Preston North End Vs Middlesbrough Match Preview
Capital One Cup 3rd Round Tuesday 25th September 2012
Kick-off: 19:45
Venue: Deepdale
Betting Odds: Preston 13/8 Middlesbrough 13/8
Form: Preston North End: WDWLWL Middlesbrough: WWLWLW
After a disappointing afternoon in the west Midlands at the weekend, attentions turn to the League Cup and the challenge of seeing off a third Championship outfit in as many rounds.
Having already displaced Huddersfield and Crystal Palace, a stern a test as they come sees Middlesbrough become the latest second tier side to audition for a place in the next round at Preston's expense.
However, Tony Mowbray's side have made a positive start to the league campaign and currently find themselves just outside the playoff places.
Also, having beaten Bury and Gillingham in the previous rounds and an impressive display in front of the Sky cameras on Friday night, against high-flying Blackburn, Graham Westley admits that his side will have to be on top of their game if they are to be successful.
A performance similar to that of the previous rounds would do just the trick.
Previous Meetings (click here for head-to-head stats)
North End's last victory over Boro dates back to a time when The Bangles were at number one with "Walk Like An Egyptian".
Well, there are no Egyptians in either side's squad, not since Mido left the Boro, so there's no lucky omen for either teams.
It was 10th January 1987 when North End made the trip to Ayresome Park in the FA Cup, and, thanks to a 1-0 win the Lilywhites' name went in the hat for the fourth round.
However, the last time North End beat the Boro on their own turf, you have to cast your minds back to the early 70s.
In the old Second Division on Easter Monday 1972 North End recored a 1-0 win in a game which meant the Lilywhites had secured the double over their north east counterparts after a result of the same scoreline the previous November.
Team News
Striker Chris Beardsley is a major doubt after limping out of the win over Hartlepool last week whilst full back Keith Keane will face a late fitness test.
For the visitors, well-travelled centre back Jonathan Woodgate is unlikely to feature after picking up a hamstring strain.
Former Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter picked up a knock in the win over Blackburn but is set to play.
However, winger Adam Reach is suffering from a twisted ankle and will have to sit the trip to Deepdale out.
Played For Both (click here)