Preston North End Vs Derby County
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 26th December 2008 3pm Kick-off
North End's failure to defend from set pieces halted their winning streak to just two consecutive games after Preston were left without even a point for their endeavours at Loftus Road. However, Boxing Day sees the visit of Paul Jewell's Derby County for the second time this season and with just one win on the road in the league this term, it could be the perfect opportunity for Alan Irvine and his men to immediately return to winning ways.
Derby ended a run of six league games without a win by seeing off the challenge of Watford at Pride Park on Saturday. A Rob Hulse goal was enough to separate the two teams coming just seven minutes from time.
Previous Meetings
Derby have already beaten North End once this season having cut short the Lilywhites' run in the League Cup with a 1-0 win in August. A repeat of that result would certainly be a late Christmas present for manager Paul Jewell who has only seen his side record back-to-back league wins once during his tenure as manager.
Preston's visit to Pride Park just a few weeks ago saw the points shared despite coming from behind early on. Rob Hulse had put the home side ahead in the 8th minute before defender Callum Davidson equalised from the penalty spot in the 21st. Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor put Preston in the lead just shy of the half-hour mark before an almost instant reply from Jordan Stewart pegged Preston back.
North End fans will of course be hoping that if lightening is to strike twice it will be reminiscent of the 4-1 drubbing Preston gave Derby in the FA Cup 4th round last season as opposed to this season's short comings against The Rams. Karl Hawley was on hand to net a brace that day whilst a goal from Simon Whaley and a Neil Mellor penalty completed the scoring for North End.
Team News
With the Liverpool FA Cup game just around the corner, Neil Mellor will be looking to prove his fitness in time for Friday so that he is ready and raring to go in time. Mellor came through a closed-doors friendly against Liverpool reserves in the week unscathed but may not be risked against Derby.
For Derby, Paul Green is touch-and-go as to whether he is going to he is going to be fit in time for Friday's game. The midfielder is recovering from two broken fingers he picked up against Stoke in the Carling Cup.