Domestic club football resumes in the Sky Bet Championship tomorrow night with a Lancashire derby at Deepdale.
The local derby in question sees 23rd placed Bolton travel to Preston North End, who sit nine places above them in 14th position.
Team News
Arsenal loanee, Stephy Mavididi is set to make his Preston debut with Sean Maguire and Jordan Hugill both out.
Bolton have Gary Madine available despite being arrested due to an alleged brawl, over the international break.
Form
Preston enter this match winless in their last four games, having not scored in last two after losing the previous two 3-2.
Bolton on other hand won last time out at home to Norwich, having drawn their three beforehand after winning 2-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday in mid October.
Home wise, North End have a W1, D2, L2 from last five home games.
Away wise, the Trotters have lost three of their last five away league games but drew their last two on the road, including a 3-3 draw at Sunderland.
Tight Start but Exciting Finish
Both teams tend to score more in the second half, therefore making the first half likely to be very tight.
The defining difference could be the fact that the Trotters have let in 57.1% of their conceded away goals in that opening 45 minutes.
The per home/away game average however suggests one clear winner.
Preston have averaged less corners and fouls at home than those visiting Deepdale.
Their Lancashire rivals however have had less corners on the road at their host’s grounds.
Bolton have generally averaged worse on the road than their opposition, only averaging better in the fouls and yellow card departments.
Prediction
This fixture has been played 142 times with Preston winning two and drawing two of this fixture’s last five meetings at Deepdale.
Although both teams have experienced contrasting fortunes lately, Preston boss, Alex Neil has never lost three consecutive home games as a manager in England.
Ultimately, I expect that stat to see his Lilywhites through to a competitive draw here.
Prediction: Preston 1-1 Bolton Wanderers
Result: Preston 0-0 Bolton Wanderers
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