Coca-Cola Championship Matchday Eighteen: Preston North End v Barnsley

Team News

Barnsley are forced into at least one change for tomorrow's War of the Roses clash with Preston. Defender Darren Moore is ruled out with a groin tear which he suffered in the first 15 minutes of last weekend's 2-1 win over Watford. Bobby Hassell is set to slot into the right back slot with captain Stephen Foster partnering Dennis Souza in the centre of defence. Martin Devaney is fit again and could replace Mounir El Haimour who was ineffective last Saturday but Simon Davey may be loathe to make too many changes to a winning side. Simon Whaley, who missed the Watford game with an infected foot cannot play against his parent club. Jamal Campbell-Ryce should be available after playing for Jamaica in midweek.

Heinz Muller

Rob Kozluk

Dennis Souza

Stephen Foster ©

Bobby Hassell

Jamal Campbell-Ryce

Hugo Colace

Diego Leon

Mounir El Haimour/Martin Devaney

Kayode Odejayi

Jon Macken

Last week I said Watford were the only side Barnsley did the "double" over last season, but of course I was wrong! They did one over Preston too and ironically, last season after beating Watford, The Reds travelled to Deepdale and they do the same again this season- Hopefully it will be the same result!

The Reds secured a fine 2-1 success at Preston last season thanks to a wonderful free-kick from Diego Leon and a penalty by ex white Jon Macken. A Stephen Foster own goal gave Preston a consolation. The Reds though have a pretty bleak record at Deepdale, winning just four of their 23 trips there, but they have had some success recently. As well as last season's success they knocked Preston out of the Carling Cup at Deepdale on penalties in 2005, whilst a year later in the Championship The Reds were unlucky to lose 1-0 despite playing for 82 minutes with ten men after the sending off of goal-keeper Nick Colgan. The Reds Deepdale win last season arrived after beating Preston 1-0 at Oakwell in November in incredible circumstances. Istvan Ferenczi put The Reds 1-0 up front before half-time but deep into second half injury time, Preston were awarded a penalty. Heinz Muller hit legendary status though with a stunning save from Neil Mellor to hand The Reds the points.

Barnsley 1-0 Preston 3/11/07 Match Report

Barnsley 0-1 Preston 13/1/07 Match Report

Preston 1-0 Barnsley 22/9/06 Match Report

12/4/08 Preston 1-2 Barnsley (Championship)

3/11/07 Barnsley 1-0 Preston (Championship)

13/1/07 Barnsley 0-1 Preston (Championship)

22/9/06 Preston 1-0 Barnsley (Championship)

23/8/05 Preston 2-2 Barnsley (League Cup) (Barnsley won 5-4 on pens)

1 /4/02 Barnsley 2-1 Preston (Division One)

Overall Record:

Barnsley Wins: 15

Preston Wins: 19

Draws: 10

Barnsley Goals: 54

Preston Goals: 80

At Preston:

Barnsley Wins: 4

Preston Wins: 13

Draws: 6

Barnsley Goals: 23

Preston Goals: 58

Preston will be hoping to finally be the bride this season after being the Championship bridesmaids for the last four years. In 2004-2005 Preston were defeated in the Play-Off Final by West Ham, 2005-2006 saw them beaten in the Play-Off Semis by Leeds, 2006-2007 was even more painful as the Lilywhites finished 7^th, a point off the Play-Offs. They were comfortably inside them in March but won just two of their final eight games, losing the other six. Last season meant a worse finish season on season as they finished a lowly 15^th which cost new manager Paul Simpson his job. This season has also started to look like a "what if" campaign under Alan Irvine. Preston started with five wins from their first eight games before losing four in a row. They are currently on a run of three wins from their past 11 games.

Barnsley meanwhile are having the opposite type of season to Preston. Whilst North End were winning their first three games, The Reds were losing theirs. But Saturday's 2-1 win over Watford was their fourth success in the last six matches and they have lost just two in their last eight outings.

Barnsley:

15/11/08 Barnsley 2-1 Watford (Championship)

8/11/08 Barnsley 1-2 Sheffield United (Championship)

1/11/08 Charlton 1-3 Barnsley (Championship)

28/10/08 Doncaster 0-1 Barnsley (Championship)