Preston vs. Newcastle Preview
23rd November, 2009
Newcastle United continues their quest for an immediate return to the Premiership on Monday when they visit Preston North End.
The Magpies currently sit in second place in the Championship table, one point behind the leaders West Bromwich Albion, however they have played one game less.
The match is also of vital importance to Preston, as victory will put them level on points with fifth placed Cardiff and they will be firmly within the play-off mix.
Michael Tonge could play his first game in the Preston midfield after completing his loan move from Stoke City. Preston manager Alan Irvine can choose to play both Richard Chaplow and Stephen Elliott as they have recovered from minor injuries. If Chaplow plays, he would have represented the club on 200 occasions.
Meanwhile, the Toon Army will be hoping that new signing Fabrice Pancrate from France will be eligible to play and that all administrative requirements would have been completed in time by the Football Association. The winger has been at the club training since being released by Paris Saint Germain in the close season.
Preston North End has been struggling at home this season and not had a league victory since beating Coventry City on 19th September.
Confidence is currently not a problem for Newcastle, as they have won their last three league games in a row. Chris Hughton’s men have the best defensive record in the Championship as only 10 goals have gone against them in 16 matches. However, they have only captured victory once in their last three away matches.
Preston North End is 9/4 with Stan James and Newcastle United is 27/20 with Expekt. The draw is 12/5 with Ladbrokes.
By Dane
