On Sky
Leeds United go into tonight`s game on the back of a 3 game unbeaten run, however two of them have been draws. When you look at the form of the clubs around us in the relegation zone, time is very much running out for Dennis Wise`s men.
Preston on the other hand are chasing automatic promotion and are just 3 points behind 2nd placed Birmingham City and will be wanting to close the gap at the top.
Vital Quotes:
Leeds United assistant boss Gus Poyet will be hoping for the players to prove a point against Preston tonight.
‘We have seven games to go, four at home, and we have to win those.”
‘The lads are confident – we are unbeaten in three – and have a good chance.”
‘I don’t care how we do it, I just want the three points.”
Paul Simpson on the other hand seems to be concentrating more on the opposition. The PNE boss is expecting a physical battle, not sure why we`re such a delightfully skilful side!
‘I expect Leeds will make it as aggressive as they can.
They will want to try and bully us and kick us about the park.
‘We have to be prepared to stand up to that and then let our football talk as well.”
‘I think we have got a good mix to do that. We have
experience, some youth in there, a physical presence and pace.”
Leeds United Team News:
After their reserve team exploits, Gary Kelly, Hayden Foxe, Rui Marques and even loanee Jemal Johnson may return to the squad for tonight.
As per usual, there is no go with the Flo due to his knackered foot, and Alan Thompson`s dodgy knee is still dodgy.
Player to watch: David Healy
He scored 5 goals in 2 games for Northern Ireland during the International break. Can he finally do the business for Leeds this season.
Preston North End Team News:
Preston may have to do without Scottish International player Graham Alexander, who has picked up a thigh problem against the World Cup Champions Italy last week. Kevin Wilson, Pavel Pergl, Simon Whaley and Lewis Neal are all apparently back.
Player to watch: David Nugent
Fresh from scoring Jermaine Defoe`s goal against the footballing giants Andorra, one of the most exciting prospects in English football (apparently) will need to be stopped if we have any chance of winning.
Useless Facts
Did you know the first ever traffic cones were used when building the Preston bypass in the late 50`s.
Preston North End was one of the founding members of the Football League
The first ever KFC in the UK was opened in Preston!
Ref Watch:
The referee for tonight is A Marriner!
Match Prediction:
I predict a scraper on this one?1-0 Leeds with Ulster`s magic man Healy being the difference.
Next Up:
Next up for Leeds is a tricky home tie against the funniest manager in football. Ian Holloway`s Plymouth Argyle make the (very) long trip to Yorkshire on the 7th April.