Sheffield Wednesday Vs Preston North End Preview
Coca-Cola Championship Tuesday 20th October 2009
Even though Jim Magilton’s QPR were unbeaten at home heading into Saturday’s fixture with the Lilywhites (and still are), no one would have predicted a 4-0 drubbing was on the cards for Alan Irvine’s side. The former Everton assistant manager has indicated that his side needs to learn the lessons quickly in time to bounce back against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, their first game in what could be a make or break week for North End.
Sheffield Wednesday are a side who have only managed two wins since the start of September having seen off Coventry City in controversial circumstances on Saturday as well as a 3-1 win over Cardiff at the tail end of September. Those wins make up two thirds of the Owls’ home league wins this season having ensured a somewhat inconsistent campaign thus far.
With that in mind, Tuesday’s game will be one that both sides will think they need to win; Wednesday to build up momentum following Saturday’s win over Coventry and for North End to bounce back after an embarrassing defeat.
Previous Meetings
Both fixtures between the Owls and the Lilywhites last season resulted in 1-1 draws. Wednesday took the lead in both those games with Sean McAllister putting the home side ahead after just 20 minutes during the August fixture. Richard Chaplow pulled one back late into the second half to see the spoils shared, though.
When Brian Laws’ side visited Deepdale in March Preston fans had to wait even longer for an equaliser. The outcast Francis Jeffers put the visitors ahead after half an hour played via a Sean McAllister ball into the six yard box. The former Everton striker’s goal looked to be enough for the Owls to head back to South Yorkshire with all three points but not if a particular Yorkshiremanin the North End game had anything to do with it. Barnsley-born Jon Parkin popped up to equalise deep into stoppage time to save Preston’s blushes, sending the Deepdale faithful into raptures in the process.
Tuesday’s match will be the 99th fixture between the two sides in which North End have the edge with two more wins than Wednesday; 39 as opposed to 37. Wednesday, however, have a distinct lead when the sides have met at Hillsborough; Preston have only managed to record 12 wins and 9 draws when visiting the Owls.
Team News
Having been left out of the squad to face QPR, Callum Davidson may be deemed fit enough to make a return to first team action on Tuesday. The Scot was rumoured to be in line for a return for the trip to West London but gaffer Alan Irvine instead opted to field Michal Hart for his first league start of the season.
Paul Parry will be hoping for a starting place after making his comeback as a second half substitute at Loftus Road.