Blackburn Rovers will face a rejuvenated Preston North End on Sunday.

The Lilywhites are enjoying life under Paul Heckingbottom and have made an encouraging start under their new boss, beating Fulham in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

We spoke to The Lancashire Evening Post's North End man, George Hodgson, to find out more about Rovers' opponents.

How is the mood at PNE now Heckingbottom has taken over from Lowe?

It's undoubtedly lifted and the Lilywhites feel in a much better place. Losing your manager after one game of the season, and then the caretaker after three, left Preston North End in early-season turmoil.

It was paramount they made the right appointment and so far, Paul Heckingbottom has looked exactly that. Performances have improved, he's said all the right things in the press and there seems something for the supporters to buy into again. The future could be exciting, but PNE won't be looking too far ahead. They need to make sure they pick up points over the next few weeks, after a ridiculous start to the campaign. If the performance level is consistent, that should take care of itself. 

What's the difference in style? How does PH like to set up his teams?

It's more aggressive and ambitious, but certainly not reckless or stupid. There has been a fluidity about North End in all the games so far and Heckingbottom's detail has been praised by the players, who appear to be taking his instructions on board well.

He doesn't want Preston sitting in a low block and trying to survive; he is challenging them to play more on the ball. No doubt, at times, that may be their downfall in games. But, it makes for a far more engaging and entertaining watch. PNE have plenty of experience in their squad and some talented, technical players. Heckingbottom looks the right man to bring the best out of them. 

Do you think playing on Tuesday night is an advantage for Rovers? Or is a positive result a shot in the arm for PNE?

I wouldn't be overly concerned on PNE's part. Heckingbottom made eight changes for the game and he certainly has food for thought now - given Tuesday's performance.

North End did put a lot into that match and there were some shattered bodies by the end. However, these are top athletes and I'd expect them to be fully recovered in time for Sunday's derby.

Rovers may be a little bit fresher, but there was a good feeling in the stadium after that penalty shootout and the whole club will be fired right up for this one. Given Blackburn's start to the season, I think it's set up brilliantly. Sunday noon is a bit of a shame, but it will be fiercely contested and I'm expecting a great contest. 

How would you assess the strength of the squad after the summer business?

Central defence is the one area you would've liked to see strengthened, but all in all it's an experienced group of players and competition for places is strong.

Josh Bowler and Jeppe Okkels have boosted North End's options out wide and PNE aren't as wedded to one formation - largely down to Heckingbottom's tactics. He wanted to make Preston more dynamic and we've seen that.

Sam Greenwood has had a positive start to life under the manager and Kaine Kesler-Hayden has impressed when he's played. The class of Stefan Thordarson is evident, but you feel the best is yet to come from the Iceland international - which is exciting. 

Who are the danger men for Rovers to look out for? Where can they exploit North End?

With Will Keane likely to miss out, Emil Riis and Milutin Osmajic are the two main striking options. Both are powerful centre-forwards, who know where the net is.

Bowler showed glimpses of his individual quality against Fulham and he looks like he could be a difference-maker on his day. If Mads Frokjaer keeps his place, he'll look to bring creativity and flair in behind the front men.

In terms of exploiting Preston, the centre-backs are playing higher than previously. We've seen teams target that added channel space in games and there isn't bags of pace in North End's defence, so that's something they'll have to be wary of on Sunday - given Rovers' speed.