Preston North End Vs Crawley Town Match Preview
npower League One Saturday 15th September 2012
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Deepdale
Referee: David Webb (click here for referee stats)
Betting Odds: Preston 6/5 Draw 23/10 Crawley 9/4
Form:
Preston North End: LDWWDW
Crawley Town: LWWWWL
After recording their first away victory of the season at Gigg Lane on Saturday, Graham Westley's men welcome the visit of Crawley Town to Deepdale for the first time ever.
Never before have the Red Devils of Crawley gone face-to-face with the Lilywhites of Preston, despite the two clubs being formed in the late 1800s.
Much like Westley's former club Stevenage, Crawley have enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent times enjoying back-to-back promotions from the Conference and League Two.
Currently riding high after a positive start to the campaign, Crawley find themselves in the top 6, a point and a place above North End.
However, a win for North End would see the Lilywhites leapfrog their Sussex counterparts.
Team News
After making his debut as a second half substitute during the win over Bury, midfielder Joel Byrom will be pushing to make his first competitive start for the Lilywhites.
Club captain John Mousinho is edging closer to full fitness but is considered a doubt.
North End supporters will be boosted by the news of Akpo Sodje extending his stay in PR1.
The former Sheffield Wednesday striker's deal was due to run out on Saturday.
However, namesakes messrs Holmes and Trundle will remain sidelined as North End's only long term absentees.
The visitors Crawley will make the trip to Lancashire without Josh Simpson and Hope Akpan through suspension.
The midfield duo were both sent off against Portsmouth last Sunday.
Played For Both (click here)