Preston vs Lincoln City Predictions

Preston vs Lincoln City predictions, betting tips and match previews for this pre-season friendly clash. Preston North End begin their pre-season against Lincoln City on Friday morning in Spain at the Pinatar Arena. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.

Club Friendlies | Jul 12, 2024 at 10am UK at Pinatar Arena

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Preston vs Lincoln City Predictions

Will Goals Fly in Spain as Preston North End Face Lincoln City?

As Preston North End kick off their pre-season schedule with a fixture against Lincoln City at the Pinatar Arena in Spain, both teams aim to fine-tune their squads ahead of the upcoming campaign. Preston, competing in the Championship, and Lincoln, a League One side, will use this match to test their preparations and integrate new signings into their systems.

Preston North End’s Ambitions and Challenges

Under the guidance of Ryan Lowe, Preston North End have shown promise but faltered during crucial moments in recent seasons. Their efforts to secure a playoff spot in the Championship have been thwarted by poor form during the run-in, highlighted by losing five consecutive games without scoring at the end of the last campaign. Despite this disappointing finish, the club’s management has retained faith in Lowe, supporting him in the transfer market.

Preston’s new additions, Icelandic midfielder Stefan Teitur Thordarson from Silkeborg and Leeds United loanee Sam Greenwood, are expected to bring fresh energy and creativity to the team. This pre-season fixture against Lincoln is the first of six matches designed to build momentum, with high-profile games against Fiorentina and Everton on the horizon.

Lincoln City’s Steady Progress

Lincoln City, managed by Michael Skubala, narrowly missed out on the League One playoffs last season. Their impressive run during the final 20 games, where they lost only twice, positions them as serious contenders for promotion this term. The Imps have been active in the transfer market, adding seven new players, including experienced defender Tendayi Darikwa and midfielder Tom Bayliss.

Skubala’s team will be looking to build on their strong finish last season and set the tone early in pre-season. This match against Preston offers an opportunity to gauge their readiness and integrate new signings into the squad.

Tactical Analysis and Key Matchups

The midfield battle is expected to be crucial in this encounter. Preston’s new midfield duo, Thordarson and Greenwood, will need to quickly adapt and establish control. They will be up against Lincoln’s midfield, which includes the industrious Ethan Hamilton and the creative Daniel Mandroiu. The ability of these players to dictate play and create chances will be vital.

Defensively, Preston will rely on the experience of Liam Lindsay and new signing Ben Gibson to provide stability. They face the challenge of containing Lincoln’s forwards, particularly Joe Taylor, who scored 10 goals last season. Preston’s attack, led by Will Keane, who netted 13 goals last term, will be a constant threat to Lincoln’s backline.

Expected Gameplay Dynamics

Given the pre-season context, the match is likely to see both managers experimenting with formations and player combinations. Preston will aim to dominate possession and utilise their midfield creativity to break down Lincoln’s defence. Lincoln, known for their organised and resilient style, will look to exploit any gaps left by Preston and hit on the counter.

The intensity might not match that of a regular season game, as both sides focus on fitness and tactical adjustments. However, the quality and competitiveness of both teams should ensure an entertaining match with moments of individual brilliance.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Preston North End:

Strengths:
Preston’s attacking potential, highlighted by their ability to create chances, is a significant asset. The addition of creative players like Greenwood should enhance their offensive capabilities.

Weaknesses:
Their tendency to falter in crucial moments and a somewhat leaky defence, which conceded 67 goals last season, are areas of concern. Improving consistency and defensive solidity will be key to their success.

Lincoln City:

Strengths:
Lincoln’s organised defence, which kept 19 clean sheets last season, and their resilience in matches are notable strengths. Their ability to grind out results and perform well under pressure makes them a tough opponent.

Weaknesses:
Lincoln’s lower possession statistics indicate a potential vulnerability when facing teams that dominate the ball. Enhancing their ability to maintain possession and control games will be crucial for their promotion push.

Managerial Critique and Improvements

Ryan Lowe’s tenure at Preston has been marked by near misses and a lack of consistency. While his tactical acumen has brought periods of success, the team’s inability to maintain form during critical phases is a major drawback. Lowe must find a way to instill greater resilience and finishing power in his squad.

Michael Skubala, on the other hand, has transformed Lincoln into a competitive unit. However, his side’s reliance on defensive solidity and counter-attacks can sometimes limit their offensive output. Skubala needs to develop a more balanced approach that allows Lincoln to dominate weaker opponents more effectively.

Expected Lineups

Preston North End:
Freddie Woodman (GK), Ben Gibson, Liam Lindsay, Alan Browne, Stefan Teitur Thordarson, Sam Greenwood, Brad Potts, Robbie Brady, Duane Holmes, Will Keane, Emil Riis Jacobsen.

Lincoln City:
Jordan Wright (GK), Paudie O’Connor, Ethan Hamilton, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, Joe Taylor, Daniel Mandroiu, Tom Bayliss, Lasse Sørensen, Teddy Bishop, Timothy Eyoma, Freddie Draper.

Predictions

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score Considering both teams’ attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities, predicting that both teams will score appears solid. Preston’s recent goal-scoring struggles are likely to be mitigated by Lincoln’s occasional defensive lapses. Meanwhile, Lincoln’s consistent goal threat ensures they will likely find the net.

Correct Score Prediction: 2-2 Draw A 2-2 draw reflects the best bet of both teams scoring. Given the pre-season nature of the game, defensive errors are probable, leading to multiple goals. Both sides have quality in attack to exploit these opportunities, resulting in a high-scoring draw.

Goalscorer Prediction: Will Keane Will Keane’s goal-scoring form makes him a strong candidate to score in this match. His ability to find space and finish chances will be crucial for Preston. Considering his record from last season, Keane is likely to find the net against Lincoln.

First Half Result Prediction: Draw Given the expected cautious start from both sides, a draw at half-time is likely. Both managers will rotate their squads, leading to a balanced first half without either team dominating.

Innovative Market: Player Total Shots on Target Over 1.5 for Will Keane Given Keane’s goal-scoring prowess and Preston’s reliance on him for finishing, predicting him to have over 1.5 shots on target is a viable market. Keane will be central to Preston’s attacking efforts, ensuring multiple opportunities to test the goalkeeper.

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