LANDLORDS are waiting with bated breath to see if trouble brews on Sunday following the long-awaited Blackburn Rovers versus Burnley clash at Ewood Park.

Luke Gaskill, assistant manager of the Calder pub in the heart of Accrington – a possible battle ground between the two sets of supporters – has drafted in extra security at the Blackburn Road pub.

He said: "We will be showing the game on two big projector screens and six plasmas.

"We have got three times the number of doorstaff we usually have because it’s the first time for us as a pub and a company to show such a high profile game between two local teams.

"We have never experienced a game like it and we don’t know whether there will be any trouble so we’re taking extra precautions.

"We are only going to be letting in Burnley supporters and we will only be serving drinks in plastic glasses. Bottles will be poured into plastic pots by the bar staff.

"If it’s over the top we can change it next time but we want to make sure people are safe.

"If there’s any trouble we will take prompt action. This match will act as precedence for any in the future between the two towns."

Phil Miller, of the Stanley pub, said they would be using a buzzer system on the door to monitor who drinks at the Stanley Street pub in Accrington.

He said: "It’s a lot of messing about for a game of football but both teams have this reputation now.

"A couple of years ago there was an incident where the Black Horse got trashed.

"On a midweek night there are usually no problems but with the early kick off the fans have got all afternoon and evening to make a nuisance of themselves.

"They will want to meet up somewhere and cause trouble.

"I’m not saying it could turn into a warzone but I know the police are certainly looking at it."

Meanwhile in Great Harwood, landlords are more relaxed about the game.

Mick Jones from the Duke of Wellington pub on Blackburn Road, said there is friendly rivalry between the two teams but does not believe there will be any trouble.

He said: "I don’t think Sunday will be a problem. Most of the people round here are quite friendly despite what team shirt they wear.

"I’m not showing the game, but it will be business as usual."

Steve Robinson, who has recently taken over as landlord of the Dog and Otter, Cliffe Lane, Great Harwood, agreed.

He said: "The match is not something that’s worrying me. We are well out of the town and rarely get that type of clientele as we are more of an eating establishment.

"I would understand town centre pubs putting extra precautions into place."