Swans too much for Lilywhites
Swansea v Preston
Swansea will be aiming to consolidate their play-off position when they tackle Preston on Saturday lunchtime.
The Welshmen – beaten just twice in their last 21 league games – lie in fifth, two points clear of seventh-placed Blackpool.
But Paulo Sousa’s men would be in an even healthier state if they had turned their bevy of draws into wins – The Jacks have amassed 12 stalemates from their 27 Championship fixtures and four in their last five outings.
The Swans will face Preston with all their assets still intact after rejecting deadline-day overtures for midfielders Leon Britton and Darren Pratley as well as right-back Angel Rangel.
Rangel, though, was bitterly disappointed when a proposed switch to Fulham fell through, insisting City chairman Huw Jenkins had stopped him “improving his career.”
Jacks stalwart Kristian O’Leary has left The Liberty Stadium however, after his contract was mutually terminated, but the 33-year-old – who made over 300 appearances for The Swans – is eager to return to Wales in a coaching capacity when he hangs up his playing boots.
Like their hosts, Preston are also targeting a top-six finish but will need a vast improvement on Tuesday’s showing if that aim is to be met.
Darren Ferguson’s outfit – six points shy of the play-off spots – were deservingly thumped 4-1 by Barnsley at Deepdale and left the field to a chorus of boos from the North End faithful.
Irish winger Keith Treacy – signed from Blackburn on Monday – made his Lilywhites bow as a second-half substitute and could be promoted to the first XI on Saturday.
Midfielder Paul Coutts – a recent acquisition from Ferguson’s old side Peterborough – may also come into contention, while defender Youl Mawene – on the bench in midweek after picking up a knock – will hope to reclaim his starting berth.
The Lilywhites beat their entertainers 2-0 at Deepdale earlier this term, with Neil Mellor and Stephen Elliott grabbing the goals.
But North End’s last trip to Swansea was a torrid one as they lost 4-1 at The Liberty Stadium in January 2009.
City won’t win so convincingly this time, but they should still pick up the points.
Verdict: Swansea 2-1 Preston