Preston North End Vs Middlesbrough Preview
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 24th October 2009
After the disappointment of losing 4-0 to QPR on Saturday, Alan Irvine’s men bounced back with an excellent win at Hillsborough on Tuesday night, a ground which North End hadn’t been able to secure victory at in nearly three years.
The result sets North End up nicely for the visit of now manager-less Middlesbrough. Although Boro are 4th and one point ahead of North End, their recent results have been inconsistent, which may explain the dwindling attendances. Following their heavy defeat to West Brom in September, Boro were without a win in their following two games too before eventually bouncing back to see off Reading at the Madejski. A defeat to Watford at home followed by a win over Derby on Tuesday makes up their last two games, games that proved to be Southgate’s last in charge.
Previous Meetings
Due to both sides playing in different leagues since the early 70s, the last two meetings between these two sides have both been in the FA Cup.
The most recent was in the 5th round when Steve McClaren’s side visited Deepdale in February 2006. Yakubu dealt the Lilywhites a harsh lesson in clinical finishing that afternoon by bagging a second half brace in front of the television cameras, making the home side rue chances missed in the first half.
Back in February 1987 North End managed to record a 1-0 win at Ayresome Park which became the first meeting between the two sides since the 1973/1974 season. That year Boro did the double over North End with a 3-0 defeat at Ayresome Park as well as handing out a 4-2 hiding at Deepdale.
In total, the two sides have gone head-to-head 86 times with Boro having the edge in number of wins; 38 over Preston’s 29. However, when Middlesbrough have been the visiting side, North End have the advantage with 20 wins compared to Boro’s 15.
Team News
After becoming increasingly close to a return, skipper Callum Davidson suffered another injury set back. The Scottish international is facing an extended stay on the sidelines after missing the last six weeks out with a torn hamstring.
Meanwhile, Paul Parry was an unused substitute for the win at Hillsborough but may get his first start since September.
For the visitors, Sean St Ledger is set to play at Deepdale for the first time as an opposing player following his loan move.