Preston North End Vs Colchester United Match Preview
npower League One Saturday 18th August 2012
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Deepdale, Preston
Referee: Philip Gibbs (click here for referee stats)
Betting Odds: Preston Evens, Draw 5/2, Colchester 13/5
Form
Preston North End: W
Colchester United: L
Whereas the Lilywhites head into their League One curtain-raiser with an impressive win under their belts, The U's make the trip to Deepdale on the back of a 3-0 drubbing to Yeovil.
Consequently, Graham Westley's men will be brimming with confidence, merely adding weight to the argument that the League Cup can help a league campaign rather than hinder.
North End haven't had too much luck on the opening day of the season in recent years having not picked up a win since 2008 when the Lilywhites saw off the challenge of Ipswich Town.
Ironically, United are unbeaten on the opening day since 2008 however, the U's will simply be looking to bounce back from their comprehensive defeat on Tuesday
Previous Meetings (click here for head-to-head stats)
Last season's visit of Colchester was of course identical to the forthcoming fixture; a summer of upheaval, and an air of optimism from the North End faithful.
However, North End were outgunned by a rampant Colchester side, going down to a 4-2 defeat.
Anthony Wordsworth and Ian Henderson had the visitors 2-0 up after 49 minutes before Neil Mellor, making his return following a loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday, announced his come back with a goal on the hour mark.
Ian Henderson made it 3-1 five minutes later before Paul Coutts converted a goal of the season contender.
The momentum shifted in North End's favour but it was Colchester who went on to score the decisive 6th goal to make it 4-2 through Kayode Odejayi.
The return fixture wasn't any better as for as North End fans are concerned; a 3-0 defeat on the 3rd day of the 3rd month in front of 3,333 people. Can you see a pattern emerging here?
Goals from Steven Gillespie on 19 and 52 minutes saw Colchester 2-0 up before Andy Bond capped off a miserable afternoon for the Lilywhites with United's 3rd in stoppage time.
In total the Lilywhites and the U's have faced each other 27 times with North End leading the way slightly with 11 wins over 10.
Team News
Winger Lee Holmes picked up what was described as a "niggle" said to be with the former Southampton man's hamstring during the win over Huddersfield Town and is regarded as a "minor doubt" but could still feature.
Midfielder Joel Byrom sat out the aforementioned win but gaffer Graham Westley remains hopeful that his number 13 and former subordinate at Stevenage will be available for the visit of Colchester.
Striker Lee Trundle is the Lilywhites' only long-term absentee.
For the visitors Brian Wilson has successfully recovered from a bout of sickness which saw the defender sit out the U's home friendly with Ipswich, making his return in the 3-0 defeat to Yeovil.
Ben Coker, on the other hand, was absent and is a doubt for the trip to Deepdale.
Played For Both (click here)