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Any Side Organised By Mick McCarthy Will Never Be a Walkover - Notes for Preston
Friday, 27th Jan 2017 11:00 by HarryFromBath

HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Saturday’s game at Deepdale by delving into their forums.

“Can we make the play-offs and, more importantly, could we win them? We’re over halfway through the season and playing some decent football at times”, “Four points from the last two games is an incredible return”, “I don’t think we’re the best in the division but on our day, we can beat anyone.”

“The momentum is with us.” Preston head into Saturday’s game on a four-game unbeaten run in the league. A 2-0 win in their last home match saw Brighton’s 19-game undefeated run ended and they then recovered from a two-goal half-time deficit at Villa Park to grab a creditable 2-2 draw last Saturday.

“I am very excited about this Preston team. The Arsenal third round FA Cup game seems to have been a huge boost for them.” Preston held their own against the Gunners three weeks ago, leading 1-0 at the interval before the visitors regrouped and progressed by a 2-1 margin with a late winner.

“We are a play-off side at present that just started at a big self-inflicted disadvantage, “I still feel we will fall a few points short of the top six, mostly because of our dire start to the season”, “We really shot ourselves in the foot by picking only six points up in our opening eight Championship games.”

“Play-offs are a big ask with or without an expensive striker.” Despite their good form, many expect to fall short of a top-six finish. “It’s like playing snakes and ladders with us. Every time we get within striking distance of the play-offs we land on a bloody snake and we slide back down to mid-table.”

“Up the Football League we go”, “I fear nobody in this division and we must be a side nobody relishes playing. The style of play has come on in leaps and bounds and with the mix of youth and experience we will be close next season if we don’t make the top six this year. In Simon Grayson I believe.”

Simon Grayson

“I’m genuinely excited about this team Grayson is building. I haven’t enjoyed going to Deepdale this much in years”, “We have one of the lowest supporter bases and lowest budgets in this league but we are punching way above our weight in a division which is filled with vastly bigger clubs.”

Simon Grayson imageSimon Grayson

The 47-year-old one-time Leeds United boss “is doing a superb job. We are still largely made up of lower league journeymen or rejected youngsters but Simon has turned us into an effective fighting force”, “To be honest, I’m amazed we still have him given the outstanding job he has done here.”

“Grayson is not the type of manager that will bring instant success to a rich owner. He offers gradual improvement year on year as he has done with us”, “History shows he is the right man. He steadied the ship and made us hard to beat, only making bolder signings once we were settled at this level.”

“We can be sure and trust that Simon will get the most out of the resources at his disposal”, “He can be too cautious and focus on the threat of the opponent to the detriment of his own side’s abilities”, “What an amazing job Simon and his team are doing. I would not want anyone else in charge now.”

Formation

“The whole club deserve a pat on the back at the minute. We have put together a good young squad and the coaches seem to be improving every one of them”, “The football is actually entertaining now”, “We are a very exciting team of promising young players who are getting better all the time.”

“We are pretty much playing a traditional 4-4-2 at the moment and it’s the best football I have seen at Deepdale in ages.” Grayson has generally favoured working with a back four in recent games, but he has varied between playing with two strikers, or switching his wingers to play three midfielders.

MaxwellVermijlClarkeHuntingtonSpurrGallagherBrowneJohnsonMcGeadyHugillRobinson

Aside from two suspended players, midfielder Ben Pearson and left-back Greg Cunningham, the line-up (above) at Villa Park on Saturday was widely seen as the strongest available. Fans are happy with their defence even though centre-halves Tom Clarke and Paul Huntington are seen as lacking pace.

MaxwellVermijlClarkeHuntingtonCunninghamHorganGallagherBrowneMcGeadyHugillRobinson

Fans noted how Grayson played with two strikers (above) in matching Brighton’s shape the previous Saturday. The industry of Alan Browne and Paul Gallagher in midfield was balanced with two feisty out-and-out wingers in Aiden McGeady and the newly-arrived marvel Daryl Horgan from Dundalk.

“The key for me is the midfield”, “The midfield group we have is the strongest in a decade”, “We have such quality and great balance in midfield now.” The range and variety of midfield options are widely seen as the reason for the side’s success. “We have such an abundance of quality players.”

“If we take our chances in front of goal, why can we not reach the play-offs? But that is our problem, actually taking them.” Lilywhites feel that their attacking quartet of Eoin Doyle, Jermaine Beckford, Simon Makienok and Jordan Hugill lack the potency in front of goal to propel them up the table.

