“Our big flaw has been a lack of goals so if you score, there's a chance you will get something” - Preston Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: Preston
Jake Oates from Preston fan podcast, From the Finney, is downbeat since football’s restarted. We find out why ahead of Saturday’s game.
It’s amazing how much a win lifts the mood. The 3-0 victory against Birmingham means Huddersfield now look to Saturday’s game as a chance to build momentum, rather than as a starting point.
With five games to play in the next two weeks, this next run of matches will be a big test for the squad and an opportunity for some fringe players to step up. Here’s hoping for a Collin Quaner masterclass.
Town’s next opponents, Preston North End, visit the John Smith’s Stadium in mixed form. 11 league places separate the two sides going into this match, with Preston four points off a playoff place. However, since the restart, Preston have picked up just one point in three games, a draw with Luton Town. To find out what Town can expect from the Lilywhites this Saturday, we spoke to Jake Oates, from Preston fan podcast From the Finney.
Preston lost 1-0 to Derby County in the previous game, which means they are four points away from the playoff places with six games to go. Photo source: Preston
How do you feel about football returning and Preston’s form since the restart?
I was excited about the return of football. I'm less so now because of our form of late. One draw and two defeats is disappointing, to say the least.
Do you think you’ll still secure a playoff place?
To keep this short, no.
How would you rate Preston’s season prior to lockdown?
Good. We occupied a spot in the top six for the majority of this season but for whatever reason, things seem to have fallen apart since the resumption.
Huddersfield lost 3-1 to Preston away earlier in the season, with the game remembered for Tommy Elphick suffering an injury which has kept him out for the rest of the season. Photo source: Preston
In your opinion, what needs to be done to have a successful end to the season?
Change. There has to be changes from the manager. Both in terms of our tactics in certain games and also the XI that Alex picks on a matchday.
Who’s going to be your key player in these last games?
It could be anyone such is our form. The mantle is there for someone to step up and grasp.
What did you think of Huddersfield when they played against Preston earlier this season?
Not to want to give a cop-out answer but I can't really remember the game, other than we won and Paul Gallagher scored a penalty. I don't even remember how we played. A lot has happened since then in fairness.
Preston goalkeeper Declan Rudd has been in great form for Preston this season, with his fan chant being 'He's vegan you know, he only eats avocado!' to the tune of Pilot's 1975 song Magic. Rudd has since stopped his vegan diet after his two children Photo source: Preston
What have been Preston’s weaknesses, is there anything Huddersfield can take advantage of?
We've been conceding for fun recently. We last kept a clean sheet away from home in February at the Bet365 Stadium. Our big flaw has been a lack of goals so if you score, there's a chance you will get something because at the moment, we don't look like creating anything.
Who has been the standout performer this season?
There are a few names who are worth a mention, some of who probably only have 5 games left in a North End shirt after we've played yourselves. Ben Pearson, Tom Barkhuizen, Patrick Bauer and Declan Rudd have all been very, very good for us. The one standout for me has been Daniel Johnson.
Which players have performed well but gone under the radar to other clubs in the league?
I'd probably say Tom Barkhuizen or Declan Rudd.
Alex Neil, Preston’s manager needs to change his tactics and starting XI to improve the Lilywhites’ post-lockdown form, says Jake Oates. Photo source: Preston
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
Based on our current form, not much. But we do have some threats there's no doubt. If we do mix things up and bring the likes of Josh Harrop and Billy Bodin into the XI then there's more chance of us carving out a chance or two. They could be players to watch out for.
What do you think of Huddersfield so far this season?
Subpar.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
I'll jump back on the fence I've been sat on in some of our recent podcasts and say 1-1.
What’s your end of season prediction?
I think we might settle into our 'home' position of 11th.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Preston? Let us know in the comments!
