Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Prestonvs.Coventry

sportsmole.co.uk, 17 October 2024, 12:10
Looking to extend their unbeaten run in the second tier to three matches, Preston North End will host a struggling Coventry City side at Deepdale on Saturday afternoon in the Championship.

The Lilywhites recorded a respectable point at Turf Moor versus Burnley prior to the international break, whilst the Sky Blues fell to defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday in the East Midlands.

Match preview

Following a winless September schedule in the Championship, Preston North End collected a respectable tally of four points from two matches in October before the international pause, enjoying a three-goal success over Watford at Deepdale and a goalless draw with promotion favourites Burnley.

Despite the Clarets dominating possession in a hotly-contested Lancashire derby, the Lilywhites were able to secure a share of the points and in truth should have earnt all three, with Danish striker Emil Riis Jakobsen seeing a seemingly-legal goal ruled out for offside.

Collecting a steady total of nine points from their opening nine second-tier fixtures of 2024-25, Preston are currently occupying 19th position in the Championship table, seven points behind sixth-placed Watford and just two ahead of Queens Park Rangers in the highest of the relegation spots.

After Ryan Lowe departed from the managerial hotseat early in the season, Paul Heckingbottom has lost just two of his nine competitive matches in charge to date, with the 47-year-old looking to eventually emulate his success in Yorkshire, where he guided Sheffield United to the Premier League.

Having failed to win any of their five Championship outings so far this campaign, Preston will be delighted to know that five of their next six matches across all competitions are scheduled at their Deepdale base, including an EFL Cup fourth-round clash with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal on October 30.

Following a ninth-placed finish in the Championship and an FA Cup semi-final appearance last season, Coventry City are currently in the second-tier trenches, winning just two of their first nine matches in the division during 2024-25, leaving them languishing in 20th position.

It appeared as if the Sky Blues had turned a corner on the first day of October as they recorded a three-goal thumping of Blackburn Rovers at the Coventry Building Society Arena, however Saturday's visitors returned to losing ways four days later, with Sheffield Wednesday snatching three points in the East Midlands.

A shining light amid a difficult start for his side as a collective, Jack Rudoni netted the opening goal of the contest for Coventry last time out, however strikes either side of the half-time interval from Djeidi Gassama and Northern Ireland international Shea Charles secured a comeback success for the Owls.

After forward duo Ellis Simms and Haji Wright bagged 29 Championship goals combined last campaign, Mark Robins's troops are struggling to consistently pose an attacking threat this time around, with USA marksman Wright (3) the only Sky Blues player to have scored more than once in the league so far.

Coventry's record against Preston has been simply woeful over the past decade and the Lilywhites will be striving to extend their unbeaten run in this fixture to a hardly-believable 14 matches on Saturday afternoon, with the Sky Blues' most recent success against this weekend's opponents coming back in January 2013.

Preston North End Championship form:

L

D

D

L

W

D

Preston North End form (all competitions):

D

W

D

L

W

D

Coventry City Championship form:

L

D

L

L

W

L

Coventry City form (all competitions):

D

L

L

L

W

L

Team News

Preston remain without the services of striker Milutin Osmajic, with the Montenegro international banned for a further seven matches after biting Blackburn Rovers defender Owen Beck last month.

The Lilywhites are reportedly set to be unable to call upon the talents of last season's leading marksman Will Keane for an extended period due to injury, increasing the goalscoring burden on Jakobsen.

After keeping a commendable clean sheet at Burnley prior to the two-week break, Jordan Storey and Liam Lindsay should remain as the centre-back pairing for the hosts.

Coventry's Tatsuhiro Sakamoto could be back in contention this weekend, with the Japanese winger enduring a torrid 2024 so far due to multiple injury setbacks.

The Sky Blues are without midfielder Jamie Allen, meaning that Ben Sheaf and Josh Eccles should retain their spots in the engine room despite defeat last time out.

Preston North End possible starting lineup:

Woodman; Kesler-Hayden, Linday, Storey, Hughes; Whiteman, McCann, Potts, Frokjaer-Jensen, Brady; Jakobsen

Coventry City possible starting lineup:

Wilson; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching, Bidwell; Sheaf, Eccles, Mason-Clark, Rudoni, Wright; Simms

We say: Preston North End 1-0 Coventry City

Preston enjoyed a productive start to October prior to the international break and should be confident of continuing their positive momentum this weekend.

