MK Dons are the visitors to Deepdale this weekend, it will no doubt be a difficult task for Simon Grayson’s side to pull off a win as the two teams are separated by just goal difference in the league with the dons sitting third and North End in 4th spot.
Under the guidance of Karl Robinson, the Dons have been doing very well in the league so far, they did lose last weekend in the FA Cup to Chesterfield but before that they were unbeaten in six, including wins against Swindon, two against Port Vale in cup and league and a 6-0 hammering of Colchester United.
Simon Grayson takes his men into this game with for wins under there belt from the last four outings which includes a win over Oldham in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on penalties, a big improvement from their small bad run of not too long ago when they lost three in four games.
Vital Quotes:
Simon Grayson: ‘I think when you look at MK Dons, they’ve probably got as strong a squad as they have done for a long time now, they’ve invested in the loan market strikers wise with Afobe and Grigg. They’ve got some young exciting talent’s coming through and Deli Ali and Reeves as well and experienced campaigners we’ve been there for years.
‘I think this is there best chance if they are going to get promoted this year because I do feel that it’s their strongest squad. I think Karl [Robinson] would say that as well, looking at his squads in the past he’s probably not felt the strength in depth but this year they certainly have.’
Karl Robinson: “‘We need to make sure we are very resolute in how we defend and deny opportunities for the opposition, but also how we can turn that into a very attack-minded system.
‘Anything away at Preston would be a tremendous result – we know the importance of staying in the game and fighting until the very end.
‘We respect the job that Simon and all his staff are doing and we are looking forward to going there.’
Preston North End Team News:
Andy Little is back in the squad while Bailey Wright and Calum Woods are drawing nearer to being fit again.
Joe Garner and Jordan Hugill are still injured.
Player to watch: Paul Huntingdon.
Been doing well of late and weighed in with a couple of important goals to help out.
MK Dons Team News:
Tom Flanagan will miss the game due to a head injury.
Karl Robinson has been keeping a close eye on Ben Reeves and Kyle McFadzean this week and the Dons boss is hopeful they will be available for selection.
Danny Green returns after serving a one-game suspension.
Player to watch: Benik Afobe
On loan from Arsenal, 18 goals to his name in all competitions so far, he’ll be looking for more against Preston.
Last Season
17 August 2013 – Preston 2-2 MK Dons.
18 February 2014 – MK Dons 0-0 Preston.
Ref Watch:
David Coote is the referee.
Running the lines for this game will be Christopher Akers and Robert Merchant. And the fourth official duties fall upon Scott Oldham.
Match Prediction:
A draw would not surprise me for this game, I’ll go for 2-2.
Next Fixtures:
JPT – Tues 16 Dec 2014 – Notts Co v Preston
I think we can edge this if we can keep their strikers contained