Talk Of The Tyne would like to welcome back our resident statto and all round good guy, RexN – here’s his latest preview…

Newcastle visit Preston for the first time since 1980, with a win needed to regain a place at the top of the league. The match is live on Sky.

The last trip ended up with a 3-2 for the visitors, in a season that ended with the Toon in a mid table position, as Preston are now. The scorers on that day were possibly the worst Toon strike force in living memory, Billy Rafferty and two from Bobby Shinton. Before that, we have to go back to 1962 for the previous Newcastle goal at Deepdale.

Both clubs have a proud history, Preston being remembered as the first team to win the Football League and to go through a season unbeaten on their way to a League and FA Cup double, a feat not achieved since, although the unbeaten league record was equalled by Arsenal 105 years later.

There will be a runion of sorts, with Preston being managed by former Newcastle Academy Director, Alan Irvine. He will surely be interested to cast an eye over some of his former charges, including Andy Carroll, who was on loan at Deepdale when Irvine took up the reins in November 2007.

Having saved Preston from relegation, Irvine led his squad to the play offs last season, losing out narrowly to Sheffield United. He will be feeling the pressure, with only 1 win in the last 7, the last home win being in mid September.

On the visitors’ bench, Chris Hughton is in charge for the third time as permanent manager, no doubt eager to maintain his 100% record since his appointment. That period has seen the first goals for the Toon from both Jonas and Simpson, taking the total number of league scorers in the squad to 10, although Ameobi is unavailable.

The international break has allowed players to return to fitness, with a strong looking squad available. Harper will be set to continue in goal, behind a defence consisting of Simpson, Collocini, Steve Taylor and Enrique.

Midfield gives Hughton some choice, with Smith, Jonas, Guthrie and Nolan seemingly the preferred choices. Ryan Taylor’s set piece threat may earn him a recall, and with Butt, Geremi and Lovenkrands also in the squad, this will be the most capped bench in the Championship.

Other options remain up front, with Carroll having staked his claim to lead the attack. Harewood, Ranger, and Lovenkrands remain options to play alongside him. New signing Pancrate, could also make the bench.

Irvine is not blessed with the same array of options. In goal, expect to see Andy Lonergan who has completed 150 games for the Lilywhites. In front of him should be Michael Hart, alongside a fellow Scot, and former mackem, Neil Collins. The defensive quartet is likely to include Arsenal reject Billy Jones and Liam Chilvers.

Captain Callum Davidson, may push forward to midfield, with yet another Scot, and former mackem, Ross Wallace. The only Englishman in the quartet is former Rotherham star, who has also made over 200 appearances for Preston. Macedonian star international, Veliče Šumulikoski makes up the driving force. Stoke loanee Tonge could also be in line for a start.

Top scorer in the league is striker, Neil Mellor, who once looked to have a promising career at Liverpool, his debut goal being a 30 yard stunner against Arsenal. His only other goal in the Premier League for Liverpool came against none other than Newcastle. Alongside him will be 6ft4in journeyman Jon Parkin, affectionately known as The Beast. Durham lad, Chris Brown will also be eager for a place, whilst another former mackem, Steve Elliott is doubtful.

Referee for the evening is Scott Mathieson, whose for Newcastle game was home against Plymouth, which saw a 3-1 win for the Toon. 4 of his 10 matches this season have resulted in away wins. Under him during his career, Preston have only 2 home wins out of 7, with 3 draws.

Preston’s mediocre run would suggest that an away win is certainly on the cards, particularly with a strong Newcastle squad and good away following, estimated to be around 3,500. However, with only 1 win and 1 draw at Deepdale in the last 6 visits, surprises might happen.

Apart from the last away win at Deepdale, the only other 2-3 scoreline was followed by a 0-1, which is the prediction for tonight.

Toon in Preston

P39 W12 D5 L22 F46 A70

2^nd tier

P7 W2 D1 L4 F5 A10

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