After conceding seven times against a rampant Fulham on November 3, Tony Mowbray would have cut a frustrated figure in the dressing room, contemplating whether his squad were capable of bouncing back from such an embarrassing evening.
However, that capitulation has proven to be the catalyst for better things to come, Rovers collecting 10 points from a possible 12 and posting back-to-back clean sheets.
On the back of eight goals being scored against Sheffield United, Bristol City and Peterborough United, Blackburn came out on top at playoff rivals Stoke City last weekend, prevailing courtesy of a second-half Reda Khadra strike.
While Rovers only hold a two-point cushion in the top six, the result saw them move ahead of the Potters and establish a five-point gap over eighth position.
Although Ben Brereton Diaz’s three-game scoring streak came to an end at the bet365 Stadium, Mowbray would have been delighted with Khadra continuing his recent upward trend after being relatively ineffectual since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Preston head into this contest sitting 12 places adrift of their North-West neighbours, but the gap will be reduced to five points with victory on rival territory.
Video Links Stream 1 Stream 2 DeutschHDStream 3
Such a scenario highlights the competitiveness of the second tier, and Frankie McAvoy will have total confidence that his side can continue their recent resurgence.https://bf4386627013a68ddc4c949e71a77b56.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html?n=0
A comeback 2-1 at Middlesbrough was followed by a 1-1 draw at home to leaders Fulham, Ched Evans again getting on the scoresheet as he continues to prove his worth in attack.
While clean sheets need to follow with just one being kept in nine outings, McAvoy will argue that maintaining their strength of character will be the difference between a mid-table spot and challenging for promotion