“Our recruitment of strikers will define our top six chances”, “We don’t have a clinical 20-goal striker currently on our books”, “We are at a crossroads with the striking department”, “We are creating loads of chances. It’s just that final piece of the jigsaw that is missing now, the natural finisher.”

Aston Villa 2 — 2 Preston

“A brilliant away point, well done everyone”, “A game of two halves. Villa bossed the first, led by Henri Lansbury who looked their best player by a mile. We were so much better as Lansbury began to tire and his influence diminished. Then our midfield came more and more into the game.”

Albert Adomah put Villa ahead from close range on 22 minutes and doubled their advantage from the penalty spot 14 minutes later after McGeady was adjudged to have fouled him. Hugill pulled a goal back, firing home after mazy run on 64 and headed home the equaliser 12 minutes later.

“Where was that team in the first half?”, “Two beauties from Hugill and a real game of two halves. Ipswich will have to come back with £10 million after that”, “Despite Villa’s struggles they are unbeaten at home and even Newcastle only got a draw there”, “Well done lads, that was a storming comeback.”

Preston 2 — 0 Brighton

“What a brilliant result”, “Superb, that’s probably the result of the season so far”, “That was just an all-round tremendous team effort”, “We had some key players missing and Brighton were on a daft unbeaten run. It shows we have some quality in our squad depth”, “What a great result that is.”

Paul Huntington underlined his threat from set-pieces when he headed the Lilywhites in front on 13 minutes from Paul Gallagher’s freekick. Callum Robinson added a second on 53 after being played in by starting debutant Daryl Horgan while keeper Chris Maxwell saved a late Tomer Hemed penalty.

“Brighton looked dangerous and we did extremely well to keep them out. It had nothing to do with an off-day for the opposition. We were superb, our tactics were spot on and we totally dominated the win”, “Brighton were one of the dirtiest sides I have seen in a while. I hope they stay down.”

Preston 1 — 2 Arsenal (FA Cup Third Round)

“Just got home. The boys were absolutely brilliant. I am so proud of them”, “How did we play? We were fantastic, every last man”, “The first half was the best football I have seen from us in all the time I have supported us. What a performance”, “Much better than going out with a whimper.”


“A fantastic first half, it should have been about 3-1 to Preston. If Arsenal don’t perk up, we can win this. Impressive, composed possession football from us.” Callum Robinson put North End ahead on seven minutes from close range to give them a half-time lead which many felt was fully deserved.

“We are really under pressure now.” Aaron Ramsey’s powerful equaliser one minute after the break signalled a fightback from the Gunners and they won the game one minute from time when Olivier Giroud’s deflected shot found the net. “Shame we didn’t get the replay”, “They didn’t deserve that.”

MaxwellVermijlClarkeHuntingtonCunninghamGallagherPearsonJohnsonMcGeadyHugillRobinson

Grayson played a full-strength XI (above) balancing the industry of Ben Pearson with the creativity of Daniel Johnson in midfield. Lilywhites praised Aiden McGeady who flourished on stage against high-profile opponents. Many felt that their side simply ran out of steam after a storming first half.

Goalkeepers and Defenders

“Chris Maxwell is quick off his line and good with his feet. He’s not bad at crosses despite his limited stature.” The 26-year-old summer addition from Fleetwood “is a good keeper for a team who play a high line, a square peg in a square hole”, “His confidence inspires the defenders around him.”

Chris Maxwell imageChris Maxwell of Preston saves a penalty against Aston Villa

“Maxwell saves yet another penalty [against Brighton]. How many is that?”, “His handling was good at Villa. He claimed many crosses and rushed out to clear with his feet a few times. He’s an effective sweeper”, “He keeps his nerve and doesn’t panic, never gets overconfident or loses concentration.”

“Marnick Vermijl isn’t a natural right-back so he’s playing out of position there. He’s better suited to a five-man defence as a wing-back.” The 25-year-old former Owl “isn’t convincing defensively in a flat back four”, “He is not as hard as a centre-half in the tackle but has pace to recover his position.”

Marnick Vermijl imageMarnick Vermijl

“Vermijl is a great right-back when we are at home. He has good pace, a few tricks, long throws, not to mention a great right foot. When we are on the front foot, these qualities are very handy but he lacks defensive positioning which is very concerning for a full-back when we play away from home.”

