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Newcastle seek Deepdale win

Author: John Harris
Date: 23/11/2009
Football betting

Preston North End take on Newcastle United on Monday evening at Deepdale in the Championship.

After an excellent start to their league campaign, Preston's form has dipped dramatically and boss Alan Irvine will be focussed on turning this around as soon as possible.

However, the Magpies who are riding high at the top of the table could take another stride towards their target of an instant return to the Premier League.

The Lilywhites have won just once in their last seven outings and in the process, they have slipped from third to 11th.

Much rests upon the shoulders of Neil Mellor, the club's top scorer with six goals, if they are to grab a valuable result in front of the Sky TV cameras.

Chris Hughton's men, who are the sportsbook favourites to win the league, have established themselves early in their new surroundings and are firmly lodged in the automatic promotion places.

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With talent such as Kevin Nolan, Fabricio Coloccini, Andrew Carroll and Steven Taylor at his disposal, they are destined to fulfil their ambitions this term.

Shola Ameobi (foot) is nearing a return and is likely to feature before the end of November.

Jonas Gutierrez (thigh) is expected to feature despite missing Argentina's friendly defeat against Spain last weekend. Joey Barton (foot) is expected to be missing for another couple of months.

A win for Preston would certainly turn their fortunes around and with games coming up against local rivals Blackpool and the impressive Cardiff City, Irvine's men will need to dig deep to come away with some positive results.

Newcastle have won their last three games after coming through a four game run without a victory and they have home games against Swansea City and Watford before trips to Coventry City and Barnsley ahead of their crunch north east derby against Middlesbrough on December 20.

Preston's back line of Andy Lonergan, Liam Chilvers, Callum Davidson, Michael Hart and Neill Collins could have their work cut out if they are to derail the Geordies' title charge, but Hughton himself will know an easy victory in Lancashire will be hard to come by.

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