Preston North End Vs Norwich City
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 14th January 2009
After earning a great draw at the Madejski Stadium against high-flying Reading on Saturday, Preston boss Alan Irvine will be hoping that his side can put pressure on those above by earning three points at home to Norwich at the weekend. The former Everton assistant manager will undoubtedly be looking at his sides recent form in the glass half full mentality after three games without defeat, as opposed to looking at the four games without a win. Three draws on the spin has kept North End in 6th place but need to get back to winning ways if they are to continue their push of the play-offs.
Saturday's visitors are Bryan Gunn's Norwich City who have had an identical run of recent form as Preston with three draws and one defeat in their last four matches. A win for the canaries could see them move up to 16th in the table and above Preston's bitter rivals Blackpool, should results elsewhere go their way.
Previous Meetings
When North End visited Carrow Road back in early November, former Canary Chris Brown stunned his former side by firing Preston into a second minute lead. However, goals from Leroy Lita and John Kennedy reversed Brown's opener meaning that going into the last ten minutes, Norwich looked like they would take all three points. However, Neil Mellor saved Preston's blushes by equalising on 81 minutes. The goal proved to be enough to secure a point for North End who hadn't had much look down in Norfolk in recent seasons.
Last season's encounter with Norwich at Deepdale was on the opening day. The aforementioned Chris Brown was in the Norwich side that day that drew 0-0 with the Lilywhites.
Preston's visit to Carrow Road last season ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Alan Irvine's team. A Daryl Russell goal in the 91st minute broke Preston hearts, sending the Lilywhites back up to Lancashire without a single point for their endeavours.
Saturday's fixture will be the 44th time these two sides have gone head-to-head. Norwich have the edge with 17 wins as opposed to Preston's 13.
Team News
For the visitors, John Kennedy will be suspended after picking up a red card but one man who is in contention is Gary Doherty after having his red card rescinded whilst. Jason Shackell could make his first Norwich appearance since re-signing on loan from Wolves.
For North End, Ross Wallace will be suspended after picking up five bookings, giving a chance for the likes of Simon Whaley or Darren Carter to impress. Defender Eddie Nolan is doubtful after picking up an Achilles tendon problem prior to the Republic of Ireland game in the week.