With Greg Cunningham suspended after picking up 10 bookings, former Blackburn left-back Tommy Spurr is expected to start on Saturday. The 29-year-old “looked extremely rusty in the first half at Villa but put in a largely solid second half performance”, “It was Spurr’s first full game in a while.”

“Spurr’s long throws cause mayhem and he puts in some great crosses”, “Seems a little one-paced”, “He lacks Cunningham’s ability to bring a burst of energy and invention to the attack”, “He’s pretty limited on the ball and constantly plays it down the channel whether we have a runner or not.”

“Every centre-back partnership needs a Paul Huntington.” The 29-year-old ex-Yeovil man “is no frills and gets the job done”, “His strength is that he seems to know what he can’t do, as opposed to Sean St Ledger who thought he was the best player in the world and ended up in some right situations.”

“Rule number one when defending, win the ****ing ball and ask questions later”, “Huntington has his limitations when the ball is at his feet and with his pace, but is a quality no-nonsense defender”, “He is loyal to the club, he gets on with the job with no messing about and he gets a fair few goals.”

Tom Clarke

“Tom Clarke has been superb in the last three months and it coincides with Maxwell sweeping up in goal behind him.” The 29-year-old one-time Terrier “is dedicated and committed but he is vulnerable through his sheer lack of pace”, “He never gets beaten in the air and his timing is usually excellent.”

Tom Clarke imageTom Clarke

“Clarke is a steady defensive player who never lets the team down”, “He’s at his best when we play two centre-halves and he has hardly put a foot wrong in the last two months”, “It’s just his overall lack of pace that lets him down, such as when Glenn Murray left him for dead against Brighton.”

Central Midfielders

“Alan Browne divides opinion as he is a difficult player to work out.” The 21-year-old ex-Cork City youth product “has a great engine and does the simple things well but rarely goes beyond that. His weakness is his decision-making. He doesn’t seem to know when to pass or shoot in good positions.”

Alan Browne imageForest's Nicklas Bendtner v Browne

“Browne’s energy seems to be his strength along with his willingness to track back and tackle”, “His decision-making is frustrating. I sometimes doubt his intelligence and concentration”, “He was quite majestic against Brighton, battling for the ball in the centre and showing a great deal of heart.”

“Paul Gallagher’s quality on the ball compensates for his lack of pace.” The 32-year-old ex-Leicester man “plays defence-splitting passes when he has time playing deeper or in a three-man midfield”, “He doesn’t rely on pace and technically class, one of the best deliverers of a ball in the league.”

“Gallagher’s USP are his crosses and his set pieces”, “Our tempo is slower when he plays and we are more predictable. He can’t get around the pitch as well as the others”, “He may be reaching a point where we use him sparingly, but when fully fired up he can put in crosses of astonishing quality.”

Daniel Johnson

“Johnson plays with his head up and he is calm and unhurried. He seen the pass and he has so much time which is invaluable in this league. We are far more fluid and quick when he plays.” The 24-year-old former Villa youth product “is a better-rounded player this year and has a good scoring record”.

Daniel Johnson imagePreston's Daniel Johnson

“Johnson is the kind of creative player you build your team around”, “He has not been afraid to put himself where it hurts this season”, “Most agree that he is better playing higher up the pitch. Giving him a free role gets the best out of him and he can fulfil that better with Pearson watching his back.”

Ben Pearson

“We need to get Pearson back next week.” The 22-year-old former Manchester United youth player was suspended for North End’s last two matches. “This lad reminds me of N’Golo Kante at Chelsea. He does two people’s jobs in the middle of the park with his industry”, “He’s immense in a tackle.”

“Pearson is combative, creative, he reads the game so well and gives absolutely everything”, “The ball is his and he’s not going to stop until he has it back”, “He’s very good at cutting things out in the middle and keeping it simple, passing short and moving”, “Everyone needs a nutter in the middle.”

Wide Midfielders

“I don’t know where Ben Pringle fits into this team or even this squad.” The 27-year-old ex-Cottager and Town loan signing has hardly featured and is seen by Lilywhites as being down the pecking order both in wide and central creative roles. “He’s a slow non-tricky left-footer playing wide on our right.”

“Pringle is at his best hugging the left touchline finding space to put balls in the box but he’s behind McGeady. Robinson in a free role offers a more direct threat at goal”, “Pringle stands out more due to his hair than his ability”, “Daryl Horgan is the player that everyone thought Pringle would be.”

