Preston Preview

Swansea v Preston - Match Preview

SWANSEA V PRESTON - MATCH PREVIEW

Saturdays F.A. Cup 4th Round tie against Preston North End will bring back many memories for the older Swan's fans. Preston have featured in what are arguably two of the most important fixtures in the club's history, an F.A. Cup semi-final appearance at Villa Park back in 1964 and that famous afternoon at Deepdale in 1981 when John Toshacks team were promoted to the First division for the first time in the club's history.

It was exactly five years ago today that the Swans last played an F.A. cup 4th round match. On that occasion we lost 1-0 to Derby County after famously dumping West Ham out of the competiton in the 3rd round. Although the Swansea team has changed significantly in those five years, Roger Freestone, Kristian O'Leary, Michael Howard and Jonathan Coates all tasted defeat at the hands of Derby on that wet and windy Saturday afternoon and i'm sure they'll be hoping for a happier outcome this time around.

Lenny Johnrose and Kieron Durkan will miss the match and Michael Howard is also a doubt (all hamstring unjuries) Andy Robinson returns from suspension and the one and only Lee "magic daps" Trundle spearheads the Swansea attack. Trundles goals have been instrumental in getting us to the 4th round and his performance against Macclesfield earned him the F.A.'s "Player of the round" award.

Preston boss, ex Scotland manager, Craig Brown has no major injury worries going into Saturday's game. The only doubt is whether he decides to risk star striker Ricardo Fuller who has been plagued with a troublesome knee injury. Fuller has been the subject of much transfer specualtion this week and it'll be interesting to see if Brown risks him for this 4th round tie.

All North Bank tickets have now been sold, but there will be a limited number of places (300) available on a first come, first serve basis after 1.45pm (cash only at turnstiles 13, 14 and 15. The only tickets now available are for the East Terrace, tickets will be sold up until 12.30pm on Saturday. Fans without tickets are advised to purchase East Terrace tickets to guarantee entry to the ground.

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