Match Preview: Newcastle United

Newcastle United Vs Preston North End Match Preview

Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 20^th February 2010

Seeing as though North End's last meeting with the Magpies was one for sorrow, it stands to reason that their second this season could be two for joy; at least that's how the rhyme goes anyway.

Silly puns aside, in a week where Darren Ferguson was left stunned by his side's defending -  labelling it as 'unacceptable' -, the Lilywhites face a very difficult trip to St James Park to take on the league leaders.

Newcastle bounced back from their defeat to Derby with an emphatic win in midweek over Coventry City. North End will be hoping to do the same after succumbing to the Rams at Pride Park themselves.

Form

Newcastle United Home Form: DWDWWW
Preston North End Away Form: LLLWLL

Overall

Newcastle United: WDWLDW
Preston North End: WLLWDL

Previous Meetings

North End's only previous meeting with the Magpies in the last 23 years came back in November 2009 where Chris Hughton's men grabbed all three points in a narrow victory.

Former Bolton midfielder Kevin Nolan scored the only goal of the game when he managed to guide his 74^th minute strike past Andrew Lonergan.

Prior to November's game, the last time these two sides met at St James' Park in the league was back on the 14^th March 1981 where the Geordies recorded a 2-0 win.

North End's last win at St James' Park was on the 21^st September 1963 when the Lilywhites managed to outscore the Magpies in a 6 goal thriller; North End won 4-2.

Team News

There are no new injury worries for Darren Ferguson but skipper Callum Davidson is unlikely to feature following the arrival of Tom Williams from Peterborough. Davidson suffered a head injury during the 1-0 win over Williams' Peterborough in January and has not featured since.

For the home side, striker Shola Ameobi is set to miss out after picking up a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with Swansea on February 13^th.

Skipper Nicky Butt is also a doubt after picking up a thigh strain. The former Manchester United midfielder has already missed Newcastle's last 5. Other doubts include Jose Enrique (hamstring), and Steven Taylor (knee).