Aston Villa v Preston - preview
As the finishing line edges closer in the Championship promotion race, so every success and setback begins to feel that little more telling.
Saturday’s defeat at Fulham has Villa eager to quickly bounce back by beating Preston tonight, a result which would ensure they move – for 24 hours at least – back into second place.
But to do so they must crack one of the toughest opponents in the division.
Preston have been beaten just six times in the league this season and arrive at Villa Park fresh from holding leaders Wolves to a 1-1 draw, a game in which they played the final 31 minutes a man down following John Welsh’s sending-off.
Indeed, excusing a slump where they lost four on the bounce, the form of Alex Neil’s men has been as good as any team barring the runaway leaders.
Villa supporters will recall November’s 2-0 win at Deepdale as being among their most comfortable of the season but on that occasion the hosts were missing a number of key players, particularly in defence.
They arrive in B6 on a run of just one defeat in 16 league games and Neil said: “We need to keep believing and continue the run that we are on.
“The bigger the challenge the better for us, and the sweeter it is when you get a result in those situations.”
The result at Craven Cottage was a reminder that, no matter how good Villa’s recent form, automatic promotion is a prize not easily won. With 14 games still remaining – a relative age in Championship terms – there will inevitably be further ups and downs between now and May, though it is not like anyone within the club was expecting otherwise.
“The one thing you can’t do is get carried away with it because it kicks you in the backside,” said Bruce.
“So of course you guard against it but I’m hoping the experience I’ve got in the team and the know-how we’ve got will handle all that.
“If you think you’ve cracked it in this game you come unstuck so we’ll keep the basics right.”
Bruce’s chief dilemma is who to field on the left wing with both Albert Adomah and Andre Green absent due to hamstring injuries.
Robert Snodgrass and Josh Onomah were both utilised in that position at Fulham and neither impressed.
The visitors will welcome back Ben Pearson and Greg Cunningham after both missed the draw with Wolves through suspension, though Welsh misses out following his red card.
