OUR OPPONENTS Preston North End have endured a rather indifferent season, yet still sit 11th in the Sky Bet Championship standings. A resolute defence has been their foundation for success with goals at the other end of the pitch also rather hard to come by. Their form at Deepdale will be a concern for Lilywhites fans having lost four of their last five on home turf. Away form has been a saving grace for Ryan Lowe’s men as they’ve claimed the joint-most number of points on the road (27) with Sheffield United, who currently sit in the automatic promotion places. ⚪️ PRESTON NORTH END PROFILE Formed: 1880 Stadium: Deepdale Nickname: The Lilywhites Manager: Ryan Lowe Finish last season: 11th ℹ️ MATCH DETAILS When: Saturday, February 4th (3pm) Where: Deepdale Competition: Sky Bet Championship Referee: Lee Doughty Assistant referee: Adam Crysell Assistant referee: Greg Read Fourth official: Ollie Yates ONE TO WATCH: ALVARO FERNANDEZ The highly rated wing-back arrived at Deepdale in July 2022 on loan from Manchester United. The defender who is preferably deployed on the left, joined United from Real Madrid in 2020 and signed a new deal at Old Trafford before completing his switch to Deepdale. After making appearances off the bench in Preston’s opening two league games of the season, Fernandez shone in his first start of the season in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield Town, claiming two assists before being forced off through injury at half-time. The wing-back sustained an ankle injury that would keep him sidelined for the best part of a month and has claimed a further two assists since being back in the fold.
2 TO WATCH FOR US Harry Cornick The 27-year-old sealed his deadline day move late into the evening at Ashton Gate from Luton Town for an undisclosed fee. Three-and-a-half years is the length of his deal with the Robins and the forward is eager to bring enjoyment through his football to the fans in BS3. “I hope to bring a bit of enjoyment and fun,” said Cornick. “I want to get the fans out of their seats, score a few goals and take this club to where it should be - much higher up the table and hopefully I can help with that, get off to a good start. “I’ve spoken to the gaffer and the people around the place, and everyone has got high ambition, drive and determination to get this club to where I believe it should be and that’s in the Premier League. “I’ve signed a long deal to try and do that and see how fast we can progress as a club.” determined to have City fans on the edge of their seats to aid the club’s future progression on the pitch. .... hope so! Anis Mehmeti Anis Mehmeti on a three-and-a-half year contract until June 2026 and will wear the number 11 shirt. The 22-year-old, already trained with his new Robins’ team-mates , has scored 19 goals and provided nine assists in 97 matches for Wycombe, including nine goals in 27 league outings this season. Aniswas last month named in Sky Sports' top 21 Under-21 stars of the EFL along with City’s Tommy Conway and Alex Scott. Anis said: “I’m buzzing to be here. It’s a massive club and I can’t wait to get started.I want to win and I want to get promoted. .. a really big hope so “This is a club with Premier League stature and I want to impose my mentality and work ethic and have an influence straight away. I’m a creative player, I like to make things happen, score goals and most importantly I want to win.” ... hopefully not at any cost
Bristol City predicted team vs Preston: Mehmeti and Cornick in contention, Weimann available Bristol City look to end their barren spell at Deepdale as they take on Preston North End in the Championship https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-predicted-team-preston-8111449 Bristol City (4-3-3, probable):Max O’Leary; George Tanner, Zak Vyner, Rob Atkinson, Cam Pring; Kal Naismith, Matty James, Alex Scott; Mark Sykes, Nahki Wells, Sam Bell
I would pretty much go with that line up ... NP's comment in his interview did say "now we go 3 up front with 1 behind" = NW / SB/ ? and in behind ? / AS ... [contenders are AM / HC / AW /MS ]
WOW tuned in all championship 0 - 0 and checked to see the team and whether the newbies got a look in! and switched back and we score ... shall I stay or shall I go!
What a great first half when we have taken opportunities to be up 2-0 at the break. We seem to have more pep as the season progresses and the team looks way more confident with each other which will always help the results. I am looking forward to seeing some of our new players late in the 2nd half if we can keep ourselves comfortably ahead. Come on City keep up the good work and don't make mistakes. Any news on the early substitution?
