Preston North End Vs Ipswich Town
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 26th April 2008 3pm Kick-off
An injury time goal from Richard Chaplow was enough to earn a point against Plymouth and proved to be the goal that secured Preston's Championship safety. With that in mind, the pressure is surely now off Alan Irvine and his men and can now enjoy the last two games of the season without having to look over their shoulders. However, now they have sealed their own fate at the bottom end, North End could play a part in what goes on at the other end - the teams gunning for promotion. Ipswich still have an outside shot at a top six place and will be hoping that North End don't rain on their play-off parade. However, with only one win in their last five games, it is a must win game for Jim Magilton's side if they want any chance of making that illustrious top six.
Previous Meetings
The reverse fixture this season saw Preston travel all the way back from Sussex having suffered a defeat. Goals from Alan Lee and former Preston loanee, Tommy Miller gave the Tractor boys a 2-0 lead before Neil Mellor converted a consolation penalty with just two minutes to go. When the Tractor Boys visited Deepdale last season, the game ended in a 1-0 home win after a Michael Ricketts goal. With that in mind, and the 3-2 Preston win at Portman Road earlier in the season, it meant that Preston completed the double over Ipswich for the second consecutive season.
Team News
Chris Brown is set to miss the final two games of the season meaning that Karl Hawley should retain his place in the starting 11 as he did at Home Park. Craig Beattie should feature at some stage after he made his return to the club to complete his loan deal following treatment for the hamstring injury he picked up in the 1-0 win against Leicester. Billy Jones will also miss out after picking up a knock at against Plymouth; Michael Hart is set to make his debut. Centre half Sean St Ledger is also a doubt with Neal Trotman expected to make his home debut.
Ipswich are sweating over the fitness of Shefki Kuqi and will assess his fitness and make a decision on Friday.