Preston North End Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 20th September 2008 3PM KO
Under the 'Tuesday night lights' at Deepdale this week, Preston recorded another impressive win to further extend their unbeaten start to the campaign, and in impressive style too. As a result, there is a certain feel good factor surrounding Deepdale at the moment and everything that is Preston North End which any Preston supporter will tell you, is somewhat of a contrast to how things were one year ago.
However, with Preston's next opponents also enjoying an unbeaten run of their own, it spells what should be an interesting affair on Saturday and will be an indicator as to how far Preston have come this season should they come away victorious.
Wolves visit Deepdale having recorded six straight league wins including the 5-1 demolition of Forest and so will be eager to make it seven in a bid to try and cement their place at the top end of the Championship. Despite going all guns blazing in the striking department, Wolves have only kept one clean sheet this season. Something that Preston could be looking to exploit.
Previous Meetings
When Wolves visited Deepdale last season, back in March of this year, it was Preston who emerged with all the points. Despite being a goal down through an Andy Keogh goal, Preston hit back on the hour mark with an excellently converted Callum Davidson penalty before Simon Whaley netted the winner win 9 minutes to go. However, when it was Preston's turn to be the visitors earlier on in the season, they were sent back home without a point for their endeavours after losing 1-0 thanks to a Karl Henry goal.
Head to Head
Despite playing in an unfamiliar role at left back, Michael Hart has put on some very impressive displays when filling in for the injured Callum Davidson so far this season. As Callum is not going to be fit for the game at the weekend, Hart is going to have his work cut out if he is to thwart Michael Kightly in his tracks, a player who is widely regarded as one of the best wingers in this division. The former Grays Athletic man has caused problems for Preston whenever he has come up against them and could well be the focal point to everything Wolves do come Saturday. Hart Vs Kightly will be interesting to watch and whoever it is that prevails come Saturday could determine which way the points go.
Team News
Callum Davidson will miss out due to the knee injury that has kept him sidelined for the majority of this campaign with Hart set to continue at left back. Chaplow could take his place amongst the substitutes after Darren Carter's impressive performance on Tuesday night. Chris Brown has returned to full training and could make the 16 man squad.
As for Wolves, goalkeeper Matt Murray (cruciate), George Elokobi (knee ligaments), Jody Craddock (metatarsal), Matt Baily (ankle), Mark Davies (shin splints) will all miss out.
There will be no emotional return for Matt Hill as he has been ruled out for three weeks.