Watford Vs Preston North End Preview
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 7th November 2009
After two straight home draws, North End travel to Vicarage Road in search of their first win in three but second consecutive away victory. With a sting in their tails, the Lilywhites look to pile the misery on Malky MacKay’s Hornets who themselves will be aiming to bounce back after being dealt a crushing 5-0 defeat to West Brom at the weekend.
Despite recording just one win in their last six, a win could see the Lilywhites leapfrog their way back into the playoff places. Such win will also mean North End will come away from Hertfordshire with three points for the first time since August 2005.
Current Form:
Watford LLWDWL
North End LDLWDD
North End’s last trip to Vicarage Road ended in tears with the Lilywhites having to return back to Lancashire without a single point for their endeavours. Despite taking the lead with a goal from the recently departed Sean St Ledger, North End saw the game turn on its head inside the first 21 minutes. Goals from Jon Harley on 12 minutes, just 7 minutes after St Ledger’s opener, was followed by a goal from Tommy Smith on 21 minutes which to be the winner for the Hornets.
However, when the two sides met at Deepdale in October last year it was North End who were the victors. A goal from Billy Jones just before the interval and a strike from Ross Wallace on 68 proved to be enough for North End to seal a 2-0 win, making it North End’s first win in three. Gaffer Alan Irvine will be hoping that lightening strikes twice in that respect.
In total, the Hornets and the Lilywhites have gone head-to-head on 37 prior occasions. Preston have the edge with 16 wins over Watford’s 10 but have only been able to be victorious on four occasions at Vicarage Road. The last North End win at Vicarage Road came on the opening day of the 2005/2006 season.
Last Six Meetings at Vicarage Road:
|
2008/2009 |
Sat 04 Oct |
Watford |
2 - 1 |
Preston N.E. |
Championship |
|
2007/2008 |
Sat 23 Feb |
Watford |
0 - 0 |
Preston N.E. |
Championship |
|
2005/2006 |
Sat 06 Aug |
Watford |
1 - 2 |
Preston N.E. |
Championship |
|
2004/2005 |
Sat 19 Mar |
Watford |
0 - 2 |
Preston N.E. |
Championship |
|
2003/2004 |
Sat 14 Feb |
Watford |
2 - 0 |
Preston N.E. |
League Division One |
|
2002/2003 |
Tue 04 Mar |
Watford |
0 - 1 |
Preston N.E. |
League Division One |
Team News
North End fans will have been pleasantly surprised by the news of Callum Davidson’s return to fitness. The Scottish full back had recently suffered a setback during his recovery from a hamstring injury but is widely expected to feature on Saturday.
Watford, though, will be without centre back Jay DeMerit who is recovering from a serious eye infection. The American international had an operation on Saturday 17th October and is not expected to return to first team action in time for the visit of North End.
Likewise, midfielder Ross Jenkins is touch and go after hobbling off during Watford’s win over Sheffield Wednesday. The teenager missed the trip to West Bromwich but may be in contention for a return on Saturday. Goalkeepers Richard Lee and Jonathan North are both ruled out with knee and hand injuries respectively.