FORGET the FA Cup final, the league and relegation battles. If there's one match Blackpool fans want to see their club win, it's the derby against Preston.

The only accolade left for the Seasiders this season is three points from their arch rivals.

A win at Deepdale on Saturday (April 17) would not only help secure the Seasiders' position in Division Two, it could also polish off Preston's chances of winning the second automatic promotion spot, currently occupied by Walsall.

But if the Seasiders can pull off the coup, they will have to do it without the likes of top-scorer Martin Aldridge and defenders Ian Hughes, Julian Watts and David Bardsley.

Aldo was carried off the pitch with ligament damage during the Reading match after helping secure the points with a spot kick and may be missing for the rest of the season.

Bardsley is also a ligament-injury victim and Ian Hughes and Julian Watts miss the match due to suspension.

Long-term injury victim Steve Bushell is another casualty to add to the list. And John Hills will be the subject of a late fitness test after receiving a heavy blow to his thigh during the Burnley match.

Preston have two ruled out through long-term injuries and find out today (April 15) whether or not Sean Gregan will be allowed to play.

Gregan received his 11th yellow card of the season at Colchester on Good Friday to collect a ban for the derby match. Preston manager David Moyes was so incensed by the decision to book his stalwart captain that he has appealed to the FA to get the card - or the ban - overturned.

Lee Cartwright is only just back training after an operation on his knee and Gary Parkinson has been ruled out until next year after falling awkwardly - he too will need an operation on his knee.

The Preston match kicks off at 1pm on Saturday and is an all-ticket game.

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