Plymouth v Preston

Preston take on Plymouth in what should prove to be an entertaining encounter at Home Park.

Vital Quotes:

Preston

North End striker David Nugent: “I’m buzzing at the moment and still on a high [after winning Young Player of the Year]. We go into the game tomorrow and I hope I can score some goals for the Preston fans.

“The team behind us are catching up now and we need to be winning these games in hand, starting with Plymouth tomorrow. It will be tough, with the long journey, but we will be flying with confidence and will be going down there for the three points.”

Plymouth quotes to follow.

Plymouth Team News:

Right-back Paul Connolly is available for selection once more after returning from suspension and is expected to compete for a place with Lee Hodges.

Romain Larrieu and Vincent Pericard are available after injury niggles and are expected to start.

Player to watch: Vincent Pericard

Very much on form, scoring a killer hat-trick recently. Who knows if he’ll be blowing hot or cold this week, but the makeshift North End defence will have to stay professional at the back to keep a clean sheet.

Preston Team News:

Loan ranger Jason Jarrett is set to start for the Lilywhites after completing his loan move from Norwich on Monday.

Preston are without key personnel at the back, with Youl Mawene serving a one-match ban and Chris Lucketti sidelined with a groin strain.

Graham Alexander is available again following his international call-up last week.

Player to watch: David Nugent

Should be on fire after being named Football League Young Player of the Year and has a point to prove after a barren patch in front of goal.

Match Facts & Stats

PNE are looking to get their play-off aspirations back on track following the ending of their unbeaten run of 22 games by league leaders Reading.

Selected match stats:

Form:
Plymouth = W-L-W-D-D
Preston – L-D-W-D-W

Goal Difference:
Plymouth = (-6)
Preston – (+20)

League Position:
Plymouth = 13th
Preston – 6th

Selected odds: Plymouth 6/4, Draw 11/5, Preston 6/4

Match Prediction:

Plymouth are a good side and by rights should be higher up the table. Too many teams have been lulled into a false sense of security at Home Park and North End will have to stay on their toes to control the game.

However, Preston have the better passing game and I thoroughly expect them to get back on track with a closely-fought win. Sorry, Plymouth fans.

Laycock’s Verdict: Plymouth 0 – 1 Preston

Next Fixtures:

Preston face Brighton on Saturday away in another must-win encounter.