Although we’re only two games in to another marathon in the Championship, both Preston and Derby could desperately do with 3 points tomorrow night as they look to get their first win on the board.
The Rams have so far managed a stalemate with fellow promotion hopefuls Brighton before being stunned by Barnsley at Oakwell as they fell to a 2-0 defeat. Preston on the other hand have faired even worse as they’ve fallen to two straight defeats, the most recent being a 2-1 defeat in front of their own fans against Fulham.
Team News
Both Jeff Hendrick and Darren Bent are injury doubts for the tie as the pair limped off in the defeat to the hands of Barnsley. Bent was replaced by last season’s top goalscorer Chris Martin whereas Hendrick was replaced by Will Hughes. Hughes and Martin could both be in line to start. This could see Abdoul Camara make his way onto the substitute bench for the first time this season as he looks to finally make an impression since his £1.5 million move from Angers in January.
Whereas Preston have a full bill of health ahead of the clash and could look to restore Jermaine Beckford to the starting 11 as Joe Garner’s future has been plunged into doubt amid reports of a move to Rangers.
Previous meetings
Preston are looking for their first victory against the Rams since boxing day of 2008, where they ran out 2-1 winners. Derby are unbeaten in their last 6 clashes with the Lilywhites and have won the last two games played at Deepdale, both times winning 2-1 including last season’s clash where Derby recorded their first win of the season thanks to 2 goals from Chris Martin.
Fancy a flutter?
Derby to win – 27/20
Draw – 12/5
Preston to win – 23/10
Recommendation – Tom Ince has been deployed in a new number. 10 position under Nigel Pearson which has given him freedom of the pitch, and if the Rams use him to full effect he could run riot. He’s 6/1 to be first goalscorer, and that’s my recommended bet.
Ticket News
PRESTON | Pay on the day confirmed for @pnefc vs #DCFC tomorrow from 6pm. No price increase – cash and card payments available #dcfcfans
— DCFC Tickets 🎟 (@dcfctickets) August 15, 2016
Rams fans can pay on the day if they make the late decision to travel to Deepdale with no price increase on the day whereas Preston fans can also pay on the day or pre-purchase from the ticket office or over the phone. PNE had an average attendance last campaign of 13,034 so any ticket sales will most likely be around this number, depending on how many fans travel from the East Midlands.
