Opposition spotlight: Preston North End

Sep 27 2011 By Greg Burns

ANY clash between Wycombe and Preston gives Blues fans the perfect chance to relive their memorable 1994 play-off win.

Wanderers won promotion to Division Two with a 4-2 victory over the Lillywhites at Wembley but the two sides have not locked league horns in 11 years.

Preston have not showed any signs of letting their relegation from the Championship last season hamper their bid to bounce straight back.

Sitting fifth in the table, the game at Wycombe is a game in hand for both sides after their original game was postponed because of Preston having four players called up for international duty.

And with six league wins in a row and experienced players like Neil Mellor, Ian Ashbee, Iain Hume and Clarke Carlisle in their ranks, Phil Brown's side could be an even tougher test than Sheffield United on Saturday for Wanderers.

The game could see ex-Preston legend Gareth Ainsworth, who played against Wycombe in that 1994 play-off final, lining up against his old side although he did miss out against the Blades at the weekend.

If Ainsworth plays, he will not be the oldest player on the pitch. That accolade will go to Lillywhites' Gary Alexander who turns 40 next month.

Recent meetings

22/1/10: Preston 3-2 Wycombe

21/8/99: Wycombe 1-1 Preston

13/2/99: Preston 2-1 Wycombe

8/9/98: Wycombe 0-1 Preston

21/2/98: Preston 1-1 Wycombe

27/9/97: Wycombe 0-0 Preston

15/2/97: Preston 2-1 Wycombe

23/11/96: Wycombe 0-1 Preston

Match odds

Wycombe 12/5 Draw 23/10 Preston 11/10

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