and to work hard for the team.

"It is a very important game tonight and, when people just dismiss it, there is always danger.

"But we are professionals so I don't think Preston can beat us by seven goals.

"Having said that, they will want some kind of revenge."

Victory tonight is probably more important to the Second Division side than it is to Rovers.

It would do their morale a lot of good if they were to claim a prestigious win over their Premiership neighbours - no matter what team Rovers send out for the second leg.

Hammered out of sight in the first leg, Preston will be determined to show a fair-sized Deepdale crowd that they do have a lot to offer.

So it certainly won't be an easy ride for Rovers - not that they would have expected one anyway.

If the first leg had been staged at Deepdale, there is no doubt it would have been a sellout.

But, with the outcome inevitable - barring a miracle - tickets have been moving slower than originally expected at both clubs.

Rovers will have a following of around 1,500 and fans are warned that there will not be any tickets available tonight - for either side.

Ticket sales for Saturday's game at Wimbledon will end at noon on Thursday. They will be available at Selhurst Park on Saturday but no concessionary prices will be given on the day of the game.

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