Blackpool v Preston preview

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Last updated: 30th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Blackpool v Preston preview

Holloway: Home clash

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Ian Holloway's Blackpool entertain Lancashire derby rivals Preston on Monday evening with both sides looking to return to winning ways.

The Seasiders lost 2-1 at Reading last time, a defeat which halted their five-game unbeaten run which sees Holloway's side currently sit in eighth in the table, just a point off the play-offs.

North End have lost their last two games on the bounce - against Newcastle and Watford - to drop to 13th, although Alan Irvine's side can go level on points with the Seasiders with victory at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool news

Blackpool have signed Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan on loan ahead of the derby.

The Scotland Under-21 international, 19, impressed during a loan spell at Derby last season and will stay at Bloomfield Road until 30th January.

Midfielder Ishmel Demontagnac is available after completing a three-match suspension and left-back Stephen Crainey hopes to overcome a foot injury in time to play. Crainey was forced out of the action at half-time in last weekend's defeat at Reading after hurting his foot in a tackle.

Attacking midfielder Hameur Bouazza also comes into contention after missing the Reading match following his World Cup qualifying exploits with Algeria.

But striker Stephen McPhee (knee) and defender Danny Coid (hairline fracture of the tibia) remain absent and rookie defender Ashley Eastham has joined Cheltenham on loan until 2nd January.

Eastham, 18, enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Hyde United earlier in the season.

Preston news

Preston will be without influential defender Youl Mawene for the trip.

The French centre-back will not play for several months after damaging knee ligaments in North End's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle last time.

He collided with goalkeeper Andy Lonergan towards the end of the first half and was replaced by Liam Chilvers, who now looks certain to deputise from the start.

Left-back Callum Davidson also sustained a slight hamstring strain against the Magpies but manager Alan Irvine expects to have him available.

Winger Ross Wallace missed the Newcastle defeat with a knee injury but should also be given the green light to play at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool v Preston Correct Score: Blackpool 2-0 9/1