Preston North End (H) Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
Huddersfield can make it three wins in a row (IN A ROW) this Saturday but face a stubborn Preston side who they’ve previously struggled against. Can Corberan’s team carry on the good form or will history repeat itself? Preston fan podcast From The Finney previews the game for And He Takes That Chance.
Did you see that goal against Derby? Of course you did, it was everywhere on social media. Hamer to Sarr, Sarr to Toffolo, Toffolo to Koroma, Koroma to Campbell, Campbell to Bacuna, Bacuna to Toffolo, Toffolo to Bacuna, goal. Football? Completed it mate.
It’s certainly refreshing to be excited to watch The Terriers again, and we’re not saying that we’re getting carried away but if Town can make it three wins in a week against Preston, then orders for stone chinos and New Balance trainers will go through the roof in the Huddersfield area.
Let’s not underestimate Preston North End though, Alex Neil’s are always a difficult team to play against and this will be a tough test for Corberan’s side. Huddersfield have only won one game in their past five meetings with the Lancashire side, that thrilling 3-2 win at the John Smith’s Stadium in April 2017.
This season, Preston have been good away from home picking up wins against Brentford, QPR and drawing against Norwich on the road, but their home form has been a complete contrast, losing both their home games this season 1-0. It’s early days and does home advantage matter when there are no fans to cheer you on? It’s debatable.
Luckily for you, Jake Oates from Preston fan podcast, From The Finney, is here to give you the insight on The Lilywhites. He talks about that great away form so far, their new Danish striker and why he backed Huddersfield to finish in the relegation zone.
Jake Oates from From The Finney was frustrated at Alex Neil’s reluctance to change things last time these two teams played. Photo source: Preston
When we spoke last time our two teams played, you were frustrated about Preston’s form after the restart and missing out on the playoffs. What have you made to Preston’s start this season?
So far, it's been steady. Just about. Our away form is the standout point of our season so far. A 2-2 draw away at Norwich in our opening away game, a 2-4 win over Brentford in our next away game after being 2-0 down before half time and our most recent. a 2-0 win over QPR. A game that I thought we dominated from near enough the first whistle and were well worth the three points.
What are your general expectations for the season?
Another top 10 challenge, maybe a top 6 challenge but a lot is depending on some of our key players signing key extensions as Ben Pearson, Ben Davies, Alan Browne, Daniel Johnson and Darnell Fisher are all out of contract in the summer.
When we last spoke, you were disappointed in Alex Neil’s refusal to change tactics and personnel. How do you feel about the manager at the moment?
I was more frustrated at his reluctance to change things. However, on the whole, this season he's mixed things up. Our home form needs to improve on the back of three 0-1 defeats but it's still incredibly early days.
Jonathan Hogg was all smiles after victory against Derby and has played a part in all six league games this season. Photo source: HTAFC
Preston are beginning their sixth consecutive season in the Championship since winning the playoffs in League One, what do you think should be the aim for this team and squad going forward?
Tough one to answer in terms of the current squad as there's every chance that this summer coming is going to see a lot of change. We have a significant number of players out of contract in the summer. I'm just hoping that this season is going to be a good one.
Which player from your current squad do you think will be one to watch this season?
If you'd have asked me this at the start of the season, I'd have answered with Scott Sinclair. However, as much as I think he'll finish with 10-15 goals and be a threat, I think as far as one to watch goes, our new Danish centre forward ticks that box after our win against QPR. A big, mobile number 9 is something we've been lacking since we sold Jordan Hugill to West Ham fo £9m but Emil Riis Jakobsen, commonly referred to just as Emil Riis, looks the business.
He's still very raw but after making his full debut against QPR, he looks to have lots of positive attributes with his intelligent movement, ability to link play and the fact he's a very willing runner, too. I think he'll be one to watch for us.
You’ve signed a couple of players this transfer window, have you been impressed with your business? Any players you think will do well?
We've actually only signed one, the aforementioned Emil Riis.
Preston signed new striker Emil Riss Jakobsen from Danish side Randers FC and Jake Oates has been impressed with what he’s seen. Photo source: Preston
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
Ryan Ledson has had a superb start to the season. He's probably been our standout player so far and can thread a pass. He has the legs to get up and down the pitch and isn't afraid to make a tackle. With Ben Pearson potentially out for a short spell, a midfield pairing of Ryan Ledson, Alan Browne and Daniel Johnson ahead of the two of them both playing just behind the striker, will certainly be something to keep an eye on.
What are Preston’s weaknesses, is there anything Huddersfield can take advantage of?
We've really struggled to break teams down so far this season. The Stoke game at home is a bit of an anomaly as we had Tom Barkhuizen sent off after a straight red that was never a straight red in a month of Sundays. But Swansea on the opening day and Cardiff last Sunday both plonked 10/11 men behind the ball (probably a simplistic way of putting it) and dealt with everything we threw at them which, in all honesty, wasn't much.
What are your expectations for Huddersfield Town this season?
I had you down in our pre-season prediction podcast, (I think) in the bottom 3 but you've started a million miles away from that sort of form but as I said earlier, it's incredibly early days yet.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
I think we'll manage to keep a second consecutive away clean sheet and I think the big man will get off the mark for us, too. I'll say 1-0 to North End with Emil Riis scoring the goal.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Preston? Let us know in the comments!
Our Predictions:
Brady: 1-1.
Kosi: 2-1 win for Huddersfield.
Matt: 1-0 win for Preston.
Neil: 1-1.
Pozza: 1-0 win for Huddersfield.
Si: 1-0 win for Huddersfield.
Scoring system: A correct score wins three points, a correct result wins a point.
