Preston Opposition View: ‘This squad has looked devoid of confidence, quality and, crucially, athleticism’
Players clash and remonstrate with referee after PNE's Ben Whiteman was sent off in the pairs last fixture at Deepdale
Luton Town head into their second away match of the season with momentum from a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Portsmouth. Next up is Preston at Deepdale, where the Hatters will be eyeing up their first three points of the season. While Preston are yet to score in the league, we know better than to take them for granted. It’s a tough challenge, but one Luton will be keen to overcome.
To get a deeper understanding of what we can expect from Preston, I had the pleasure of speaking with Olly from Deepdale Digest.
Q: Coming up to our third game of the league season, how do you feel about your team's recent performances?
A: Well, you don’t bring up three league games with three different managers if everything is going well. The start of this term has been a continuation last season with PNE now losing the last seven league games without scoring a single goal. This squad has looked devoid of confidence, quality and, crucially, athleticism - we look slow across the pitch and nobody knows where the next goal is coming from in league action, never mind the next win.
Q: What are your opinions on Paul Heckingbottom as your new manager?
A: Pretty happy really. Heckingbottom maybe isn’t the most exciting name but he is a steady hand whose measured approach is already resonating with fans who felt disenchanted and often confused by the Ryan Lowe era. He has a promotion from this league and has a decent record of developing young players, so it looks like a solid move given our situation.
Q: What are your expectations for this game and what is your score prediction?
A: This will be a tough game but hopefully there is some of the famous ‘new manager bounce’ for us. Luton have real quality though so I would happily take a 1-1 draw, get a first point and goal on the board and move on.
Q: Who are the players we should be worried about facing?
A: When he’s at his best, Mads Frokjaer-Jensen is a joy to watch with his technical ability but he has blown hot and cold of late. Will Keane may not be the flashiest striker but is North End’s most reliable forward in terms of goals and link-up play.
Q: Are there any Luton players that cause your concern?
A: Anybody with pace! As mentioned, we are pretty slow across the pitch so players like Chiedozie Ogbene could have fun. Alfie Doughty is a great wing back and somebody I’d have loved us to sign a few years back whilst Elijah Adebayo always looks a threat.