Important we stay focused regardless of the hullabaloo

Preston boss Alan Irvine is the one looking back, and has spoken of the backing his side got from the fans that afternoon, even before the teams had come out onto the pitch. "It was terrific last year," he said. "We sat in the dressing room before the game and we could hear our fans, and that's unusual in this day and age because that doesn't tend to be the case. They were generating a fantastic amount of noise and obviously we'll be hoping they can do that again."

He continued: "This is a terrific game for us. Derbies are always good games because they've got terrific passion. They may not always be great games but they're exciting for everybody, the fans obviously, and the players.

"They were both great results for us last season and we were obviously delighted about that. The one at Turf Moor last year was a big win for us, they were going very, very well at that time and we were desperately needing points so that was a big day without any question. Obviously we hope we can turn in a big performance and get the same kind of result this time round.

"It has been a good week. We've got some good training done and hopefully we'll perform at the level that we've done in most of the games this season."

Owen Coyle has seen the Clarets edge closer to Preston in the table in recent weeks after our poor start to the season. He said: "The game gives us an opportunity to close the gap that Preston built early on in the season on the back of some tremendous results.

"They had an absolute flying start to the campaign and I think that would show how far we have come on after the disappointment of the first two results. We probably should be better in terms of points because I believe our recent performances have merited that, and there is more to come. We will look to build on that terrific level of performance we have given of late and if we do that then it's certainly a game we can win.

"It will be a terrific atmosphere and a real game of football. Preston are a very good side with a terrific work ethic and they have some very good players. They will be very fresh because they didn't have a midweek game, so we have to make sure we have some freshness and energy about us because we are going to need it against them."

Coyle admitted he was ready for the atmosphere of the Preston derby and added: "Everybody loves derby games and they are all up for it because there are bragging rights at stake. Equally, you know the atmosphere is intense and that is the type of arena footballers want to play in.

"It's the whole atmosphere, when you come into the ground you can sense the rivalry. Both teams play good football and both sets of fans are passionate. This area is a real footballing environment. Everybody loves their football, but added to that the extra spice of a local derby takes it up a few notches and I think you'll see that on Saturday with the atmosphere at the game.

"It will be a little bit frantic at the start I imagine before it settles down, but I am sure it will be a terrific game. When all is said and done though, we don't want to lose sight that it is a football game. We want to stay true to our principles of getting the ball down and passing it.

"It is important that we stay focused regardless of the hullabaloo that's going on around us."