Peterborough make the lengthy trip to Preston desperate to secure their first win of the season. With a return of only one point from the first none available Posh are languishing just above the relegation places, not where we anticipated we`d be.
However, it should be said though that we`ve been unlucky. In our last fixture, against West Brom, we were deprived of an equaliser by a poor decision from the referee. Could Deepdale witness a change in our fortune?
Vital Quotes:
Speaking about the vital trip to Deepdale, Darren Ferguson feels very optimistic about taking all three points, remarking,
‘I have some decisions to make, but whatever team I put out will be told to go all out for the win. Preston will be strong, hard-working and well-organised.
‘They know their way around the Championship and I expect them to be challenging near the top of the table again this season.
‘But if we play to our best there is no reason to believe we can’t win up there.’
Preston North End Team News:
The home side have an injury problem with Youl Mawene out with a hamstring strain but are likely to welcome back Liam Chilvers and Richard Chaplow. Also hoping to feature are Neil Mellor (ex-Liverpool), Jon Parkin, Veliche Shumulikoski and Darren Carter (ex-Birmingham)
Player to watch: Sean St Ledger
As you`re all aware Sean started his career with Peterborough, it`ll be interesting to see how he fares against us. Please don`t let him join that long list of players who score against their former clubs!
Posh Team News:
Following our poor start to the season it`ll be interesting to see who Darren Ferguson starts with on Saturday. Has Lewis looked a bit sketchy? Does he rotate his midfield players? Will Whelpdale come back into the frame? All intriguing questions that only Darren knows the answers to.
However, there will be one enforced change with a groin injury keeping Tom Williams out. We expect Russell Martin to return at right back with Charlie Lee switching to left back.
Player to watch: Craig Mackail-Smith
Our top scorer from last season is on a roll with two goals in two games, both headers, can Craig make it three in three and help push us towards a valuable three points? Why not!
Match Facts & Stats
If Posh are to return south with all three points they`ll have to become the first team to beat Preston this season and the first team to beat them in a seven game run that goes back to last season.
However, the last time these two teams met, on 12th April 1997, Posh emerged 2-0 victors with goals from Willis and De Souza, more of the same please!
Match Prediction:
It`ll be tough at Preston there`s no doubt about that. The Lancashire club have been there or thereabouts, with regards to the play-offs, in the last two seasons. But, is this not the kind of ground where we need to show what we`re made off, need to show our own class and take the three points? I suggest so; I can see us returning to London Road with all three points, possibly 2-0!
Next Fixtures:
Next up on Tuesday evening is that, as described by Barry Fry, rubbish draw against Ipswich Town in the Carling Cup – Tuesday evening!
sorry folks – home win for me!