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Preview: Preston North End v Bolton Wanderers

Wanderers travel a short distance

ody Handley of England fires in a corner Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

In-form Bolton Wanderers make the short journey to Preston later where they face North End in another important game, knowing that a win will take us out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

We have a great record at Deepdale, being unbeaten there since 1992. There may have only been three games in that period, but who cares. They are in poor form themselves, having lost their last four league matches in a row. Losing again would mean their worst run since January 2003.

Injuries have hit the home team hard, meaning that on-loan Arsenal man Stephy Mavididi could start the game up front in place of main strikers Sean Maguire and Jordan Hugill, who are both unavailable. Maguire has had surgery in his torn hamstring and faces between three and four months on the sidelines, while Hugill is suspended.

The only real question about Bolton’s team is whether Phil Parkinson will see fit to drop Gary Madine to the bench following his arrest this time last week. In my opinion this is unlikely, however correct the decision may be from a moral standpoint.

The elephant in the room is our away record.

We are currently without a victory in 33 away games in this division stretching back before everyone currently alive was even born.

As for injuries, the international break came at a great time in terms of our injury list. Andy Taylor, David Wheater and Will Buckley should be back into contention after injuries, whilst Aaron Wilbraham and Adam Le Fondre are unlikely to be involved.

So who do you fancy? As ever, let us know below the line.

COYWM