“Daryl Horgan looks to be the sort of player who, as Bill Shankly put it, can throw petrol on the fire.” The 24-year-old January arrival from Dundalk “wants the ball, wants to take offensive risks and he wants attack the opposition immediately”, “One thing for sure is that he has lightning quick feet.”

“The introduction of Horgan was the key at Villa. It gave the players more of a chance and they took it as we upped the tempo”, “He looks very confident and direct, willing to whip a ball into the box”, “Quick, composed, technically sound on both feet and makes clever runs”, “Watch this space, eh?”

Aiden McGeady

“McGeady is a joy to watch. You feel he can come up with something from anywhere on the pitch”, “Even on a quiet day he can turn a dull 0-0 into three points.” The 30-year-old Everton loan signing “lights up games, makes things happen and gets you off your seat”, “He’s absolutely top drawer.”

Aiden McGeady imageAiden McGeady

“McGeady frustrates me. Despite his skill, and he is good, he seems to want to take on every man and his dog”, “He tries to do it on his own when a simple pass is on”, “People complain about stale defensive football under Grayson. With McGeady on the pitch, you can’t make these complaints.”

Strikers

“Eoin Doyle was a baffling signing and remains so.” The 28-year-old ex-Bluebird has been linked with a move to Portsmouth and many believe that this would be a good move. “The only prolific spell in his career came in half a season in League One”, “A fox-in-the-box player and nothing else really.”

“Simon Makienok is a handful of a player with good hold up play who shows an eye for a goal every now and then. Being the type of player he is however, he is unlikely to be prolific.” The 26-year-old Palermo loan signing “could make the partner beside him prolific with his flick-ons and dirty work.”

“Throwing the big fellow on causes panic stations in the back line”, “Makienok had greater control and weight of pass than Hugill but less power, pace, movement and work ethic”, “Big Mak is often lethargic and sometimes just generally ineffective, but the ball often sticks up top when he plays.”

“’He’s still on the pitch’, I enjoyed the Jermaine Beckford chant at Villa. I think he enjoyed it too.” The 33-year-old ex-Leeds, Leicester and Bolton man was sent off at Elland Road three minutes after returning from a previous suspension for fighting with team-mate Eoin Doyle at Hillsborough.

“Beckford is definitely still our most effective striker when it comes to making runs. It’s having the vision to spot them. He also drags defenders away which makes space for others”, “At Villa he was predictably as threatening as a 90-year-old woman”, “The big-time Charlie living off past glories.”

“Here’s to you, Callum Robinson.” The 21-year-old former Villa youth product “has been a revelation this season. His finish against Brighton was sublime”, “The lad has everything, pace, technique, work rate, skill and finishing ability. He lacks a bit of strength but that will come. He’s cool as a cucumber.”

“Callum has scored as a striker, playing behind a striker and from the wing. He’s hitting top form at a good time”, “He will never be a strong player and you can’t see him winning many physical battles but he makes up for it with his pace and ability to beat a man. He’s a decent finisher with both feet.”

Jordan Hugill

“Mick McCarthy wants a striker in his side who is under 30 years old, is mobile and won’t cost the earth”, “You know what you get with Hugill, good work-rate and he will always give 100 per cent. He puts a proper shift in”, “Hugill, one of those players that comes back to haunt you? Just a thought”.

Jordan Hugill imageTown target Jordan Hugill

“I like Hugill. The lad has big heart and gives 100 per cent but he lacks the composure and natural ability to be a regular scorer at this level”, “He will run himself into the ground and has progressed as a player but his finishing is woeful. He has missed too many chances this season and it is costing us.”

“While hard-working and likeable, he is technically very limited and not a natural finisher”, “He is turning into a very good player. He makes intelligent runs to provide options, wins physical battles, flick-ons and freekicks, the ugly stuff that coaches love”, “He’s a rough diamond with potential.”

The 24-year-old former Valiant “is an old-fashioned centre forward in the mould is Andy Carroll. These are pretty rare these days. He’s a pain in the backside for defenders with his strength, speed and non-stop running”, “Clubs are chasing after him more for his strength and physical presence.”

