This is it, the season is finally coming to a close. It’s been a good ride, however there is still work to be done. If Sunderland take all three points today we could finish in the top six…
PRESTON NORTH END
As a whole, it’s been a very solid campaign for Ryan Lowe’s side, with the Lilywhites sitting in 11th place on 63 points. However, it’s very similar to last season, where Preston finished in 13th and accumulated 64 points. Unfortunately for Preston, there is no way in which they can finish in the top six, despite being in and around it for a few months now.
This has led to manager Ryan Lowe coming out and saying that he wants to have discussions with the Preston hierarchy. He doesn’t want to be “a bang average, mediocre Championship manager.” Many fans have praised Lowe for his comments, with the Preston fans still dreaming of one day playing Premier League football.
Lowe has been playing the 3-1-4-2 formation, and his side have an average possession stat of 47.4%. That is fairly average compared to the rest of the league. Ched Evans is their current top scorer, however the 34 year old is ruled out with a neck injury. Thomas Cannon has also been great for Preston, with the Everton loanee bagging eight goals in 20 games. At this rate he’ll probably be linking up with Ellis Simms at Everton next season.
SUNDERLAND
The Lads are coming off a dramatic 2-2 draw against Watford, the result extended Sunderland’s unbeaten run to eight games. Kristjaan Speakman has also discussed the Farioli rumours with Mowbray, and the Gaffer has made it clear that the rumours were played down and there is nothing to worry about.
Sunderland will travel to Deepdale for the final game of the season, and the players know a win could lift them into the top six. Truly remarkable for a newly promoted side. Regardless of what happens, the players have made everyone proud this season and their drive and determination has been amazing.
MY PREDICTION
For this game I am going with a 2-1 Sunderland win, we are better away from home. Preston have gone four games without a win. Not to mention, they have conceded 11 goals in those four games. So, they aren’t exactly in great shape. On the other hand, we are on an eight game unbeaten run and the players know that a win could secure the play offs. The only problem we could face is set pieces, but if we play to our strengths we can outgun Preston. Clarke and Diallo will score for us. Thomas Cannon will score for Lilywhites.
MY PREDICTED SUNDERLAND 11 (FORMATION 4-2-3-1)
1 Anthony Patterson, 13 Luke O’Nien, 32 Trai Hume, 3 Dennis Cirkin, 11 Lynden Gooch, 39 Pierre Ekwah, 25 Edouard Michut, 10 Patrick Roberts, 16 Amad Diallo, 20 Jack Clarke, 28 Joe Gelhardt
MY PREDICTED PRESTON 11 (FORMATION 3-1-4-2)
1 Freddie Woodman, 6 Liam Lindsay, 5 Patrick Bauer, 16 Andrew Hughes, 18 Ryan Ledson, 44 Brad Potts, 17 Joshua Onomah, 10 Daniel Johnson, 2 Alvaro Fernandez, 28 Thomas Cannon, 15 Troy Parrott
