Preview - Preston v Pompey

I have had nothing but trouble doing this preview, so ended up doing it this way! Anyway Preston v Pompey is here...

Introduction:
Deepdale seems a long way off from heights of the premier league, and the likes of Ewood Park, The Reebok stadium and even the likes of Anfield, Goodison Park and Old Trafford that are in that 'type' of area of the world - although in all honesty I know what I prefer, and it is the trip to places like Preston where 'real' football takes place!

Vital Quotes:
With only 1 point from 2 games so far many would think that Pompey have carried on where they left off last season... In some ways that would be true, with last weekends draw at home against Reading very similar to last season in as much as we created plenty of chances but failed to take them before the late equaliser punished us.

Home Team News
Sean St Ledger - hamstring - is poised to return although another defender Wayne Brown - calf strain - will miss out after recovering from a hip injury.

Home Player to Watch
Sean St Ledger

In all honesty, and I think this was from watching Ireland play France in 'that' Thierry Henry game, I thought he had left for Boro but it was just a loan - his return will boost a defence that has conceded a few goals this season.

Away Team News
It will be pretty much 'as you were' for Pompey I would suspect, although John Utaka - hamstring - has not trained all week and is doubtful, this is 'probably' not really a loss though, many would argue it is a bonus!

Tommy Smith - hip - 'should' return to the squad though and Hayden Mullins - knee - will continue to battle on.

It looks highly likely that we will only have 3 or 4 players on the bench once again though, with little experience among them, so it is a shame we could not bring in a player this week.

Away Player to Watch
Dave Nugent

Come on guys, could it really be anyone else but the former Preston man?

Match Facts & Stats
In 76 previous meetings in total Preston hold a 32-22 lead, with 22 draws.

At Deepdale Preston hold an 18-5 lead with 14 draws.

The last meeting was the cup game during our FA cup winning year - an own goal at the death saw us advance to the quarter finals and the game at Old Trafford against Manyoo.


Ref Watch
David Coverdale.

Match Prediction
Preston have made an awful start to the season though so we have a 'chance' here methinks! That said it would be typical of Pompey to let a team, that is seemingly struggling even at this early stage, off the hook. As always my heart says a Pompey win, funnily enough my head does too - then again that is no doubt my heart ruling my head as usually...

Either way, hedge your bets in the predictions league here.

Next Fixture
After this game Palace come to Fratton on Tuesday in the league cup.

PLAY UP POMPEY!

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