Who Are Ya?: Preston North End

Last updated : 20 October 2006 By Simon Ostiadel
The Gameplan
4-4-2 attack minded, through the middle or out wide with good wingers to cross - otherwise the other option is long ball to Dichio for the flick ons.

Strengths
Going forward, one of the best young strikers can create chances along with bright young wide players. Chances hopefully will not be a problem we have a lot of talent - set pieces are always one to watch.

Weaknesses
Inexperienced back line and not the ideal midfield leave room for improvement. Nugent and Dichio both on the scoresheet in the last week but they need more goals.

Injuries/Suspensions
No suspensions. Only long term injuries to Mawene and Nowland are out of the running. Mellor also set to have an op but he has yet to feature so it is the same squad as usual.

Player by Player
Keeper - Carlo Nash: good shot stopper
Right Back - Graham Alexander: experienced pro who can strike a ball and will take the pens.
Left Back - Matty Hill: pace up and down the left
Centre Back - Sean St Ledger: good bringing the ball forward
Centre Back - Liam Chilvers: good header
Left Wing - Danny Pugh: great crosser corner taker and has a good shot
Right Wing - Simon Whaley: runs rings around anyone and will shoot from anywhere
Centre Midfield - Paul McKenna: maestro passer and set piece taker
Centre Midfield - Chris Sedgwick: deft touches here and there
Forward - David Nugent: lethal from anywhere, runs and shot are best in the division
Forward - Danny Dichio: holds the ball well, brings others into player and a great header

The Season So Far
At the beginning of the season, like yourselves we had an overhaul of the managerial structure with Billy Davies and all of his backroom staff preferring to join a 'bigger' club for more money. We knew Paul Simpson came from a good grounding with two successive promotions at Carlisle but with the loss of half of our defence as well most of us expected a mid table finish this season.
So far everything has gone beyond our expectations. You will notice we play more attacking football under Simpson and you should watch out for our two wide players Pugh and Whaley. Nugent has yet to hit top gear but the under-21 international is an exciting prospect and will trouble most defences in the league.

Defensively we have steadied the ship with St Ledger a new acquisition looking good.

We are now unbeaten in ten league games, not losing at home for over a year in a league match (that is bound to jinx us!) and winning our last four at home we will be looking to build on that this Saturday.

However, we know most teams come to Deepdale and sit back and under the past regime we found it difficult to break teams down ending up with too many draws at home. We are all interested to see how you play it as you are noted for having a free flowing side but your position may have to compromise your tactics.

All in all hoping for a cracking match with lots of goals and hope you all have a safe journey across from Humberside and we will certainly give you a warm Lancashire welcome.

Simon Ostiadel is editor of Preston North End Mad.