Blackburn Rovers are looking to avenge their defeat to Preston North End from earlier this season when they travel to Deepdale this weekend.

John Eustace will get his first taste of a Lancashire derby with Rovers keen to respond after losing 2-1 at Ewood Park earlier this season/

Deepdale of course holds unhappy memories for Rovers, with their play-off push suffering a major blow after Dom Hyam's stoppage-time own goal last season.

The hosts are in good shape and are knocking on the door of the top six after three successive victories in the Championship.

READ MORE: Eustace sends clear message over Rovers style of play

So, how are things the opposition shaping up? We spoke to The Lancashire Evening Post's North End man, George Hodgson.

How is the mood at PNE right now? Are fans more content with Ryan Lowe?

Much improved! Ryan Lowe was really under fire over the festive period, to the point where PNE's owner and chairman chose to release a statement in support of him. Improvement was not instant, but the last five-and-a-half games have been much better from Preston - with a change in shape and some consistency in selection sparking some life back into the season.

Lowe is quite a divisive figure, so I'm not sure if he'll have won too many over just yet. But, more importantly, there is more positivity around the team and, from nowhere really, North End suddenly have a chance to finish strongly and make something of this campaign. 

PNE have won their last three and are level on points with sixth. Belief they make that final leap for the top-six?

Sitting level with sixth at this stage, you'd be daft to completely write Preston off because that final spot does look up for grabs. It is a lot different to asking if there's a belief PNE can go up, though. Nonetheless, it would be fantastic to go into the final few games with a chance of making the play-offs and getting in there would be brilliant.

Lowe, to his credit, has found a formula that looks to be working. There was always quality and experience within this squad and it's now showing. After a few months of frustration, mind, North End definitely won't be getting carried away.

Who are the key players Rovers need to keep an eye out for?

Emil Riis is back after his year out injured and now finding his best form again. The Dane looks as powerful as ever and confidence levels look high. Next to him, Will Keane is an extremely polished operator and behind those two, Mads Frokjaer has really come into his own in recent weeks. The midfielder oozes class and creativity, so Rovers will have their work cut out to keep him - and wide man Liam Millar - quiet over the 90 minutes.

How do you think the change from JDT to Eustace might impact the match? 

Difficult to answer, but the impression I get from John Eustace is that he'll adopt a more pragmatic approach. When at their best under Jon Dahl Tomasson, Rovers were a genuinely good watch and we saw them cause PNE problems at Ewood Park with their slick movement and comfort in possession.

He did seem quite set in his ways and identity, though. Whereas, Eustace may recognise this is a derby game, away from home and place a greater onus on aggression, earning the right and frustrating Preston. I think North End will want to be on the front foot and start the game well, but always maintain that balance between defending and attacking.

What's the team news?

Brad Potts is sidelined, which is a blow as the number 44 has been an ever-present at right wing-back during Lowe's tenure. Andrew Hughes is also a doubt after injuring his knee in midweek, so ex-Rovers man Greg Cunningham could make his first start in nearly four months. Kian Best and Ched Evans are out; Duane Holmes could return after missing a couple of games.

Score prediction?

2-1 PNE!