Prestonvs.Middlesbrough

The hosts got the better of Watford in their midweek outing, while Boro claimed a 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.

Match preview

Preston are sitting in 16th place in the Championship table after winning seven, drawing 13 and losing eight of their 16 league matches this season.

The Lilywhites will carry some confidence into Saturday's fixture after putting together a four-game unbeaten run since they lost 3-1 to West Brom on New Year's Day.

They played out league draws against Oxford United and Luton Town, either side of an FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic, before they recorded a 2-1 away victory over Watford thanks to a Milutin Osmajic brace.

As a result of that victory, Paul Heckingbottom's side will enter the weekend with an eight-point buffer to the bottom three and an eight-point gap between themselves and the playoff places.

After enjoying success on the road, Preston will now return to the home comforts of Deepdale, where they have won two and drawn five of their last seven league matches since losing to Bristol City on November 2.

The hosts can take confidence from the fact they have won each of their previous home league games against Middlesbrough, including a 2-1 home win in February 2024.

Middlesbrough recently experienced a three-game winless run, playing out a 1-1 draw with Cardiff City before losing to Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth in the FA Cup and league respectively.

They managed to halt that poor run of form in Tuesday's home clash with West Brom, with goals from Hayden Hackney and Ben Doak proving enough to secure a 2-0 victory and condemn boyhood Middlesbrough legend Tony Mowbray to a defeat in the first game of his second spell as Baggies boss.

That result ended a run of three consecutive league draws at the Riverside, while it also extended their unbeaten home run to six Championship matches.

Michael Carrick's side will head into the weekend in fifth position, with a four-point gap over West Brom and Watford in seventh and eighth position.

Middlesbrough have struggled to find consistency in recent road trips, having won just one of their previous five away matches (D2, L2).

Their recent away record may not inspire confidence as they go in search of their first away victory against Preston since recording a 2-0 victory in January 2020.

Preston North End Championship form:

W

W

L

D

D

W

Preston North End form (all competitions):

W

L

D

W

D

W

Middlesbrough Championship form:

D

D

W

D

L

W

Middlesbrough form (all competitions):

D

W

D

L

L

W

Team News

Preston's Brad Potts is closing in on a return to action following a six-game injury absence, but it remains to be seen whether he will be ready in time for Saturday's fixture.

Ben Whiteman is set to come into the starting lineup after serving a two-match suspension for collecting 10 yellow cards.

Osmajic will continue to lead the line for the Lilywhites, having scored four goals in the last three competitive matches.

As for Middlesbrough, they are still unable to call upon long-term absentees Sol Brynn, Tommy Smith, Alex Bangura and Darragh Lenihan.

They also have to cope without the services of Riley McGree, Anfernee Dijksteel, Jonny Howson, and Tommy Conway, although the latter is making progress in his injury recovery.

Luke Ayling and Aiden Morris are both set to retain their spots after making their first starts since returning from injury in midweek.

Preston North End possible starting lineup:

Woodman; Storey, Gibson, Hughes; Kesler-Hayden, Whiteman, Thordarson, Meghoma; McCann, Frokjaer-Jensen; Osmajic

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:

Glover; Ayling, Fry, Van den Berg, Borges; Morris, Hackney; Doak, Azaz, Burgzorg; Latte Lath

We say: Preston North End 1-1 Middlesbrough

Written by

Ben Sully

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