Southport vs Preston predictions for this pre-season clash. Returning from Spain, Preston North End face Southport in their second pre-season friendly at Haig Avenue on Tuesday. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
Club Friendlies | Jul 16, 2024 at 7.30pm UK at Haig Avenue
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Southport vs Preston Predictions
Will Preston’s Pre-Season Rebound Start Against Southport?
Key Stats
– Preston have lost their last six matches in all competitions without scoring.
– Southport failed to score in four of their last five league matches.
– Will Keane was Preston’s top scorer last season with 13 goals.
Back from a challenging training camp in Spain, Preston North End will play their second pre-season friendly on Tuesday evening as they travel to Haig Avenue to face National League North side Southport. After a narrow defeat to Lincoln City, Ryan Lowe’s men aim to get their pre-season preparations back on track against a team that finished 17th in the National League North last season.
Match Preview: Team Form and Performance
Preston North End’s pre-season got off to a rocky start with a 1-0 loss to Lincoln City, as Jovon Makama’s early goal proved to be the difference. Despite the defeat, manager Ryan Lowe took positives from the match, highlighting the physical toll of their intense training camp. The team has a busy schedule ahead, with upcoming friendlies against Bamber Bridge, Everton, Fiorentina, and Salford City, all in preparation for their Championship opener against Sheffield United.
Southport, on the other hand, had a mixed end to their previous season. They finished their campaign with a 3-0 win over Rushall Olympic but struggled offensively in the final matches, failing to score in four of their last five games. Manager Jim Bentley, who took over when the team was at the bottom of the league, managed to steer them to safety. This match against Preston marks the beginning of their pre-season, with further fixtures against Oldham Athletic, Cliftonville, and Morecambe scheduled.
Expected Goals and Key Players
Preston’s attack will be led by players such as Will Keane and Emil Riis Jacobsen, both of whom were key contributors last season. Keane, in particular, was the top scorer with 13 goals. New signings Stefan Teitur Thordarson and Sam Greenwood made their debuts against Lincoln and will be looking to make a more significant impact in this match. The performance of their midfield, including Benjamin Whiteman and Alan Browne, will be crucial in controlling the game and creating opportunities.
Southport’s main threat will come from new signing Nathaniel Knight-Percival and the experienced forward Chris Venables. Venables, known for his scoring ability, will be crucial in breaking down Preston’s defence. The midfield, led by Marcus Carver and Josh Hmami, will need to be both defensively sound and creative to support their strikers.
Tactical Analysis and Key Battles
The midfield battle will be a focal point of this match. Preston’s midfield, featuring Whiteman and Browne, will aim to dominate possession and control the tempo. Southport’s midfield, with Carver and Hmami, will need to disrupt Preston’s play and support their defence. On the wings, the duel between Preston’s Robbie Brady and Southport’s Tyler Walton could be crucial, with Brady’s crossing ability and Walton’s defensive duties likely to be tested.
Defensively, Preston will look to avoid the early mistakes that cost them against Lincoln. The defensive line, including Liam Lindsay and Andrew Hughes, must be solid to prevent Southport from finding the net. For Southport, the experience of Knight-Percival will be vital in organising their defence and dealing with Preston’s attacking threats.
Managerial Critique
Ryan Lowe’s start to pre-season has been mixed, with the defeat to Lincoln highlighting areas for improvement. His ability to motivate and refine his team during these friendly matches will be crucial for a successful Championship campaign. On the other hand, Jim Bentley’s tenure at Southport has been commendable, rescuing the team from a dire start to the season. However, his side’s offensive struggles need addressing to ensure a better finish in the upcoming season.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Preston North End:
- Strengths: Strong attacking options, solid midfield control, depth in squad.
- Weaknesses: Defensive lapses, inconsistency in finishing, reliance on key players.
Southport:
- Strengths: Experienced defensive players, resilient midfield, managerial stability.
- Weaknesses: Lack of offensive firepower, limited squad depth, inconsistency in key matches.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Commentary
Preston North End:
- Lineup: Pradic; Storey, Lindsay, Hughes; Seary, Ledson, Whiteman, Greenwood, Brady; Riis, Keane
- Commentary: Preston will look to dominate possession and create numerous chances. The inclusion of new signings adds depth and creativity, which will be crucial in breaking down Southport’s defence.
Southport:
- Lineup: Renshaw; Knight-Percival, Moore, Flowers; Thomson, Morgan, Burgess, Hilton, Doyle; Owolabi, Lloyd
- Commentary: Southport will focus on a solid defensive setup, looking to hit Preston on the counter. Venables’ positioning and movement will be key to their attacking threats.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Based on the data provided, here are the predictions for the match:
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score Given both teams’ recent form and the nature of pre-season friendlies, it’s likely that both sides will find the net. Preston’s defensive vulnerabilities combined with Southport’s determination to impress in their first pre-season game make this a solid bet.
Correct Score Prediction: Southport 1-3 Preston North End Taking into account Preston’s superior quality and depth, they are expected to secure a win. Southport may score given Preston’s recent defensive issues, but the visitors should have enough firepower to win comfortably.
Goalscorer Prediction: Will Keane to Score Will Keane, Preston’s top scorer last season, is a good bet to find the net. His positioning and finishing ability make him a constant threat, especially against a lower-league defence.
First Half Result: Preston to Lead at Half Time Preston are expected to come out strong and establish an early lead. Their quality and fitness levels should allow them to dominate the first half against a Southport side just starting their pre-season.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target With Preston’s attacking potential and Southport’s defensive gaps, betting on Preston to have over 6.5 shots on target is reasonable. Their focus on improving their final-third efficiency should result in numerous attempts on goal.
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