Saturday's Lancashire derby between Burnley and Preston North End will see both sides looking to get back to winning ways after failing to win any of their last three matches. 

Simon Grayson's Preston take on Burnley this afternoon (3pm kick-off)
Simon Grayson's Preston take on Burnley this afternoon (3pm kick-off)

Sean Dyche's side have drawn their last three matches but still find themselves well within the play-off battle, and a win on Saturday could see them move to just two points off top spot.

Preston have drawn two and lost one of their last three but they broke a club record when they kept six consecutive clean sheets in the league, which was only ended against Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers.

Simon Grayson will hope that his side can start to find the back of the net as defensively they have been superb, conceding just 16 goals in 18 games.

FootballLeagueWorld writer Andrew Bell identifies three things to look out for in this afternoon's encounter...

1) Increased striking options for Burnley

Clarets boss Dyche was boosted by the news that Sam Vokes is back in contention following Rouwen Hennings' first goal for the club in last week's 2-2 draw with Cardiff City.

Andre Gray has been in terrific form since his summer move from Brentford, scoring nine goals for the Clarets this season, and he will hope to reach double figures after suffering a frustrating afternoon in Wales.

With Hennings, Gray and Vokes all available, Dyche has a number of attacking options available to him for the visit of Preston this weekend.

2) Preston will be difficult to break down

The increased attacking options for Dyche may well be needed this afternoon, with Preston's defence being solid so far this season.

While they haven't been that impressive going forward, the Lilywhites know that they have one of the sturdiest defences in the division, and Burnley will find it tough to get past them this weekend.

If they can find a creative spark in the final third, then Simon Grayson's side could well be taking the spoils from this weekend's Lancashire derby.

3) A feisty draw between two sides

Tensions are bound to be high this weekend and both sides will be determined to win this game for the fans, but that could mean that both sides will be over-cautious.

With the pressure on both teams to not lose this game, both sets of players may be a bit conservative in their approach as to avoid a mistake, and their side losing the game.

Preston have drawn their last three away games and this should be a feisty encounter that is likely to end with a point apiece.

Burnley and Preston fans...what are your predictions for the match? Will Burnley's attack be too much for Preston? Can Preston hold off Burnley and snatch a victory? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!