Preston North End Vs Bristol City
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 8th August 2009
Seemingly just as the 2008/2009 season drew to a close, the opening day of the new campaign is just a few days away. The Lilywhites haven’t had much success with opening day home fixtures in recent years meaning that North End will be looking to record their win since the 2004/2005 season with a win against Gary Johnson’s Bristol City. A defeat to West Ham United as well as draws to Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday have meant that North End have had to wait to record their first home win of the season in the past few years.
After what can be considered a successful pre-season - the defeat to Wigan Athletic aside - North End will be hoping they can hit the ground running and pick up where they left off at Easter Road last Saturday. Just the one defeat means that the North End faithful will be looking to Saturday in a positive light and will be confident of making a winning start.
Bristol City’s pre-season form has been indifferent to say the least with the Robins losing to Yeovil Town as well as drawing with Cheltenham, not to mention the crushing defeat to Dutch giants Ajax. However, Gary Johnson’s side were able to pick up a win against Premier League Wolves at Ashton Gate.
Previous Meetings
When Bristol City visited Deepdale last season they did so midst some very thick fog. Despite the adverse weather conditions, North End managed to record a 2-0 win thanks to goals from former Sunderland duo Stephen Elliott and Ross Wallace.
North End then visited Ashton Gate in April and managed to salvage a draw after going a 1-0 down via a Nicky Maynard strike. Youl Mawene equalised from a corner to see the spoils shared.
In total, North End have faced Bristol City 73 times with the Lilywhites only having the edge slightly in terms of wins with 25 over Bristol City’s 24. However, when the sides have gone head-to-head at Deepdale, City have only been able to record 4 wins and have been defeated 21 times.
Team News
New additions Paul Parry and Velice Shumulikoski could be in line to make their debuts on Saturday. The Welshman and Macedonian respectively both joined North End this week and will be hoping to make at least a substitute appearance in a bid to stake a claim for a regular place in Alan Irvine’s side.
Centre half Sean St Ledger is a doubt after he watched on from the sidelines during North End’s 3-1 friendly win over Hibs on Saturday with the likes of Eddie Nolan, Liam Chilvers and Neal Trotman all ready to deputise.
For the visitors, Cole Skuse is a doubt after picking up a groin strain but was scheduled to play in a practice game on Monday behind closed doors. Meanwhile, Christian Ribero is in line to make his competitive comeback after he managed 90 minutes against Yeovil.
Brian Wilson came on as second half sub during the 3-1 win over Wycombe after recuperating from shin splints whilst Jordan Walker still remains a doubt with a knee injury.
One man who definitely won’t be featuring for City is Michael McIndoe. The attacking midfielder joined Chris Coleman’s Coventry City this week.