Preston North End are the season’s surprise packets on the Championship side, sitting on the 2nd place. With the current stiff competition in the Championship, an Addicks win at the Valley on Sunday will make them level with their visitors on the table.
A lot of focus will be placed on the Patrick Bauer’s return to the grounds that made him a star. With the last minute equalizer in their Sunderland game, it marked their promotion at Wembely in May, Bauer will come home to a warm reception.
With four years of successive competitiveness which convinced Preston to extend his contract. Lee Bowler’s side will have to be vigilant of the attacking options by Preston. Preston are the league’s top scorers with 27 goals netted in the past 14 matches.
Charlton Athletic vs. Preston North End Head to Head
Both sides have played 9 games together with Preston North End emerging victorious in 5 games with Charlton Athletic picking up 2 wins and 2 games ending in a draw. Here is a look at the last 8 past encounters between the two sides:
Preston 2-1 Charlton
Charlton 0-3 Preston
Charlton 0-0 Preston
Preston 2-1 Charlton
Charlton 1-2 Preston
Preston 0-2 Charlton
Preston 2-2 Charlton
Charlton 5-2
Charlton Athletic Team News
Charlton will be heading in the game with 3 risk of yellow card suspensions with 3 key players. Both central midfielder and defensive midfielder on their fourth yellow card of the season. Center back Tomy Lockyer is also on his fourth yellow card. Hence Lee Bowyer will face an uphill task with the squad selection.
Preston North End Team News
The front attacking pair of Jaimacan International, Daniel Johnson and Tom Barkhuizen have netted 5 goals in all competition this season. Central midfielder will enter the match the match with 4 yellow cards with a risk of a suspension.
Bowyer is set to move with a back three formation with three central defenders. As a replacement for Bauer, Tom Lockyer together with Naby Sarr have partnered with either Darren Pratley or Jason Pearce.
Prediction and Odds
The rise to the top of the table by Preston has been pushed by their good home form. However, the side has been vulnerable in away games. Charlton have a chance to equalize on points if they manage to contain the attacking duo.
Preston win – 2.42
Goals Under 2.5 – 1.82
Double Chance – 1.37
Both Teams to Score (No) – 2.08