Match Preview: Derby Vs Preston

By pnefans.co.uk
May 8 2005

Preston take on 5th place Derby at Pride Park today, in a warm up to the probable semi final clash can Preston hold on to 4th place or will Derby leapfrog them and gain home advantage for the Playoffs....

A real clash today as 4th play 5th with Northend already guarenteed a playoff place and look likely to be playing Derby in the semi finals, Derby will be going into the game looking for that one vital point to secure a definate playoff place and a morale boosting win today going into the playoffs on the back of a 6-2 drubing away to Coventry last weekend.

Derby will be without their top goalscorer Grzegorz Rasiak, the Polish striker is recovering from groin operation. Left back Chris Makin is fit again and should be back as to will veteran Ian Taylor after a head injury.

Preston as you all know will be without key left sided players Eddie Lewis and Callum Davidson whos season looks over with a calf injury. Although Eddie Lewis hasn't been ruled out for the remainder of the season and could play apart in the playoffs at some stage, who is said to be recovering well from appendicites.

Last time Preston faced Derby was at Deepdale earlier on the season were Preston ran out comfortable 3-0 winners with goals from Cresswell and a brace from the Championships PFA Player of the Year Graham Alexander.