28-01-2022, 10:01
LAST TIME OUT
FORM GUIDE
PNE 12 BRIZZLE 6
After scoring on his North End debut on Wednesday evening as a substitute, Cameron Archer will be hoping for a place in the starting XI this weekend.
Elsewhere, Josh Earl could come in to the matchday squad after stepping up his return to training, but he wasn't quite ready to play a part in the midweek victory.
Manager Ryan Lowe will provide further updates on team news in his pre-match press conference on Friday morning.
The Opposition
Bristol City sit 16th in the Championship on their arrival at Deepdale, with experienced manager Nigel Pearson in the dugout.
He’s been left frustrated this season with his side’s lack of consistency, highlighted by the fact they are yet to achieve back-to-back victories in the league this term.
A factor in their up-and-down form has undoubtedly been their tough luck with injury, and that could continue this weekend, as former PNE midfielder Matty James is one of a few key players who could miss out.
Key Stats
PNE are unbeaten in the last eight home meetings against Bristol City, with the last defeat at Deepdale against the Robins coming in 2011.
That was also the last time North End failed to score against the side from the south west at home, netting 15 in those eight games.
In Andreas Weimann, the visitors have one of the most in-form strikers in the division, with the Austrian having scored seven in his last six Championship games.
Our Last Meeting
Neither side could break the deadlock the last time these two faced in each other, back in September 2021 at Ashton Gate.
North End had much the better of the chances, with Sean Maguire coming closest, striking the crossbar just before the half-time break.
Ben Whiteman and Daniel Johnson were among those who also came close, but PNE had to settle for a point.
Man In The Middle
John Busby will referee his first ever Preston North End first team fixture this weekend.
Busby, formerly an assistant referee, joined the National Group Referees List in 2016 and was added to the Select Group 2 List ahead of this season.
So far this term, he has taken charge of 22 matches, showing 87 yellow cards and four red.
MACS VIEW
For the first time in a while there seems to be connection between the fans and the club, the opening of the Kop for home fans being a start, the fanzone being another. On the pitch for the first time since long before lockdown there seems to be progress, switching the midfield three in front of the defensive midfielder protecting the back for seems to have been a positive.
City were woeful at home for weeks this season but had a good away record. Weimann scoring for fun this season, Chris Martin writes songs, played cricket for New Zealand and scores goals for City. They have added Tim Klose to the squad this week will be experience. Tough but winnable
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