We haven’t lost three games in a row all season and we don’t plan to start now. Preston North End arrive on the back of a very encouraging 5-0 demolition of Bristol City and harbour their own hopes of a play-off place under ex-Leeds boss Simon Grayson.
It’s as you were in terms of personnel this weekend, Liam Cooper is band but everyone else is available for selection and there is sure to be some changes after two very poor showings on the road. Three more wins should get us over the line but stranger things have happened and it’s important we start winning again and fast. A defeat followed by a trip to league leaders Newcastle United could have some devastating consequences on our hopes of making the play-offs and Preston has turned into a cup final of sorts.
Preston were expected to finish mid-table and come brimming with confidence, players performing very well and helping them mount a push for the play off places. Grayson has his side well organised and scoring goals as well as playing decent football at times. They would certainly be over-achieving by reaching the play offs very similar to ourselves. The side from across the Pennines may well fancy there chances of a win tomorrow and will probably sit back and try to frustrate us, looking to use the pace to hit us on the counter attack. We need to make sure we mix it up tomorrow and aren’t predictable.
One to watch – Aiden McGeady – A player who should have made his mark on the Premier League but didn’t now in fine form for Preston. Don’t let him come inside, he has a habit of scoring when given space on the edge of the box.
My XI
Green
Ayling Bartley Jansson Berardi
Bridcutt O’Kane
Barrow Roofe Sacko
Wood
