Leyton Orient Vs Preston North End Match Preview
npower League One Saturday 24th November 2012
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Matchroom Stadium, Brisbane Road
Referee: Andy Davies
Betting Odds: Leyton Orient 9/5 Draw 23/10 Preston North End 13/10
Form: Leyton Orient LLLWWW Preston North End DWDWDD
Two home games and two draws would perhaps spell two points dropped in the glass half empty camp but those who prefer to seek the positives can take solace in North End's unbeaten run now extended to seven games.
However, the result on Tuesday night was a mere footnote in what became a rather sour affair under the Deepdale floodlights.
Graham Westley was scathing in his reflection on the game whilst very damning on referee Tony Harrington's performance and indeed certain individuals in the Magpie "nest".
Westley's words sent out a battle cry to the Preston North End supporters who see no alternative than to adopt a siege mentality, galvanising both players and fans together as the club push towards promotion united as one.
This Saturday the Lilywhites travel to the Capital to take on Leyton Orient, a team firmly in mid table but just three points shy of North End's tally.
Unfortunately, it is also worth noting that the referee in charge of Saturday's affair is another inexperienced official, the third to govern a North End game in the last month.
A win for North End would be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Previous Meetings (click here for head-to-head stats)
Last season's trip to Brisbane Road in October 2011 wasn't a particularly pleasant one for the Lilywhites.
A 2-1 defeat set the traveling Preston faithful back up north without even a point for their side's endeavours, despite taking the lead through Paul Coutts after just two minutes played.
Likewise, the reverse fixture resulted in victory for Orient thanks to a 2-0 defeat back in January.
Such results meant that North End fans will have to cast their minds back to the mid-nineties for the last victory over the east London outfit.
During the 1995/1996 season North End recorded the double over the O's thanks to a 4-0 win at Deepdale and a 2-0 win at the now named Matchroom Stadium.
Despite that, Orient have the advantage over their North West counterparts in terms of victories with 20 as opposed to Preston's 16.
Team News
Defender Scott Laird's injury was confirmed as a leg break meaning the former Stevenage man will be out for up to nine months after, what Graham Westley described as, a "disgusting" and "horrible" tackle from Jamal Campbell-Ryce on Tuesday.
We would like to extend our sympathies to Scott who has put in some sterling performances for the Lilywhites this campaign earning him a potential cult hero status amongst the Deepdale faithful.
North End will also be without right back Keith Keane after suffering a knee injury against Notts County.
Bailey Wright and David Buchanan are set to deputise.