It was a case of Déjà Vu for North End on Saturday as another two goal lead was cancelled out by the opposition to see the points shared. That being said, it seems that all that is left to play for is pride with an exit from the Championship in either direction seemingly highly unlikely. Not that Darren Ferguson will be letting his players think that as the former Manchester United man will want his side to finish the current campaign as strongly as possible.
The same can't be said for North End's next opponents Watford, though. The Hornets find themselves in a battle against relegation and are just a point above the drop zone but can take solace in knowing they a game in hand.
A win for North End could see them break into the top half and on course for a top ten finish; as targeted by gaffer Darren Ferguson. However, more points dropped at home could see North End slip perilously close to the mire.
Form
Preston North End Home Form: DWDWDD
Watford Away Form: LLDLLL
Overall
Preston North End: DWDLLD
Watford: LWLLDL
North End's record at Vicarage Road in recent seasons hasn't been all that fruitful and such luck was mirrored when the Lilywhites visited Hertfordshire back in November. Alan Irvine's men went down to a 2-0 defeat thanks to goals from Heidur Helguson and Tom Cleverley on 9 and 33 minutes respectively.
The Hornets' last trip to Deepdale was the reverse of the aforementioned result earlier this season. Goals from Billy Jones and Ross Wallace gave North End a 2-0 win in October 2008.
Team News
In an interview with the LEP this week, gaffer Darren Ferguson revealed that he may be faced with a selection headache for the visit of Watford, but a quandary he'd prefer to have than not.
Midfielder Paul Coutts missed both the trip to the Riverside as well as the draw with QPR on Saturday but should be fit to play Watford this weekend.
Full-back Tom Williams could also make a return, to the 18-man squad at least, with Youl Mawene already making his comeback at the weekend.