Lancashire

Ipswich Town and Preston North End are both hoping to return to winning ways when they meet at Portman Road.

The Suffolk side's 3-1 defeat by Sheffield United last weekend means they are now five points outside the automatic promotion places - albeit with a game in hand on the top two - while Preston have slipped to ninth after a three-match losing streak.

• Ipswich have lost their past two Championship games against Preston (3-2 in February 2024 and 1-0 in August 2025), only once previously losing three in a row against them in the second tier: a run of four between August 2005 and March 2007.

• Preston will be aiming to complete a league double over Ipswich for the first time since 2008-09, when they beat them home (3-2) and away (2-1) under Alan Irvine.

• Ipswich were beaten by Sheffield United last time out (3-1 at Bramall Lane), but have only lost consecutive Championship matches under Kieran McKenna once previously (2-1 v Middlesbrough and 3-0 v Charlton in October 2025).

• Preston have lost their past three Championship games without scoring a single goal, last having a longer streak in a single campaign in April-May 2024 (five losses, zero goals).

• Ipswich's Marcelino Nunez has assisted seven goals in the Championship this season – since 2018-19, only one midfielder has registered more in a single second-tier campaign for the club (eight by Conor Chaplin in 2023-24).

Melissa Edwards
BBC Sport journalist

Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 20:00).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Zian Flemming and Joe Worrall will both be available for selection again after training with the squad all week.

• Parker said it is about "perspective" after conceding late against Tottenham on Saturday to draw at Turf Moor. He believes there is "good momentum" following three positive results but his side still "need more".

• On James Ward-Prowse joining Burnley on loan for the rest of the season, he said: "First and foremost, he'll bring quality. We've seen James play numerous games in the Premier League and he brings the know-how and can bring the level, in terms of what he represents and what he stands for. A very good addition for us. We needed cover in there with Josh [Cullen] coming out with a long-term injury. We'll see where he is over the coming days but we're pleased with that signing."

• He added: "In terms of set-plays he's an absolute expert so it definitely helps in that area, along with other areas. It would be unfair of me to only compliment James' ability on set-plays - he brings an all-round game - but, for sure, he will give us an added something in that area. That side of the game has gone up tenfold."

• Parker revealed Burnley are still trying to make transfers by deadline day (2 Feb). He explained the club are "definitely active" but, equally, don't want to bring in players who won't "improve the squad and just add numbers". The Clarets will also consider departures for players who need game time.

• Burnley remain 19th in the league table, seven points from safety, but Parker said they have to put that aside: "If you look at that table, it doesn't look pretty, but look at the fixtures coming up and ask yourself: 'Can you pick up some points and get some positive results?' Things can change very quickly and we've seen that over the course of this year. So that's how we go about it now and have no focus on the table at the moment."

• On facing Sunderland: "They've done incredibly - really well. They've obviously invested a huge amount of money and we're probably seeing a totally different squad to the one they were last year. The momentum for them earlier in the season where they picked up points has probably pushed them. It's a tough place and the stadium is hostile as well, so we know what we're coming up against - albeit a very different team. But, we've faced them already this year and got a positive result so we'll be ready."

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Preston North End are set to sign Serbian striker Milos Lukovic on loan from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg after the 20-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at Spanish Segunda Division club Las Palmas. (L'Equipe - in French), external

For more transfer news and rumours, read Thursday's full gossip column here.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on James Ward-Prowse being set to join Burnley on loan from West Ham, with the 31-year-old expected to undergo a medical on Wednesday.

Here are some of your comments:

Brian: Ready made replacement for Cullen who might possibly be sidelined for rest of season. Strikes me as a positive move by Parker. Might not save us from relegation, but at least is a plus point.

Shaun: He would have been a good signing 5 years ago but we wouldn't have been able to afford him, I don't think he's got the legs to get about the pitch anymore.

Luke: Brilliant signing, although JWP will be expected to make an instant impact with 15 games remaining. We have to keep believing we can get out of this!

Lee: Ward-Prowse is not the solution we need. When a relegation rival is willing to loan you one of their players alarm bells should ring! If they don't want him, neither should we. Leeds bought in a proven goal scorer, that's what we need.

Neil: JWP would be a good signing to fill the gap left by Cullen's injury. Would be ruled out for WHU game which is a blow. Still need a goalscorer but then who doesn't. If we have desires to stay in the Premier league we need at least 3 signings. Back, middle & front.

Gav: Sound signing to cover Cullen. Still need a striker and centre back. I wouldn't throw money at it though as we're a banker for relegation.

David: The only down to this is his lack of playing time, experience should overcome that. Pity it's not permanent. We still need a striker!

Mark: Should be a good replacement for the injured Cullen. Plus, we need him for his set pieces which he has been known for in his carer. Hopefully we can get him match fit with him not playing much.

Image source, Getty Images

James Ward-Prowse's prospective loan move to Burnley from West Ham is edging closer, with the midfielder expected to undergo a medical on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old would bring with him a wealth of Premier League experience, having made 409 appearances across time with Southampton, Nottingham Forest and the Hammers, as well as winning 11 senior England caps.

However, he has not played a single minute for West Ham since Nuno Espirito Santo took charge in September.

Clarets fans, what do you make of the move? And where would Ward-Prowse fit into Scott Parker's system for the rest of the season?

Get in touch with your views here

Burnley are in talks with West Ham over signing 31-year-old English midfielder James Ward-Prowse on loan. (Telegraph), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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