Preston North End Vs Watford Match Preview

Last updated : 28 October 2008 By Paul Neat

Preston North End Vs Watford

Coca-Cola Championship Tuesday 29th October 2008

After two straight defeats on the road, Alan Irvine will be more than happy to be preparing his side for a home match this Tuesday as the Lilywhites look to stop the run of defeats at two. Preston have already been beaten at home twice this season in the League and will be determined not to make it three after the visit of Aidy Boothroyd's Watford.

Watford visit Deepdale on the back of a defeat and are also without a win in two having drawn to Cardiff last Tuesday.  The Hornets' form so far this season has been indifferent, to say the least having lost just one of their opening six games before winning just once throughout September.

Both sides are in need of points before they drop further down the table with Watford languishing in 19th whilst North End occupy 15th.

Previous Meetings

Watford have already beaten Preston so far this season, this month in fact, as the Hornets came from behind to win 2-1. Sean St Ledger put Preston ahead at Vicarage Road after just five minutes played only for Jon Harley to equalise seven minutes later with Tommy Smith grabbing what turned out to be the winner on 21 minutes.

The corresponding fixture last season saw Preston win 1-0 with Neil Mellor netting the only goal of the game. Preston managed to avoid defeat to Watford last season after their trip to Vicarage Road resulted in a 0-0 draw where Preston earned a valuable point towards their survival campaign.

Team News

New loan signing Wayne Brown could feature with St Ledger being a doubt due to having pain killing injections at Bramall Lane. Chris Brown isn't likely to feature however neither are Richard Chaplow, Callum Davidson and Michael Hart who are all still recovering from their respective injuries.

For the visitors, Tamas Priskin will be denied making an appearance back at Deepdale for the first time since his loan deal at Preston last season as he is suspended. The Hungarian international is serving a three match ban following his sending off against Cardiff.

Jay DeMerit is working towards full fitness after picking up a hamstring injury but is doubtful, goalkeepers Mart Poom and Scott Loach are both long term absentees for the Hornets with shoulder and hip injuries respectively. 

Gareth Williams has a long term cruciate ligament injury whilst Lee Williamson has a lower back problem and are also both out.