A WAY THROUGH THIS
PRESTON NORTH END v MIDDLESBROUGH
Jonathan Way, 24 Oct 2009
Time for change.
After Boro's 2-0 victory over Derby on Tuesday night, nobody was expecting what was announced two hours later. With Southgate's departure already confirmed no matter what the mid-week result, it seems that chairman Steve Gibson has won many fans back by listening to them and doing the right thing.
Following the disappointment of losing in the play-offs last season, Preston have had a great start this time around and are currently sixth in the table. But with only one win in their previous four fixtures, Alan Irvine's side will be looking to cause an upset at Deepdale.
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Brad Jones v Andy Lonergan
The Australian will have been thrilled to secure Boro's first clean sheet at home for almost two months against the Rams. However, if Jones is to improve, he has definitely got to command his box more and be more decisive when coming to collect the ball, especially on corners.
Preston's vice-captain has been with the club ever since making his debut in 2000 at the age of just 16. Recently agreeing a new three-and-a-half year deal, Lonergan has become a major part of the Lilywhites' side, making over 150 appearances for them.
Joe Bennett v Neill Collins
The 19-year-old had possibly his best performance for the Boro against Derby, clearly standing out from the rest of the team in defence. Surely making his sixth appearance of the campaign on Saturday, at this rate there's no chance of Pogatetz coming back into the side with the way Bennett is playing.
Following a three year stay at Sunderland, Collins joined Wolves in 2007 where he was later loaned out to Preston after failing to make an impact in Mick McCarthy's side. After some notable displays for the Lilywhites, the Scot looks set to make the move permanent in January.
Gary O'Neil v Ross Wallace
Middlesbrough's midfield looked very impressive on Tuesday night and a large part of this was down to our hard working number 16. Despite speculation about his future this week, I really hope we can hold on to O'Neil until the end of the season, at least, because he is definitely one of the key players who will help us gain promotion.
The ex-Mackem has become a fans' favourite at Deepdale, where he has provided numerous crosses from the wing. These led to the goals that guided Preston into last season's play-offs. Starting every game so far this campaign, Wallace will certainly have a tough battle with O'Neil this weekend.
Leroy Lita v Neil Mellor
Lita put in another notable display against Derby, but unfortunately grabbed no goals in the process. Hopefully our pacey striker can repeat his magic from Reading a fortnight ago, as we need our danger man to hit top form and fire us to the top of the table.
After an injury stricken past couple of years, hopefully the 26-year-old can put this behind him and focus on playing. Following a great start to the season with six goals, including one against Sheffield Wednesday in mid-week, Mellor has kept his place alongside Jon Parkin and will look to add to his goal tally against Boro.
I hope that changing the manager will have no effect on the team as under Gareth, this seemed like a winnable game. If magic Johnson gives us a similar performance to Tuesday night, the near 3,000 travelling Red Army could be in for a treat.
Despite Preston only losing one home game to date, Middlesbrough have scored at least two goals in every away game this campaign and therefore I think we will come away 2-1 winners.