Previews by email
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
B. Leverkusenvs.Frankfurt
Bayer Leverkusen are three points off first place in the Bundesliga table before Saturday's gameweek seven meeting with third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt at the BayArena.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Celticvs.Aberdeen
The top two sides in the Scottish Premiership table are set to come face to face in a blockbuster showdown on Saturday when first-placed Celtic host second-placed Aberdeen at Celtic Park.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Genoavs.Bologna
Both failing to match expectations this season, Rossoblu rivals Genoa and Bologna will meet at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Saturday afternoon.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Millwallvs.Derby
Ready to battle for second-tier honours after October's international break, Millwall and Derby County will clash at The Den in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spursvs.West Ham
Two London rivals collide in Saturday's 12.30pm Premier League kickoff, as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United scrap it out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the first game back since the international break.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Utdvs.Brentford
Manchester United welcome Brentford to Old Trafford for a Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Stokevs.Norwich
Stoke City play host to Norwich City on Saturday afternoon with head coach Narcis Pelach being reunited with his former club.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Utdvs.Brentford
Brentford could be without up to nine first-team players for Saturday's Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Utdvs.Brentford
Manchester United could be without as many as 10 first-team players for Saturday's Premier League clash against Brentford at Old Trafford.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spursvs.West Ham
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that all of Son Heung-min, Richarlison and Lucas Bergvall are in contention for Saturday's Premier League London derby against West Ham United.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Utdvs.Brentford
Manchester United will be looking to end a five-match winless run in all competitions when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford for a Premier League contest on Saturday afternoon.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Middlesbroughvs.Bristol City
Middlesbrough play host to Bristol City on Saturday afternoon looking to build on sitting in ninth position in the Championship standings.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spursvs.West Ham
West Ham United could win back-to-back Premier League games for the first time this season when they head to Tottenham Hotspur for Saturday's lunchtime London derby.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spursvs.West Ham
Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min should make his return to action in Saturday's Premier League London derby with West Ham United.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Blackburnvs.Swansea
Blackburn Rovers play host to Swansea City on Saturday afternoon looking to end a run of two successive defeats.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spursvs.West Ham
Premier League football returns from the international break with an intriguing London derby on Saturday lunchtime, as Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham United in the lunchtime kickoff.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Comovs.Parma
Promoted together last season, struggling Serie A newcomers Como and Parma will convene at Stadio Sinigaglia on Saturday afternoon.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Celta Vigovs.Real Madrid
Real Madrid will be aiming to make it successive wins in Spain's top flight when they continue their La Liga campaign with a clash against Celta Vigo on Saturday night.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Lutonvs.Watford
Luton Town and Watford renew their rivalry on Saturday afternoon with a showdown at Kenilworth Road.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelonavs.Sevilla
Barcelona will be aiming to make it three straight wins in all competitions when they resume their La Liga campaign with a clash against Sevilla on Sunday night.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpoolvs.Chelsea
Chelsea will be bidding to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they resume their 2024-25 campaign with a clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bournemouthvs.Arsenal
Childhood friends will reunite on the Vitality Stadium touchline on Saturday evening, as Mikel Arteta's Arsenal square up to Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth in the Premier League.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Cardiffvs.Plymouth
Cardiff City play host to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that may take them off the bottom of the Championship standings.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid 'lining up January move' for Spain international to solve major issue
Real Madrid are reportedly planning to move for a new centre-back during the January transfer window, with Al-Nassr's Aymeric Laporte viewed as a genuine target for the Spanish and European champions.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Wolvesvs.Man City
Seeking to preserve their unbeaten start in the Premier League, Manchester City travel to Molineux to face basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bournemouthvs.Arsenal
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola might have a fully-fit squad at his disposal for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bournemouthvs.Arsenal
Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are both thought to have reasonable chances of being fit for Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: Red Devils 'are clear favourites' to sign Barcelona star
Manchester United will reportedly be the clear favourites to sign Frenkie de Jong during next summer's transfer window if Barcelona make it clear that the midfielder can leave.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bournemouthvs.Arsenal
Arsenal will spend Saturday evening at the top of the Premier League table should they pass the Bournemouth test at the Vitality Stadium in Saturday's 5.30pm kickoff.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United 'interested in 50-year-old manager' who impressed at Euro 2024
Manchester United have reportedly identified Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella as a possible replacement for Erik ten Hag, should the club decide to change their manager in the coming weeks.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United 'interested in 50-year-old manager' who impressed at Euro 2024
Manchester United have reportedly identified Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella as a possible replacement for Erik ten Hag, should the club decide to change their manager in the coming weeks.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Boltonvs.Burton Albion
The first of three games Bolton Wanderers must play without their manager on the touchline, the Trotters host Burton Albion at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in League One on Saturday afternoon.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Thursday's Transfer Talk Update: Dani Carvajal, Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford
With all eyes fixed on the January transfer market, clubs around the UK and Europe are already lining up potential mid-season moves.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Los Angelesvs.Earthquakes
The final encounter on MLS Decision Day will feature Los Angeles FC seeking to claim first place in the Western Conference when they host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at BMO Stadium.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Montrealvs.NY City
With a victory on Saturday over New York City FC at Saputo Stadium, CF Montreal would book a place in the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since 2022.
17 October 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpoolvs.Chelsea
Premier League football returns to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, when table-toppers Liverpool welcome Chelsea to their Merseyside headquarters for this weekend's headline encounter.
Show more

