The East Lancashire Derby: A Rivalry Rekindled
Following a one-year absence due to their Premier League adventures, Burnley will take part in the East Lancashire derby on Saturday afternoon as Blackburn Rovers visit Turf Moor in the Championship. The Clarets have endured a difficult seven days across all competitions as August nears its conclusion, whilst Rovers were also on the losing side during the week.
Burnley's Mixed Start
Most likely accompanied by flashbacks of their troubling 2023-24 term in the Premier League, Burnley have suffered back-to-back defeats over the past week across the Championship and the EFL Cup, with the Lancashire giants losing two away matches without scoring a goal.
After thrashing both Luton Town and Cardiff City by an aggregate scoreline of 9-1 during the opening two weekends of the second-tier term, the Clarets received a rude awakening at the Stadium of Light last Saturday, when a first-half Romaine Mundle strike sentenced the visitors to a maiden defeat of the campaign.
Looking to make amends for their first competitive loss of the 2024-25 schedule, Scott Parker's side travelled to Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night for an EFL Cup second-round tie, in which the top-flight hosts advanced courtesy of a Goncalo Guedes brace.
Blackburn's Unbeaten Run
After navigating their first four fixtures of the competitive schedule unbeaten, Blackburn Rovers were one of the shock losers in the second round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night, when the Lancashire club were dumped out of the competition by League One visitors Blackpool. Rovers appeared as if they would cruise into the third-round draw after Makhtar Gueye held his nerve from 12 yards out to hand the hosts a deserved lead, but John Eustace's men were victims of a second-half comeback from the Seasiders, who secured progression courtesy of efforts from Jake Beesley and Hayden Coulson.
Focusing on Championship matters, Blackburn have enjoyed a stellar start to the season despite the loss of last campaign's Golden Boot winner Sammie Szmodics to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town, earning seven points from three matches, meaning that they sit ahead of arch rivals Burnley heading into this weekend's clash.
Key Players and Squad Updates
Burnley remain without the services of attacker Mike Tresor during the early stages of the season, with the Belgian recovering from a leg injury. The Clarets are also unable to call upon the second-tier knowhow of Nathan Redmond, who is expected back in October from a troubling knee problem. Plying his trade at full-back last season for Kompany's Burnley, Vitinho is being used in a more advanced position on the right flank for the hosts by Parker this term.
Blackburn's options at centre-back are limited by the absence of Scott Wharton, who is set to miss the remainder of the calendar year due to a cruciate ligament injury. After being rested from the start during the defeat to Blackpool in the EFL Cup, the likes of Ohashi, Tyrhys Dolan and Ryan Hedges should return to the starting XI at Turf Moor.
Predicted Lineups:
Burnley possible starting lineup: Hladky; Roberts, Egan-Riley, Esteve, Pires; Vitinho, Cullen, Brownhill, Hountondji; Foster, Rodriguez
Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup: Pears; Brittain, Carter, Hyam, Pickering; Tronstad, Travis, Rankin-Costello, Dolan, Hedges; Ohashi
Derby Day Verdict
Burnley have enjoyed all of the bragging rights from this fixture over the past decade and will be confident of continuing their excellent record in the East Lancashire derby on Saturday. Blackburn are still a major threat in attack despite the departure of Szmodics, but we feel that the visitors will narrowly lose out at Turf Moor this weekend. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
How to Watch the Game
Turf Moor is the setting for the first Cotton Mills derby of the 2024/25 season on Saturday. Burnley will be looking to secure a seventh successive victory over their local rivals in the first meeting between the two teams since the Clarets won the 2022/23 Championship title at Ewood Park more than a year ago.
TV and Streaming Information
Burnley v Blackburn will take place on Saturday 31st August 2024. The game will kick off at 12:30pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event from 11am. Sky Sports customers can live stream the game via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices including most smartphones and tablets as part of their subscription. You can also watch the match via NOW with a day membership (£14.99) or month membership (£34.99). NOW can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs, phones and consoles. NOW is also available via TNT Sports.
Radio Coverage
You can listen to the match on talkSPORT 2. talkSPORT 2 is available on DAB radio, and like the BBC, you can tune in via most TV packages. You can also listen to talkSPORT 2 online via the website or app.
The Buzz around the Derby
The Clarets faithful will be hoping that the Clarets can extend their winning run over their old rivals to seven games. John Eustace has a few selection dilemmas for his first East Lancs derby as Blackburn Rovers travel to Burnley. The Rovers head coach is unlikely to throw any of his new faces straight into the firing line, unless necessary. Owen Beck is perhaps the most plausible, depending on the fitness of Harry Pickering.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Did our photographer snap you arriving to the Turf before kick off? Burnley fans arrive at Turf Moor for the Championship fixture with Blackburn Rovers. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting. Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Burnley Express, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
The Final Whistle
The East Lancashire derby is always a passionate affair, and this weekend's clash promises to be no different. Both teams will be looking to secure a victory and gain bragging rights over their rivals. It should be a great game to watch, with plenty of drama and excitement on offer.
