THERE will be no shortage of local derbies for Wanderers fans this season thanks to the re-emergence of Burnley and Preston onto the Division One scene.

Add the highly-charged Blackburn match to the fixture list and you can see why Wanderers fans are licking their lips in anticipation of the new season.

All three teams pose a threat to Wanderers' promotion campaign and should Sam Allardyce's side take as many points as possible from these teams they will have taken a huge stride towards promotion with 18 points up for grabs.

Blackburn are among the bookies' favourites to reclaim their Premiership place, and few would bet against them. They may have had a hard time last year but new manager Graeme Souness has steadied the ship and made some astute signings.

John Curtis, Stig Inge Byjornebye and Craig Hignett all have impressive CVs and come with proven records in the highest division. Then there are the Premiership players that came down with them, Jansen, Flitcroft, Ward and McAteer, and you can see why they could have a major say on who goes up and who stays down.

Burnley haven't spent anything since grabbing promotion last May but Stan Ternent has brought players in on free transfers. John Bradman and Lee Briscoe have come in from the Premiership and Kevin Ball has joined from Fulham and he will add skill and steel to an already competitive side. The onus is on Andy Payton and Andy Cooke to score the goals but the signing of Phil Gray from Luton could prove a masterstroke.

If he gels with the rest of the strikeforce Burnley could make a strong challenge at the top of the table.

Preston are the dark-horses for promotion after topping Division Two last season.

They could emulate Manchester City with back-to-back promotions and have the spine of an excellent team. David Lucas is an England under-21 'keeper who is battling with Finnish international Teurvo Moilanen for the number one jersey and a strong central defensive partnership between Michael Jackson and new arrival Steve Robinson is complemented by the Preston's answer to Roy Keane, Sean Gregan.

Former Manchester United starlet Jon Macken can be relied upon to put his chances away and these should be created by Iain Anderson and Michael Appleton.

All three Lancashire teams are strong in certain areas but Preston look strong throughout the team. They might have a weaker squad but manager David Moyes has sufficient funds to strengthen it when the going gets tough. With all their money, write off Blackburn at your peril and Burnley will win close games thanks to their fantastic home fan base and team spirit.

Wanderers open their campaign with a derby game. The team? Burnley. The date? August 12th ... as if you didn't know already.