Preston vs Ipswich preview
Thursday 18 April 2019 17:56, UK
Preston are hoping Paul Gallagher will ease their injury problems at home to relegated Ipswich.
Gallagher has had treatment this week after suffering a hefty challenge to both his shins during the 4-1 defeat at West Brom. January buys Jayden Stockley Joe Rafferty and Josh Ginnelly are pushing for starting spots as boss Alex Neil, who signed a new three-year deal this week, looks to the future with Preston mid-table in the Sky Bet Championship.
Tom Barkhuizen, Andrew Hughes and Brandon Barker have recently joined Billy Bodin and Josh Harrop in being ruled out for the rest of the season.
Ipswich, who last weekend became the first team to be relegated in the English Football League this season, hope to include Jon Nolan and Will Keane after knocks. But veteran defender James Collins is unlikely to feature for Paul Lambert's side after being forced off in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham last weekend.
Ellis Harrison (back) remains unavailable, but the Wales Under-21s striker could return against Swansea on Easter Monday after over two months out. Tom Adeyemi, who has not made an appearance for Ipswich since October 2017, is also edging closer to a first-team return after playing for the club's under-23s on Monday.
Opta stats
Preston are winless in eight league matches against Ipswich (W0 D3 L5) since a 1-0 win in December 2010.
Ipswich are looking to win consecutive away league matches against Preston for the very first time, having won 1-0 at Deepdale last season.
Preston have lost four of their last six league matches on Good Friday (W1 D1 L4), losing each of the last two in 2017 (2-3 against Huddersfield) and 2018 (1-4 against Sheffield Wednesday).
Ipswich Town have won seven of their last 10 league matches on Good Friday (W7 D2 L1).
Preston North End haven't lost five consecutive league matches since January 2003.
Paul Lambert has lost both of his league matches on Good Friday, losing in League One with Norwich in April 2010 (1-3 vs Tranmere) and with Wolves in the Championship in April 2017 (0-2 vs Brighton).
Prutton's prediction
David Prutton predicts: 1-1 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
