The teams meet twice in four days, starting with the fourth round EFL Cup clash this evening.
It is the third round EFL Cup victory against Bournemouth that has been the catalyst behind the revival of Preston North End. Before that clash they were languishing in the lower reaches of the Championship table, having only won two of their first eight games and were coming off of a 5-0 thrashing by Brentford.
Preston North End’s John Welsh
Since their extra time win against the Cherries, Preston have amassed four wins and two draws in their last six league games rising to ninth on the table. These wins have not been against average opponents, they have taken on and defeated some of the best teams in the division including Huddersfield and Norwich and a claiming a credible away draw against Brighton.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
This evening they face the ultimate test of their credentials as they play Newcastle at St James’ Park in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. On Saturday the roles will be reversed when Preston play host to the Magpies in the Championship. Newcastle are on a great run of their own, currently seven games unbeaten in all competitions including five wins in the Championship.
Preston North End manager Simon Grayson
It is yet to be seen what lineups Rafa Benitez and Simon Grayson come up with but early reports say that they will give some of their fringe players a game. For most clubs that would mean blooding a number youth team players, but Newcastle have plenty of quality that have seen limited game time this season including Aleksandar Mitrovic, Chancel Mbemba and Isaac Hayden.
The two teams have not met in a competitive fixture for six seasons with Newcastle running out 3-0 winners in 2010, coincidently the last time The Magpies were In the Championship. You have to go all the way back to 1979 for the last Preston win in this fixture.
Prediction
You really have to pay respect to the fantastic job that Grayson has done in turning around the Lilywhites’ fortunes and the number of strong performances they have produced against good opposition. He will certainly be looking forward to the challenge that his team has over the next few days. On this occasion the quality that Newcastle have even in reserve as well as home ground advantage give them the nod in what will be a closely fought contest.
Newcastle 2 Preston North End 1
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