Brett Ormerod is almost certain to miss the first Preston-Blackpool derby in almost eight years.
Fitness doubts for both league strugglers in Lancashire derby
Brett Ormerod is almost certain to miss the first Preston-Blackpool derby in almost eight years.
The North End striker suffered a calf strain in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Hull City, and faces the likely prospect of missing the Deepdale clash against his former club.
Preston boss Alan Irvine could replace Ormerod with on-loan Blackburn striker Paul Gallagher, but is otherwise set to name an unchanged side.
Defender Billy Jones is available after returning to full training on Monday, but the versatile Sean St Ledger has done well as an emergency right-back in the last two games, and Irvine is likely to decide not to disrupt a back four, which has has let in only one goal in 180 minutes.
A win for North End would move them out of the bottom three and above the Tangerines.
Blackpool news
Blackpool head into Saturday's game just two points ahead of their Lancashire rivals, but boss Simon Grayson has injury doubts over two key players.
On-loan West Brom striker Bartosz Slusarski face a late fitness test after being forced off with an ankle injury during the recent 1-0 win over QPR, while midfielder Keith Southern also limped out of the same fixture with ankle trouble.
Michael Flynn is pushing for a start after scoring at Scunthorpe on Monday.
