Preview: Preston North End Away

PRESTON NORTH END

It's remarkable to think that Preston lost six of their first eight Championship matches this season, but now find themselves just two places off the play-offs. It's still a tall order for the Lilywhites to overturn the six-point gap – and a significant goal differential – to reach the end-of-season lottery, but this season will certainly be seen as a positive for the North West club. 

MANAGER

If you want someone to get you out of League One, Simon Grayson is your man. The Yorkshireman has enjoyed promotion from the third tier with all four of the clubs he has managed; Blackpool, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Preston North End. He moved to Deepdale in 2013, and having taken them up via the play-offs in 2014/15 – when City landed their historic double – the Lilywhites have progressed to hold their own in the Championship. 

OFFICIALS

Referee Andrew Madley will be in charge of the match, assisted by James Wilson and Billy Smallwood. Geoff Eltringham has been named as the fourth official. 

TICKETS

City fans can pay on the night at Deepdale. 

LAST TIME OUT

Bristol City 1-2 Preston North End, December 17th 2016. Preston secured their second successive 2-1 victory at Ashton Gate thanks to Daniel Johnson's late winner. Simon Makienok volleyed the visitors in front early on but City looked to have secured a point when Aaron Wilbraham headed home 12 minutes from time. Johnson squeezed the winner in from a tight angle to inflict a sixth Championship defeat in seven games on their hosts. 

LAST SEASON

Sky Bet Championship: 11th 
FA Cup: Third round (Lost to Peterborough United) 
EFL Cup: Third round (Lost to Bournemouth) 

DID YOU KNOW?

We’ve all heard about Arsenal’s “Invincibles” of 2003/04, but Preston were the first team to manage the feat, way back in 1888/89. The Lilywhites went through the inaugural Football League season undefeated – including in cup competitions, which makes them one better than their Gunners counterparts of the modern era. 

ODDS

Sky Bet has installed Preston as favourites at 23/20, with City priced at 23/10. The draw is 12/5.