Preston vs. Carlisle – Playoff position beckons for Preston as Carlisle struggle

The closing stages of a season can be a cruel time. After forty games, two teams have found themselves in different positions, with one seeking to climb out of the division whilst one hoping not to fall out of the current league. Preston have seemingly done enough to secure a playoff position and will now be looking to hit their stride at the right time if they are to advance up the footballing pyramid. In their way are Carlisle, a team who have won almost half as many games all season, but lost nearly four times as more. Preston will be proud of their slightly unorthodox 3-4-1-2 formation, with their advanced fullbacks converted into wingers and bringing them a great deal of success. Up against this will be a more conventional 4-3-3, with the Carlisle manager hoping his centre back pairing has enough to deal with the Preston strike duo.

Preston’s form has begun to pick up as of late. Having gone three matching without a win, they have secured two victories and a score draw in their last three. The manager will perhaps have half an eye on the possible playoff matches, but rather than resting players, he will likely be encouraging them to rediscover the form which pulled them up towards the top of the division. As such, Preston could find themselves falling victim to a team beginning to find their feet once again.   Carlisle have struggled in recent weeks, much as they have all season. With only one win in their last six games, they will be hoping that last week’s triumph over Swindon will signal the start of a good final few weeks. Currently in twentieth, all hope is certainly not lost and a few good results could well see safety achieved. These points will have to arrive soon, however, and high flying Preston might not be the ideal opposition to be facing at such a time.

Injuries

Pascal Chimbonda has been struggling with a calf injury in recent weeks, but could well see a return to the squad in order to bolster the defence. While the squad is largely available for the match, some players are returning from injuries so might need to be nursed to full fitness. Preston might not be particularly concerned with their injuries (they are largely available), but recent spot fixing allegations levelled against a number of their players might well raise a few eyebrows. In spite of these allegations and a continuing FA investigation, the manager has stood by his players and continued to include them in both the match day squads and the starting line ups. This show of faith in his accused players might be enough to get a good result out of them.

Preston

P41 W20 D16 L05

DLWWD

Predicted Line-Up (3-4-1-2): Rudd; King, Clarke, Wright; Humphrey, Welsh, Kilkenny, Buchanan; Holmes; Davies, Garner.

Carlisle

P40 W11 D10 L19

DLDDW

Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Pickford; Chimbonda, Thirlwell, O’Hanlon, Chantler; Potts, Berrett, Redmond; Symington, Madine, Amoo.

Prediction: Preston 1 - 0 Carlisle

Preston will have the playoffs in their sights and will be hoping to turn over the relegation battlers with the home advantage perhaps being key.