Leicester City Vs Preston North End
Coca-Cola Championship Tuesday 4th March 2008
After a disappointing result and performance on Saturday against Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace, it is essential that Preston get back on track in what is must win game between two sides looking to beat the drop. Leicester who have only won two out of their last six, have experienced patchy form in recent months; the elation of beating Norwich 4-0 was undone by a defeat to Coventry City for example. Much of the same can be said for North End who were enjoying a good week results wise after a hard earned point away at Watford and an impressive win against Stoke at home were followed by the aforementioned lack lustre performance that was witnessed at Deepdale on Saturday.
With all this in mind, it really is anyone's guess as to what will happen at the Walkers Stadium on Tuesday but what is known is that this game is a vital one for both clubs. A win for Preston would see them move onto the same points as the Foxes and into 18th place. A win for Ian Holloway's men would see them leapfrog Barnsley and move up a place.
Previous Meetings
When Leicester travelled to Deepdale earlier in the season, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Andy Carroll scored his one solitary goal for Preston during his loan spell which was later cancelled out by a DJ Campbell goal after just under an hour played.
Last season when Leicester entertained Preston it was the Lilywhites who took all the points after a Patrick Agyemang goal after 15 minutes was enough to sink Leicester. The Foxes however did get their own back and returned the favour at Deepdale in April 2007 after a last minute goal from Johansson hammered a major dent in Preston's play-off hopes.
Team News
After the performance on Saturday there is some changes expected to be made at the Walkers Stadium. Irvine hopes to have Richard Chaplow available for selection after he missed the Crystal Palace game with a hamstring injury. However, Callum Davidson will complete his two game suspension and so Matt Hill is expected to keep his place in the starting eleven. New loan signing, Craig Beattie is expected to be in the squad but whether or not he is in the starting eleven remains to be seen.
Leicester's Gareth McAuley has completed his one match suspension and is expected to return to the starting line-up for Ian Holloway and should be the only notable change for City. Paul Henderson is expected to retain his place between the sticks as he deputises for former Sunderland 'keeper, Ben Alnwick who is out with a thigh problem.