Preview: Preston vs Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Town head to Preston looking to put two successive two-nil Easter losses behind them.

The Terriers require four points from their final 4 games to secure a play-off place and Simon Grayson wants three of those on Saturday against struggling Preston.

Preston come into the game on the back of two credible draws against play-off hopefuls MK Dons and Stevenage, Preston have failed to win a game since mid-March. That was a 2-1 victory over Exter City with both goals scored by Ian Hume, their top scorer this season with 10 goals.

He however may miss the game after taking a knock against Stevenage (good news eh!)

Preston have been in turmoil since Graham Westley took charge, with claims from the manager that the players are divided, so can The Terriers capitalise?

Maybe the team news will be leaked again like against Sheffield Wednesday… All I know is I would like and expect Town to turn in a performance and give us all some hope for this season’s play-off campaign as its been very downbeat after Easter in the 24 household.

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Vital Quotes: Simon Grayson

‘The players have been very bright, they realise they’ve got a lot to play for.

We’ll keep trying to win our next four [games] because we want to take some momentum into the play-offs.

I was disappointed with how we’d played on Monday and I was very frustrated. I didn’t speak to the media because I didn’t want to say anything I’d regret.

It’s going to be very difficult to go up automatically now but our season is far from being dead and buried. We’ve got players who if we go into the play-offs can win us matches.’
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Preston North End Team News:

Nicky Hunt, Craig Morgan, Barry Nicholson and Adam Barton all likely absentee’s for Preston.

Steven Smith also unavaliable after agreeing to mutually terminate his contract.

Veteran Ian Hume is also a doubt after picking up a knock at Stevenage
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Player to watch: Paul Coutts

Highly rated midfield player – Great on FM12 by the way – pulls the strings although Paul Parry is the top assist maker this season.
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Huddersfield Town Team News:

Jack Hunt is available after completing his two match suspension.

Tommy Miller is also fit and pressing for inclusion.

Lee Novak has been nursing an ankle injury and may not be risked with the play-offs in mind.

Oscar Gobern, Damien Johnson & Gary Naysmith all remain sidelined through injury
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Player to watch: Jordan Rhodes

After two quiet games, I have a feeling Jordan may explode here with some goals, following a hat-trick in our last meeting he certainly knows his way around the Preston defence.

Match Facts & Stats

Last meeting: npower League 1.

Saturday 22 October 2012:

Huddersfield Town 3 (Jordan Rhodes 4, 42, 57) Preston 1 (Juvhel Tsoumou 61)

Ref Watch:

Rob Lewis has withdrawn from the game through injury and experienced official Andy D’Urso will now take charge of the match.

Match Prediction:

Preston 0-2 Huddersfield Town

Next Fixtures: Huddersfield Town

April.

Sat 21st (H) Scunthorpe

Sat 28th (A) Walsall

May.

Sat 5th (H) Yeovil Town