West Brom will look to put their opening day defeat to Burnley behind them as they welcome Carling cup casualties Preston to the Hawthorns. Darren Carter, who joined Preston last week will be looking to inflict some damage on his old club as Preston seek to bounce back from their humiliating loss to Morecambe.
Editor’s view:
West Brom will be strong favourites for this game and Preston do not seem capable of causing a surprise. But football is a funny old game and maybe Preston will be able to prove many people wrong and hopefully bring three points home
West Brom Team News:
The usual players are out for West Brom, including Curtis Davies. Pele could start in midfield.
Player to watch: Kevin Phillips
Always a danger and will pounce on any mistake by the Preston defence. Henderson cannot afford to slip up like he did midweek.
Preston Team News:
Henderson is likely to keep his place in the Preston line up despite dropping a clanger to gift Morecambe a win midweek. Alexander should regain his place at right back from Jones whilst Hill is expected to continue at left back. Mawene and St.Ledger should pair up in the centre of defence again but it remains to be seen whether Chilvers may play some part in this game.
Whaley and Pugh will keep their positions on the wings whilst Nicholls and Carter should orchestrate play in the middle of the park. Mellor and Ormerod have yet to score between them so far so Hawley or Carroll may be given a chance to shine.
Player to watch: Darren Carter
Sold by West Brom earlier in this transfer window, the creative midfielder will have a point to prove to his old boss as he was snubbed so many times under Tony Mowbray.
Match Facts & Stats
In this fixture last season, West Brom battered Preston 4-2 but Preston won at home. The away side between these two teams has never picked up a point since 1992, where it was 1-1 at Deepdale. The home side has never lost since 1973, when Preston got a 2-0 victory.
In 94 league meetings, Preston have won 36, west Brom 35 and there have been 23 draws.
Match Prediction:
West Brom 2-1 Preston
Next Fixtures:
Preston vs. Colchester – Deepdale – 25/8/07 – 15:00
Sheffield Unitted vs. West Brom – Bramall Lane -25/8/07 – 17:20
I think you are doomed.