Watford Vs Preston North End
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 23rd February 2008
On Saturday, Preston travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford, in what is a crucial game for both teams. Aidy Boothroyd's, Watford will be looking for revenge after suffering a defeat at Deepdale in the reverse fixture earlier on this season, whilst still maintaining full focus in their promotion push. With just one defeat in 6, Watford will be confident they can go back to the top of the Championship table but a tricky test at Deepdale stands in the way. North End, will feel hard done by after losing to Portsmouth in the FA cup and will be determined to bounce back and do the double over Watford. Preston should take credit for their second half performance against premiership Portsmouth and will know that if they play like that then they will turn over a lot of teams and ensure their safety. After slipping up at Colchester and results not going in Preston's favour elsewhere, it is tighter than ever at the foot of the table; making every point count. In spite of this, North End's home form has been promising, and have slowly started to turn Deepdale back into the fortress it once was.
Despite Alan Irvine being able to improve North End's home fortunes, it's a shame the same cannot be said about the results on their travels. With just two wins away from home all season to show for their endeavours it's no mystery that Preston find themselves in the position that they do. Neil Mellor, who has had to make do with several cameo appearances from the bench, started both games that Preston won on their travels and even got himself on the score sheet at Turf Moor. This could be an omen for this upcoming Championship clash at Vicarage Road.
Previous Meetings
Preston of course have already taken points from Watford this season when a Neil Mellor goal gave the Lilywhites a vital win at Deepdale In January. Watford, of course were playing Premier League football last season, so we have to go back to the opening day of the 2005/2006 season to take a look at Preston's last visit to Watford. North End left from Vicarage Road having beat Watford, 2-1 which will be a result that Alan Irvine will be dreaming of. The reverse fixture that season saw Watford drop more points to North End as they could only muster up a 1-1 draw.
Team News
Preston will welcome back Sean St Ledger after his one match ban following his red card away at Colchester, but expects a battle to win back his place. As a result, Youl Mawene is expected to keep his place alongside Liam Chilvers in the centre of Defence. Richard Chaplow should step in for Darren Carter after picking up five yellow cards
For Watford, Damien Frances (knee ligaments), Collins John (hamstring), Junior Osborne (cruciate ligaments) and Gareth Williams will all miss out due to their respective injury setbacks.