Two teams with dreams of making an unlikely playoff charge meet at Deepdale on Saturday when Preston North End host Gary Rowett's Millwall in the Championship.
Preston are on an impressive run of three consecutive wins heading into the final weekend before the World Cup break, whilst the Lions have failed to earn maximum points in any of their last three matches in the second tier.
Match preview
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Preston striker Ched Evans arrived at the Select Car Leasing Stadium to face Reading last Friday without a goal in over 30 games in the Championship, and was handed a rare start alongside Emil Riis Jakobsen by manager Ryan Lowe.
By the time the full-time whistle had sounded, Evans had expertly dispatched two second-half strikes and earned his side a fifth away win of the campaign, ending his personal goal drought in a way that delighted the travelling Lilywhites supporters.
That victory over Reading means that Lowe's men have now won four of their last five games in the Championship, although a heavy defeat to bitter rivals Blackpool in that spell will not be forgotten easily despite good results sandwiching such a disappointing display at Bloomfield Road.
Five of Preston's eight league wins so far this campaign have come on their travels, with the Lilywhites possessing the best away record in the division, having collected 18 points from their 10 games away from Deepdale.
Lowe's side also have the best defence in the Championship to date with only 16 goals conceded in 20 matches, a record that was helped significantly by Preston being involved in four 0-0 draws in their opening five games of the season.
Sitting outside the playoffs on goal difference heading into this weekend, it would be a real achievement for a club that have experienced their fair share of mid-table mediocrity over recent seasons to go into the World Cup break in a top-six position.
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During a four-game winning run in October, Millwall netted nine goals and had head coach Rowett managing expectations amongst supporters with dreams of a promotion push spreading around The Den.
The ex-Birmingham City boss probably expected a dip in form to arrive soon and so it did, with his side only collecting two points from their last three Championship games and failing to score in any of those matchups.
Millwall were victims of a freakish long-range strike from Huddersfield Town defender Yuta Nakayama in a narrow defeat at the John Smith's Stadium, and have followed up that result with consecutive goalless draws with Birmingham and Hull City in a run that has pundits and supporters questioning whether Rowett's men have the necessary firepower to compete for promotion.
What has not changed despite a dip in results recently is the difficulty of the challenge facing teams visiting The Den, with Millwall earning 22 points at their intimidating home so far this season, a tally only Blackburn Rovers can better at Ewood Park.
The Londoners will have to do the business away from home if they are to move into the playoffs before the World Cup break, with Saturday's assignment at Deepdale likely to be a physical and cagey affair.
Team News
Preston will have to do without midfielder Ben Whiteman who suffered a thigh injury in their last home game against Swansea City, with the 26-year-old hopeful of returning to action after the World Cup break.
Ireland international Troy Parrott remains out for Lowe's side with a hamstring injury sustained during their 3-2 win at Carrow Road against Norwich City last month, meaning Evans will lead the Preston attack once again with Jakobsen.
Millwall striker Benik Afobe has been ruled out until after the World Cup with a knee injury picked up in the defeat at Huddersfield, meaning the likes of Tom Bradshaw and Zian Flemming will be tasked with firing the visitors to victory on Saturday.
Better news for Rowett is that defender Murray Wallace will return to the matchday squad after serving a one-match suspension for collecting his fifth booking of the season in the stalemate with Birmingham.
Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Lindsay, Storey, Hughes; Potts, Browne, Ledson, Brady, Johnson; Evans, Jakobsen
Millwall possible starting lineup:
Long; McNamara, Cresswell, Cooper, Malone; Mitchell, Saville, Honeyman, Flemming, Burey; Bradshaw
We say: Preston North End 1-0 Millwall
This game is an opportunity for two sides that were not fancied for promotion pushes this season to head into the World Cup break inside the top six of the Championship.
Preston have been in good form of late and considering the Lilywhites' defensive record, it could be three points and a clean sheet for the hosts against a Millwall side who struggle to pose an attacking threat on the road.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Carter White
