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Follow us on Twitter @claretandview // Words by Harry Trend (@HazaTrand)
Villa kick off their November fixtures with a game at away at Preston North End. To get the lowdown on the Lilywhites, I’ve enlisted the help of Preston fan Jon (@jaingham123).
Jon has been going to Deepdale since he was five. He goes to every Preston home game as well as watching them away when he can. In his spare time Jon coaches football at grassroots level.
What were your expectations for Preston North End going into the season?
Honestly, I fancied us to be pushing the playoffs this season, after seeing the signs of attacking play coming together at the end of pre-season I was hopeful of a top 6 place. I expected us to score a lot but to also ship a few at the back.
How would you rate your season so far out of 10 and why?
If you’d asked me this 3 weeks back it would have been a 9 but down to an 8 now. We’ve had a great start but October has been shocking so far, conceding 8 goals in 3 games isn’t great! Also it’s not often you score 6 goals in 3 games and come away with a solitary point! That being said, when our defence is back fit I expect us to tighten up again.
Which Preston players should Villa be wary of?
I’m inclined to say the ex-Villa boys – Robinson and Johnson just because players with connections to teams usually pop up at some point, but in all honesty any of the front 4 we put out can be very dangerous. To name 2 for the Villa game I’d say Tom Barkhuizen, as his pace could cause the Villa defence problems, and Sean Maguire, as he is very direct and loves to get a shot off.
If you were Alex Neil and had to sign one Aston Villa player for the Lilywhites, who would it be?
Let’s be fair, we would not be able to afford the wages! But in a world of unlimited finances I’d say Conor Hourihane to add to the Irish contingent here at Deepdale!
Where do you see Villa finishing this season and why?
Villa have a strong enough squad to get out of this division automatically but I think you’ll end up in the playoffs. From there it’s anyones guess! I think there will be a couple of dips in form that leave the top 2 too far to catch up with for you.
Score prediction for Wednesday?
Guessing on recent events with Preston, I’m going for goals: 2-2 or one side to sneak a win.
