Preston North End vs Blackburn Rovers - Preston captain Tom Clarke could return against Blackburn

Preston captain Tom Clarke may return for Blackburn's short trip to Deepdale.

The Lancashire rivals meet in Paul Lambert's first game in charge of Rovers and North End, who have not conceded in 540 minutes, could have their skipper back from a shoulder problem.

Full-back Greg Cunningham (thigh) also has a chance of featuring while midfielder John Welsh returns from a one-game suspension.

However, Chris Humphrey (shin) and Jermaine Beckford (knee) are long-term absentees for boss Simon Grayson.

Blackburn have Chris Brown and Danny Guthrie back in training ahead of Lambert's first game.

Both ex-North End striker Brown (knee) and midfielder Guthrie (calf) have been part of the ex-Aston Villa's manager first training sessions this week, although the former is unlikely to be thrust straight back into action.

Lambert offered few hints at who he would deploy in his first starting line-up and in particular which role Ben Marshall would be utilised in after Gary Bowyer recently started him at full-back.

Utility man Jason Lowe (foot) remains the only long-term absentee.