Top News

18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk For the first time in the CONCACAF Nations League, Canada and Mexico will face each other, with a spot in the final at stake on Thursday at SoFi Stadium. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In the first semi-final of the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League, the reigning three-time champions, the USA, host Panama on Thursday at SoFi Stadium in California. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk On Thursday Jordan will look to climb into a top two position when they host Palestine at Amman International Stadium on matchday seven of the World Cup 2026 qualification cycle for both teams. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to step up their pursuit of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen over the international break. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly included Victor Osimhen on a four-man striker shortlist for the summer transfer window. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Ipswich Town have reportedly been impressed by Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland but could face competition from Sunderland for his signature. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The first international break of the year will see Liberia take on Tunisia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex this Wednesday in the fifth round of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The first clash in this international break's double-header sees the Central African Republic face Madagascar at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in neutral Morocco on Wednesday in the fifth round of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying series. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reportedly prepared to consider selling Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz as it emerges they have seemingly made contact with Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak. 17 March 2025 talksport.com A Bulgarian first division team held a minute's silence for a former player... only to later discover he's still alive. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Lionel Messi has been omitted from Argentina's squad list for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. 17 March 2025 talksport.com After some backlash to his claims that he's the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has some support in the opposition dugout. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Reigning European champions Barcelona Women will head to Germany for Wednesday's Women's Champions League clash against Wolfsburg Women. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Just a few days after they face off in the Women's League Cup final, Manchester City Women will lock horns with Chelsea Women in the first leg of the Women's Champions League quarter-finals. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has left the club, the Premier League side have announced. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany is a "big fan" of Oscar Bobb and is delighted to see the youngster edging closer to a first-team return after being "robbed of a year" due to injury. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool should prioritise Virgil van Dijk's contract renewal over Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, former Reds striker Emile Heskey has told Sports Mole. 17 March 2025 talksport.com The first major question surrounding Thomas Tuchel as England manager has been answered. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is allegedly attracting interest from another Premier League club. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is reportedly targeting a long-awaited return from a hamstring injury in time for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified another two potential replacements for head coach Ange Postecoglou. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Robbie Fowler is hopeful Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain at Liverpool this summer. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool allegedly have plans to entertain offers for at least one of their regular attacking players during the summer transfer window. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany believes that the performance of Omar Marmoush against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend has sent a "slight warning" to his out-of-form teammate Phil Foden. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool should be pursuing Newcastle's Alexander Isak, regardless of Mohamed Salah's future at Anfield. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The elusive quadruple that Liverpool fans are still pining for remains out of sight for now, but come the sunshine of May, Arne Slot and his crop will surely be proudly parading their Premier League trophy. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Sergio Ramos' cheeky post on social media proved he is well aware of his reputation for being a red card magnet. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Simon Jordan dubbed Martin Keown a 'clown' during a furious clash over Liverpool and Arsenal's trophy hopes live on talkSPORT. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are likely to at least resolve the contract situations of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in the coming months, Reds expert David Lynch has claimed. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have reportedly already decided whether they intend to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis.