Preston- A look ahead
Last updated : 11 August 2003 By Richard Brown
Form (last 6): L-L-W-L-W-L
2002/03 Finish: First Division – 12th
FA Cup- 3rd Round
League Cup – Fourth Round
Top Scorer: Richard Cresswell – 16
Discipline: 74 yellow, 5 red
According to Preston manager, Craig Brown, says that North End have the best midfield resources in the first division. The midfield he was referring are; Paul McKenna, Michael Keane, Mark Rankine, Eric Skora and Dickson Etuhu – who has already, at the age of 21, has been compared to the likes of Patrick Vieira and Steven Gerrard at the heart of midfield. The young Nigerian has also been managed and subsequently praised by Kevin Keegan, David Moyes and Craig Brown for the youngster’s strength, athleticism and composure whilst in possession.
 | Richard Cresswell- Sure to be a threat |
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However, the same could not be said for the White’s defence who managed to leak 70 goals in the league last season, of which 41 came away from home. This abysmal defensive record explains the fact that Preston could only notch up 5 league victories on their travels last season.
The North End strike force consists of fans favourite Richard Cresswell and the return of another popular figure, Ricardo Fuller, who formed a successful partnership with Cresswell. However, the pairing could not progress for as long as the North End faithful would have liked after Fuller was sidelined for the second half of last season to due a knee ligament injury.
Team News:
Darren Caskey is set to serve the second of a two match ban which has been carried over from the 2002/03 campaign, so he certainly will not be featuring in the Magpies visit to Deepdale. Billy Dearden looks set to field an unchanged line-up for the Magpies after their 5-0 demolition at the hands of Bristol City.
Notts (probable): Garden, Jenkins, Barras, Fenton, Nicholson, Bolland, Richardson, Brough, Baraclough, Platt, Stallard Subs From; Mildenhall, Deeney, Riley, Francis, Hackworth, Heffernan, Baldry.
Whereas, Preston manager Craig Brown is set to give winger Eddie Lewis a ‘well deserved’ rest after a hectic summer schedule. North End are still without Paul McKenna (ankle) as well as Lee Briscoe (hamstring), Marlon Broomes (thigh) and striker George Koumantarakis (knee) are also struggling to regain full fitness. Jamaican defender Claude Davis has failed to receive a residency permit in time for today’s (Monday) noon deadline. However, Tyrone Mears looks to return but will probably only make the bench for Tuesday’s game.
Preston (probable): Gould, Jackson, Edwards, Alexander, Lucketti, O’Neil, Etuhu, Keane, Cresswell, Healy, Fuller Subs from: Skora, Abbott, Lucas Lynch, Mears.