PNE vs Sunderland: FA cup
By: (Vitalfootball)
6/1/07
Preston host Sunderland for the third round of FA cup ties. The all championship affair takes place at Deepdale on the 6th January. It is the first FA cup game for either side this season due to Championship clubs gaining access to the third round along with the Premiership teams. Both managers will want a cup run, but neither should be too bothered about being knocked out at this early, because it means they will be able to concentrate on their promotion charge.
Sunderland have been busy in the early days of the January transfer market with players coming and going. Most noticeably is the signing of Carlos Edwards from Luton for a fee of £1.4million. Sunderland`s Tommy Miller is also on the brink of signing for Preston. Preston have allowed two players to leave so far, Brian Stock and Alan McCormack and Dave Hibbert has left to join Bradford on loan.
Last season, Preston reached the fifth round of the FA cup, where they were knocked out by Middlesbrough and Sunderland reached the fourth round, where they were knocked out by league 1`s Brentford. At the time, Sunderland were in the Premiership so it was seen as a major scalp.
PNE Team News:
Dichio is still suspended from his red against WBA, Mellor, Agyemang and Mawene are all out for Preston. Sean St.Ledger is doubtful after picking up a knock against Derby. Chilvers may recover in time and Adam Nowland is also doubtful after returning from injury.
Player to watch: David Nugent
The Striker is on red hot form with 4 goals in 4 games and he is attracting a lot of Premiership attention with Sheffield United making a reported £6million bid. However both chairman and manager have said he is not for sale so Nugent will want to continue his scoring form for Preston.
Sunderland Team News:
Graham Kavanagh is out for roughly ten weeks after surgery. Jon Stead could play for Sunderland after playing at Deepdale for Derby on Monday. Tommy Miller could feature after playing at Deepdale for Preston on Monday. New signings Evans and Edwards may start. Cunningham, Wright, Nosworthy and Caldwell are all out but Collins may play after injury.
Player to watch: Carlos Edwards
The Trinidad and Tobago winger will want to impress on his debut. The signing was Luton`s top scorer before making the switch which sees him link up with Trinidad and Tobago captain and legend Dwight Yorke. He will add pace to the wings and this may upset either full back he faces.
Match Facts & Stats
Preston go into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat to promotion rivals Derby, their first home league loss for 16 months. Sunderland`s last game, involved them beating Leicester 2-0 away from home. However, last Saturday, Preston and Sunderland met and Preston were victorious thanks to a strike from David Nugent. Also in the league this season, Preston beat Sunderland 4-1 at Deepdale after going 4-0 up.
The two teams last met in the cup 44 years ago, when Sunderland ran out 4-1 victors and Preston have never won in the FA cup between these two sides.
Match Prediction:
Preston 3-1 Sunderland
Next Fixtures:
Barnsley vs Preston - Championship - 13/1/07 3.00pm
Sunderland vs Ipswich - Championship - 13/1/07 3.00pm
