Bristol City Vs Preston North End Match Preview
Npower Championship Saturday 6th November 2010
Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol.
Kick Off: 3:00PM
Referee: Dean Whitestone (click here for referee statistics)
The season is still fairly young but Saturday see’s a classic relegation six-pointer when North End travel down the M5 to take on struggling Bristol City.
The Lilywhites and The Robins can’t be separated after the first 14 games with both sides having identical point totals and goal difference. However, it’s North End who have their heads above water slightly and are one place above City who are in the relegation zone due to more goals scored.
Despite the precarious position that City find themselves in, the Robins are on a run of three games without defeat having seen off the challenges of Reading and Middlesbrough either side of a draw with QPR.
North End on the other hand have just one win in their last five matches.
Form
Bristol City: LLLWDW
Preston North End: WDLLWL
Previous Meetings (click here for head-to-head statistics)
Last year North End failed to record victory over City after drawing 2-2 on the opening day of the season and losing 4-2 at Ashton Gate in January.
The Lilywhites found themselves 2-0 down after an hour played but a superb fightback from North End earned a point on first day of the 2009/2010 season.
Jon Parkin fired home from the edge of the box on 82 minutes before Callum Davidson rifled in a penalty 6 minutes into stoppage time.
However, last season’s trip to Ashton Gate, which incidentally was Darren Ferguson’s first in charge at North End, wasn’t quite as successful.
This time it took just 12 minutes for North End to find themselves two behind after goals from Danny Haynes and Liam Fontaine.
Chris Brown pulled one back just shy of the hour mark only for Louis Carey to double City’s advantage midway through the second half.
Evander Sno made it 4 before Wallace pulled one back on 92 minutes for North End.
North End have only gained victory at Ashton Gate 4 times, the last came on 6th May 2000 where North End recorded a 2-0 win.
Brett Angell and Michael Appleton got the goals that afternoon.
Team News
North End will welcome the return of the inform Jon Parkin after the Barnsley-born striker sat out the trip to Leicester through suspension.
Barry Nicholson may in line for his first appearance since May after successfully getting through a reserve game in midweek.
City, on the other hand, have an extensive list of notable absentees.
Nicky Maynard (knee) and James Wilson (knee) will definitely be ruled out whilst Sam Vokes (hamstring), Cole Skuse (heel), Christian Ribeiro (groin/hip) are all doubts.
Played for Both, click here.