We face Preston tonight in a quick turnaround since our victory over Cardiff on Saturday. Preston are winless in their last five games in the league, however they do have an FA Cup quarter final to look forward to so we spoke with Lancashire Post’s Preston North End reporter, George Hodgson, to discuss how their season is going.
Preston are 16th in the league, 11 points from the relegation zone but 12 from play-offs. You're perpetually stuck in mid-table, but what's been the story of your season?
It started in chaotic circumstances with Ryan Lowe leaving one game into the campaign. North End moved quickly to bring in Paul Heckingbottom, who has been a steady hand on the wheel alongside experienced number two, Stuart McCall. PNE have been competitive in most games and will feel they ought to be a few places higher in the table. They have only lost nine in 36 since his appointment but drawn too many matches and that's why they sit 16th heading into tonight.
What are the fans' thoughts on manager Paul Heckingbottom?
He's been received well and the fans appear to be firmly with him. Heckingbottom is a straight talking northerner and I think the Deepdale faithful view him as relatable and authentic. Tactically, he is fairly pragmatic and wants PNE to be brave and aggressive. The players seem to have real clarity when they cross the white line and Preston have been a tough side to beat in the main.
Winless in your last five league games, are the team suffering with the fact they basically have nothing to play for?
You always fear that creeping in but I wouldn't say that's been evident so far. The Burnley and Millwall matches were closely fought and defences came out on top. Coventry, as strong as they have been, was a disappointing day - Preston were not at the races and deservedly beaten. Had they won that game it might've breathed some life into the league campaign. Swansea was a challenge to go again three days after the high of beating Burnley in the FA Cup; Sheffield United were obvious favourites and edged North End last weekend.
Emil Riis Jakobsen is PNE's top scorer with nine goals, what kind of striker is he?
Riis has a destructive shot on him and causes problems with his pace and power in behind. His link up play has been questioned throughout his Preston career but the Dane has shown he can do that side of the game. When he's on it he's proven what a handful he can be at this level.
Other than him, who are some of your best players?
One of them will probably miss the game: Mads Frokjaer. The Dane is an intelligent attacking midfielder who brings class and composure to Preston's play, as well as vision. Milutin Osmajic is clinical in front of goal but could be absent too. Aston Villa loan man Kaine Kesler-Hayden has been terrific this season, with soaring energy up and down the right flank.
Which Sunderland player worries you the most?
Patrick Roberts is one of the trickiest wingers in the division on his day so Preston will have to be wary of him if he's fit. There's lots to admire about Sunderland, so it's difficult to single out one or two. Wilson Isidor has been very impressive and could cause big problems; Jobe Bellingham is clearly another big talent.
What's your score prediction and goalscorers?
I'll back Preston to get something. They've done alright on the road in midweek this season and will be determined to avoid back-to-back defeats in the space of four days. So, 1-1 with Riis and Mayenda scoring.
Finally, where do you think both sides will finish this season?
Sunderland 4th. PNE 14th.
