Colchester United Vs Preston North End
Coca-Cola Championship Tuesday 12th February 2008
After an important win at Deepdale against now manager-less Coventry, up ahead is a tricky game away at bottom of the league Colchester United in what is a text book relegation six pointer. It seems that these two clubs are prime examples of what happens when you don't properly replace your top marksmen. With David Nugent going to Pompey from North End, Jamie Cuerton's move to Norwich and Chris Iwelumo going to Charlton for the U's last summer, goals have been hard to come by for both teams. And with games coming thick and fast, it's imperative for Alan Irvine and his men not to take their eyes of the ball as they seem to have found form and indeed goals that should ensure their safety. After a well earned draw away to Burnley, Geraint Williams will be looking to go one better and pick up three points with the possibility of home advantage playing a major role. It is no false position that United find themselves in though, with only two league wins since the start of December giving them just 11 points from a possibly 36 in their last 12 league games. Preston however, it seems has found the winning formula under Alan Irvine having picked up 7 wins from their last 12 games. A win for Colchester could see them off the bottom of the table should games go their way elsewhere. Preston could give themselves a five point cushion above the relegation zone should they get the three points at Layer Road and said results elsewhere go in their favour.
Previous Meetings
When the two teams met earlier this season at Deepdale it was Colchester who took away all the points in a 3-0 win. Goals from Kevin Lisbie, a Teddy Sheringham penalty and Mark Yeates gave the Essex side 3 vital points as Preston continued their dismal form that haunted them towards the back end of last season. Preston's last visit to layer road wasn't all that enjoyable for the Preston faithful either. A goal from Richards on the 67th minute was enough to send North End back up north with nothing to show for their near 600 mile round trip. The lilywhites will not have enjoyed playing against the U's in recent seasons after just one win and one David Nugent goal to show for their endeavours when the sides met at Deepdale last season.
Team News
Alan Irvine is expected to name an unchanged team from the win over Coventry despite having a near full squad to choose from. Wayne Henderson is the only long term absentee with Youl Mawene still recovering from a shoulder injury that forced him off against West Brom.
Colchester will be sweating over the fitness of Kevin Lisbie as he looks to be a doubt. Lisbie is United's top scorer this season with ten goals and will be a big loss to them.