Match Preview: Nottingham Forest

Last updated : 10 March 2010 By Paul Neat

Preston North End Vs Nottingham Forest Match Preview

Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 13th March 2010

Despite not coming away with all three points from Tuesday’s bout with Doncaster, the Lilywhites now find themselves on a mini-run of three games without defeat heading into Saturday’s tricky encounter with Forest.

Billy Davies

Billy Davies’ side visit Deepdale on the back of a dramatic late win against Swansea at the weekend which propelled Forest back into the automatic promotion places, for 24 hours at least. A North End win on Saturday, though, could see Forest lose ground on West Brom who play host to Blackpool.

Previous Meetings

When North End visited the City Ground back in December Alan Irvine was still in charge. That evening, the Lilywhites were completely outclassed in a 3-0 defeat thanks to goals from old boy Paul McKenna, Dele Adebola and Lewis McGugan.

Neil Mellor

The corresponding fixture last season was a happier one for the Lilywhites, though. North End went two up with goals from Neil Mellor and Youl Mawene before the latter put the ball in his own net to half the Lilywhites’ advantage. Preston held on to record a 2-1 win back in September 2008.

Team News

Striker Danny Welbeck is back in contention for North End after recovering from a knee injury. The United man has been back it his parent club receiving treatment as well as training at their Carrington base earlier in the week before returning to Springfields.

Full back Tom Williams is a doubt after limping out of the draw with Doncaster on Tuesday. Skipper Callum Davidson is likely to step in.

Paul McKenna

For the visitors, former North End favourite Paul McKenna is ruled out not only for the game at Deepdale but potentially the rest of the season too.