Preston v Burnley preview

Lilywhites looking to continue run against rivals

Last updated: 21st March 2008

irvine alan preston manager

Irvine without a number of players

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Preston entertain Burnley in what should be a fiercely-contest Lancashire derby at Deepdale on Saturday.

Lilywhites boss Alan Irvine will be without a number of players, including Kevin Nicholls, who faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in a reserve game against Tranmere on Monday.

An MRI scan revealed the former Leeds man had damaged a cartilage during the 2-0 win at Prenton Park.

On-loan West Brom frontman Craig Beattie has already returned to The Hawthorns after sustaining a torn hamstring injury which is set to keep him out for the rest of the season.

Defender Liam Chilvers recently underwent surgery on his ruptured Achilles and is a long-term absentee, but full-back Michael Hart is nearing full fitness after a hip injury.

Coyle hopeful on trio

Burnley boss Owen Coyle hopes to have a trio of players available against their near neighbours.

Midfielder Chris McCann and on-loan Sunderland striker Andrew Cole both missed last weekend's 3-1 home defeat to Wolves with thigh and Achilles injuries respectively.

Defender Stanislav Varga - also on loan from Sunderland - limped out of the game with a long-standing foot injury that has required an injection.

However, Coyle is hoping to have all three players available for the Deepdale clash while striker Steve Jones and defender Michael Duff are edging closer to a first-team return after injury.

Coyle is also running the rule over Manchester United midfielder Richard Jones, who featured as a trialist in a midweek reserve game against Chester.

Coyle said: "He is under contract to another club at the moment, so it would be remiss of me to speak any more about him, but I like the look of him."