Bristol City Vs Preston North End
Coca-Cola Championship Sunday 4th May 2008 2pm Kick off.
After a difficult season for Preston North End, the final day is upon us and may come as a relief t many Preston fans. The last day of the championship season will decide the fate of many teams' fate, none more so than Preston's next opponents, Bristol City who have been enjoying their first season in the Championship at the business end. It is mathematically impossible for them to go up automatically but they have secured a play-off spot - a magnificent achievement from Gary Johnson and his players. However, who they will play in the aforementioned play-offs is still to be determined. A win for them will give them the momentum they need to take into the play-offs and end their run of four games without a win in the process.
The highest the Lilywhites can finish is 14th, which of course is reliant upon QPR losing to West Brom who are all but promoted to the Premiership due to their superior goal difference. Alan Irvine will want to end the season with a win after being without a win in since the 3-1 win over Sheffield United on March 29th.
Previous Meetings
The 0-0 draw in September was the first time the clubs met since the 1999/2000 season when North End won the Division Two title, coincidently it was also the last day of that season and at Ashton Gate. The game ended in a 2-0 Preston win, a repeat of that result that would certainly end the season on a high for Alan Irvine and his team whilst adding to their tally of good results over teams gunning for promotion. In total, Preston have faced Bristol 70 times with North End having the slight edge on total number of wins, 24 compared to City's 23.
Team News
With Billy Jones out of contention and not expected to feature till next season, Michael Hart is widely expected to continue at right back for the Lilywhites. Sean St Ledger, whom Alan Irvine thought would be out for the rest of the season also, is making great progress in training after he limped off against Plymouth. The Republic of Ireland international is expected to be fit in time for the game at Ashton Gate and should be in the 16 man squad. Due to Craig Beattie not featuring against Ipswich, Alan Irvine may want to give the former Celtic man a run out so he can make his second appearance for Preston after returning to the club to complete his loan deal.
For Bristol City, they will have to do without the services of defender Jordan Walker, striker Steve Brooker and midfielder Lee Johnson who are all out with knee, hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.