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Sunday 3rd May 2009
Deepdale Stadium
Kick-off: 13:15
Referee: M Oliver
Preston North End (7th) V Queens Park Rangers (11th)
By thegodfather

Queens Park Rangers face a difficult trip to play-off chasing Preston North End on the last day of the 2008/09 Championship season.

Preston North End

Preston North End have enjoyed a very successful campaign. Manager, Alan Irvine, has established the Lilywhites as serious play-off contenders. North End’s 6-0 thrashing of Cardiff City a couple of weeks ago illustrates how far the club has progressed under Irvine.

The play-offs are still within reach for Preston. They currently lie in 7th place with 71 points, just two behind fierce rivals, Burnley, and three off Cardiff City. If they are to stand any chance of sneaking into the top-six, they will have to beat Queens Park Rangers and hope that other results go their way.

Men to watch

Neil Mellor is likely to be Preston’s main attacking threat on Sunday afternoon. He is North End’s top scorer, with 12 goals to his name this season. The 26 year-old started his career with Liverpool but couldn’t break through into the first-team. He then had brief loan spells with West Ham United and Wigan Athletic before joining the Lilywhites in 2006.

Jon Parkin is likely to partner Mellor in attack against Queens Park Rangers. Nicknamed ‘the Beast’ for his sheer size and physical presence, the 27 year-old’s main purpose is to push, shove and shirt-pull the opposing defenders as much as possible. Parkin, who lists Barnsley, York, Hull and Stoke among his former clubs, has had a decent season, scoring 10 goals.

On the right wing, the Lilywhites have the talented Chris Sedgwick. I was impressed with him when the two sides met at Loftus Road earlier this season. He was quick, good on the ball and very skilful. I hope that the Rs are able to deal with him on Sunday. The 29 year-old has made almost 200 appearances for Preston since joining them from Rotherham in 2004.

Barry Nicholson could return from injury to face QPR in central midfield. The Scottish international first made his name at Dunfermline Athletic, where he had a very successful five-year spell. The 30 year-old then moved on to Aberdeen, where his impressive performances attracted the interest of numerous Championship clubs. Nicholson signed for the Lilywhites during the summer of 2008 and has made a significant contribution to the team’s promotion bid this season.

Paul Mckenna could start alongside Nicholson in the heart of midfield. The 31 year-old has played for Preston North End since 1997, making 416 appearances, earning him a place in the top-ten of the all-time record appearance-holders for the club.

Irvine is likely to select Sean St Ledger in the heart of defence. St Ledger signed for North End in 2006 after a successful four-year spell at Peterborough. Since then, the 24 year-old has established himself as a first-team regular, forming a robust partnership with fellow central defender, Youl Mawene.

Youl Mawene is a very experienced and reliable central defender. The 29 year-old, who has had spells with Lens and Derby County, joined the Lilywhites in 2004 and has since made over 150 appearances.

In goal, Andy Lonergan will probably keep his place. He has made over 130 appearances for Preston since 2000. The 25 year-old has also spent time out on loan with Darlington, Blackpool, Wycombe and Swindon Town.

Previous Matches

October 2007 – Mick Harford took charge of managerless Queens Park Rangers as they held fellow Championship strugglers, Preston North End, to a goalless draw. Lee Camp saved Paul Gallagher’s penalty early in the first-half after Martin Cranie was adjudged to have handled inside the area. Marc Nygaard headed Hogan Ephraim’s cross just wide late in the second-half, but the match finished all square.

QPR Caretaker Manager, Mick Harford: “Our defending was first class and Lee Camp will get all the plaudits for the saves he made. We have only let in one goal in three games and if you can do that you have got a chance of winning games. We had some decent openings and if the final ball was correct we could have won. Preston had sustained pressure but we looked dangerous on the break”

Preston North End 0-0 Queens Park Rangers

April 2008 – Queens Park Rangers staged a dramatic last-minute come-back to draw 2-2 with Preston North End. Neil Mellor opened the scoring in the first-half with a well-executed volley. Tamas Priskin looked to have sealed victory for the visitors in the 80th minute with a neat finish, but the arrival of substitute, Gareth Ainsworth, seemed to rejuvenate the QPR players. Ainsworth pulled one back in the 89th minute with a beautiful 25-yard lob, before Dexter Blackstock headed home in the 93rd minute to steal a point.

QPR Manager, Luigi De Canio (on Gareth Ainsworth): “Gareth Ainsworth is an extraordinary individual. I know the character he is and how much he is respected by the other players, so I use that. He's not officially on the coaching staff, although that is a possibility in the future. His role at the moment is as a player.”

Queens Park Rangers 2-2 Preston North End

December 2008 – Dexter Blackstock’s 86th minute header gave Queens Park Rangers victory over play-off chasing rivals, Preston North End. Heidar Helguson put the Rs in front in the 16th minute, heading home Lee Cook’s cross. However, Chris Sedgwick equalised with a superb header. Helguson put the Rs back in front just before half-time, before Callum Davidson equalised from the spot after the break. Just as it was looking like the game would finish 2-2, Dexter Blackstock came in with a stunning header to hand QPR all three points.

QPR Manager, Paulo Sousa: "We had to take risks to get three points. It's important to be prepared and anticipate situations. And it's a better win because we had to overcome the problem with the penalties, so it will give us more power. I believe a lot in my players. I don't have doubts about them, they are getting better and more consistent."

Queens Park Rangers 3-2 Preston North End

League Form

Queens Park Rangers league form: DLWLD (Last match: QPR 0-0 Plymouth).

Preston North End league form: DLWWW (Last match: Birmingham 1-2 PNE).

Team News

Patrick Agyemang returned to the starting line-up last Saturday after a lengthy spell on the sidelines and could keep his place on Sunday. Adel Taraabt will not feature after suffering a serious injury. Rowan Vine and Jordi Lopez both missed the Rs’ match against Plymouth Argyle – whether they will return is unclear.

For Preston, Lee Williamson and Ross Wallace are both suspended for Sunday’s match. Barry Nicholson and Callum Davidson could return to the starting line-up after recovering from injuries.

Elsewhere in the Championship

Birmingham face Reading in a crucial match at the top of the Championship table. If Birmingham win they will be promoted automatically. If Reading win and Sheffield United lose to Crystal Palace, the Royals will be promoted. If Sheffield United beat Palace and Birmingham fail to beat Reading, the Blades will be promoted.

Preston will reach the play-offs if they triumph over Queens Park Rangers and Burnley fail to beat Bristol City. If Preston and Burnley both win and Cardiff are beaten by Sheffield Wednesday, then the Bluebirds could drop out of the top-six.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, Norwich need to beat Charlton Athletic at the Valley and hope that Barnsley lose to Plymouth Argyle at Home Park if they are to avoid the drop.

Prediction

Preston North End are a strong and physical side. It isn’t surprising that they have done well in the Championship this season. The Lilywhites cannot afford to drop points against Queens Park Rangers if they are to reach a play-off position. Unfortunately, I think that it is going to be very difficult for the Rs to get anything from this fixture, especially if Rowan Vine and Jordi Lopez are not available for selection. I predict a home victory.

Preston 2-0 Queens Park Rangers