North End boss believes derby rivals Rovers pose a greater threat on road

Paul Heckingbottom expects tonight's opponents Blackburn Rovers to play with freedom this evening at Deepdale

- by George Hodgson

The North End boss takes his team into tonight's derby clash knowing his side could go second in the table with victory.

By contrast, Rovers go into the contest sitting 19th in the table after a difficult start to the Championship campaign.

They have 16 points to their name, although 12 of those have come come on their travels - in the form of four victories.

They have won their past two away games at Leicester City and Bristol City.

Heckingbottom believes an increasingly toxic atmosphere at Ewood Park, due to protests against the club's ownership, is contributing to Rovers poor form.

But he believes they will be a different proposition tonight at Deepdale.

"I think you all know, any Blackburn fan, there's a little bit of discontent there isn't there against the ownership," said Heckingbottom.