An in-depth preview of our upcoming trip to face Preston North End in the Sky Bet Championship
- Preston North End vs Huddersfield Town
- Tuesday 9 April 2024; 7.45pm
- Preview ahead of Sky Bet Championship game
Following a last gasp header on Saturday from Rhys Healey to secure all three points in West Yorkshire, Town will be looking to make it two wins on the bounce as we travel to Preston North End on Tuesday night.
Historically winning 23 of their fixtures against the Terriers, it was the Lilywhites who were also victorious in December's reverse fixture, despite a late consolation goal from Danny Ward.
Making the short trip to Deepdale this week, Head Coach André Breitenreiter will be looking for his second consecutive win to boost Town's hopes of avoiding the drop at the end of the season.
THE OPPOSITION
Sitting tenth in the table - after accumulating 60 points so far this campaign - the Lilywhites have won just two of their last five fixtures.
Unbeaten in their first eight games, Preston started the season strong, and have since maintained a consistent run of form to cement their place mid-table.
However, with just seven points between the Lilywhites and the play-offs, Ryan Lowe's side will be looking to take away as many points as possible from their upcoming run of games.
THEIR MANAGER
Starting his managerial career with Bury in 2018, Ryan Lowe was originally appointed as player-coach of the club - having spent the majority of his playing career with the Shakers - before becoming permanent manager in May 2018.
Less than a year later, the former striker was named Plymouth Argyle's Manager, helping ensure the Pilgrims made an immediate return to League One. Named the EFL League One Manager of the Month for October 2021, Lowe's excellent run of form saw his side sit top of the League One table during a 17 game unbeaten run.
Following his departure from Plymouth Argyle in December 2021, the Liverpudlian moved back north to become Manager of Preston North End.
LAST TIME OUT
It ended all square at Vicarage Road last weekend, as neither the Hornets or the Lilywhites could manage to break the deadlock.
Despite Watford enjoying the majority of possession and 11 shots in total, they struggled to break down Preston's defence which saw both sides having to settle for a point in Hertfordshire.
Previous Starting XI (3-4-1-2): Woodman; Cunningham, Lindsay, Storey; Hughes, McCann, Whatmough, Brady; Keane; Jakobsen, Osmajić
FORMATION
Largely favouring a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2 structure, Lowe's side have rarely deviated from the formation, consistently opting for a strong midfield that can adapt when needed during play.
Having lost only twice since Valentine's Day - and dropping just 11 points in a 3-4-1-2 formation since then - North End have got the better of Middlesbrough, Coventry, Plymouth and Rotherham during this time.
WHO TO WATCH
Will Keane
Despite several injury setbacks this season, Keane has so far made 32 appearances for the Lilywhites - scoring twelve and assisting three in twelve of those fixtures.
Featuring in every game since New Year's Day, the 31-year-old forward arrived at Deepdale from Wigan Athletic in July last year - eight years on from his initial loan with the Club.
Emil Riis
Scoring six in his last nine appearances, Emil Riis' goalscoring ability is undeniable. However, after suffering an ACL injury in the opening game of the season, the 25-year-old striker has spent the majority of Preston's current campaign on the sidelines.
Moving to Lancashire in the summer of 2020 from Danish Superliga side Randers FC, Riis will be looking to get his name back on the scoresheet and finish his season on a high.
Liam Lindsay
Starting every game this season for North End, the 28-year-old defender made his move to Deepdale permanent in June 2021 following a loan spell from Stoke City.
Also scoring on three occasions during their current campaign, Lindsay is a key figure on the pitch - both defensively and further up the field.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
Head Coach André Breitenreiter spoke to the press ahead of Tuesday's Sky Bet Championship fixture against Preston North End live from the Millers Oils High Performance Complex.
You can watch the full press conference back below or via THIS LINK.
KIT
André Breitenreiter's side will be back in their all black kit on Tuesday night - and there's currently 30% off the replica kit in store and online! CLICK HERE to get yours today!
iFOLLOW HTAFC
Available to stream live on iFollow HTAFC via both match passes and audio match passes, Town supporters can CLICK HERE to watch along from home.