“Ipswich are missing a target man, which has always been key to the way Mick McCarthy plays. They have Sears, Pitman and McGoldrick but need a big lump”, “That guy McCarthy is not stupid and does know quite a bit about the game”, “If McCarthy is interested that’s some compliment. He’s no fool”,

Lilywhites’ Views on ITFC and the Game

“I wonder if Big Mick will succumb to the curse of Preston and be the next manager to fall after they have played us?”, “Can he not stay until we beat them? It will keep our record of managers getting sacked after we beat them”, “Everyone has predicted a Preston win which makes me nervous.”

At the time of writing, the prediction poll on Preston’s forum is running at 100 per cent in favour of a home win. This unprecedented optimism is echoed by over 30 per cent of Lilywhites forecasting their side to score three or more goals, although a 2-0 victory is the most popular predicted score.

“Lincoln played really well but I hope to goodness that Ipswich team turns up at Deepdale”, “Ipswich where abysmal, bring it on”, “It should have been far bigger gap.” Many Lilywhites watched our FA Cup defeat at Sincil Bank and the verdict was unanimous. “Ipswich were shockingly poor tonight.”

“They looked clueless in attack and the players couldn't do simple things right, a clear sign that all is not well. McCarthy has been there for four years, had three consecutive top 10 finishes and saved them from relegation in his first year. Most Ipswich fans will only look at their current position.”

“I watched Ipswich play Lincoln the other night and their big man [Rhead] tore them apart with his bringing down of the ball. Get Makienok up front and a player to play off him and they will ship lots of goals. In this game and especially given Ipswich’s form, I would have Mak on the pitch.”

“These are the types of games where we tend to struggle. We have had two cracking results against Brighton and Villa so it would put a dampened on those results if we don’t win”, “We need to get the first goal. Ipswich have conceded first in eight away games and gone on to lose all eight of them.”

Some fans are nervous the result is being taken for granted. “Let’s not get carried away after a few good results. Ipswich are similar to ourselves, albeit struggling now”, “Ipswich will be no walkover and if anything, letting complacency set in and expecting to show up and win will go against us.”

“Ipswich still have McCarthy in charge and he’s a very tough manager who made them into a good side. Remember a few years back they were employing Roy Keane and Paul Jewell and they were in danger of relegation. Even now under McCarthy they are still relatively safe sitting mid-table.”

Websites

The busiest Lilywhites’ forum is the friendly and knowledgeable PNE Online.



Photo: Action Images



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GiveusaWave added 11:09 - Jan 27
Another great review Harry. Thank you.

Tough game coming up, I would love to see us attack them but think we will go into a defensive shell. With a bit of luck and Bart in form we could get a 0-0.
6

Radlett_blue added 11:27 - Jan 27
#2 in the run of 7 difficult fixtures, which will determine if we will be sucked into a relegation battle. I felt we might snatch a 0-0 at Huddersfield; statistically, we won't lose tomorrow but hard to see us scoring.
4

LankHenners added 11:43 - Jan 27
Thanks Harry, quite probably a turgid draw tomorrow - we'll look to stifle them and will likely do a good job at it, but, like with Fraser last year, we'll be looking for Tom Lawrence to pull something out of the bag.

Am looking forward to see how Diagouraga gets on in particular - might well have the bite we've been lacking in midfield to allow other players around him to play their game more naturally.
6

TR11BLU added 11:57 - Jan 27
Thanks Harry, great review as ever.

Unfortunately my crystal says ....Nil points
4

Bluebell added 12:04 - Jan 27
Thanks Harry as always. Great review.

Not sure why but I think we will win this one. It's good to see some of our players coming back into the team from injuries. Of course a lot will depend on the team Mick picks but hope Bart is back in goal.
4

midastouch added 12:28 - Jan 27
Great review.
As for the "Any Side Organised By Mick McCarthy Will Never Be a Walkover" heading, then maybe they didn't watch our cup replay against Lincs then?
2

iaintaylorx added 12:42 - Jan 27
Great review, Harry!

Always liked Preston and have a good fanbase who are respectful and not cocky! Going to be a tough game!
5

ClausThomsen added 13:47 - Jan 27
Daniel Johnson always scores against us at their place.

I can see us paying over the odds for Hugill, and then the next manager won't want to use a targetman...
5

JimmyJazz added 08:04 - Jan 28
What they don't know is that Berra loves playing against Makienok.
2

JimmyJazz added 08:05 - Jan 28
Hope we don't get Hugill, this just confirms my opinion that he isn't that great.
0


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