Derby County Vs Preston North End
Coca-Cola Championship Tuesday 25th November 2008 7:45pm Kick Off
After putting together back-to-back victories for the first time since August, Alan Irvine will be preparing his side for the trip to Pride Park where the Lilywhites will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce for the first time this season. The last time Preston did as such was during March of last season where the Lilywhites saw off Leicester, Charlton and Wolves in quick succession with two of those being away from Deepdale. Much like Preston's current run of form, a win at Pride Park would mirror the fortunes of last March and could propel Preston back up into the play-off places.
Derby entertain North End on the back of a defeat to Ipswich at the weekend and will be looking to get back on track by recording their second win over Preston of the season. Paul Jewell was bitterly disappointed with the performance on Saturday and will expect much more from his players on Tuesday.
Previous Meetings
As mentioned above, Derby have already beaten Preston once this season having knocked them out of the Carling Cup in August. Just the one solitary goal from in the 40th Paul Green was enough to see the Rams through.
Many fans will choose to forget this game and instead focus on the 4-1 drubbing Preston gave Derby in the FA Cup 4th round last season. The result came as a surprise to everyone, especially in such a manner. Karl Hawley was on hand to net a brace with Simon Whaley and a Neil Mellor penalty completing the scoring for North End.
Team News
Claude Davis won't be able to make his first appearance back at Deepdale since leaving in 2006 after picking up an injury against Ipswich at the weekend. Likewise, winger Kris Commons who will also miss out due to an injury picked up at Portman Road. Dean Leacock and Martin Albrechtsen will also be watching Tuesday's game from the sidelines with it proving to be too soon for the defensive pair.
As for Preston, Ross Wallace is expected to overcome the illness that saw the winger miss the second half of the win over Barnsley on Saturday whilst Wayne Brown is set to make his final appearance for Preston ahead of his loan ending on Tuesday night.