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We chatted with Preston North End fan Jon on the Lilywhite’s poor start to the season and tonight’s game.
Words by Harry Trend (@HazaTrand)
It’s crunch time for Steve Bruce, with fans losing patience and Villa winning just one win in eight, three points at home to Preston is crucial.
Preston haven’t been in great form either, and after one win in ten games the Lillywhite’s find themselves bottom of the table. Hoping they can turn things around is Preston fan Jon (@jaingham123).
How would you rate your summer transfer dealings out of ten and why?
One week before the transfer window closed, I’d have thought around a six as I felt we had a decent shot at making the next step if we signed another striker. Roll on a week, with Sean Maguire and Billy Bodin injured and no further incomings leads me to rate our transfer window as 1/10.
What were your expectations going into the season?
Honestly, I expected another top half push and if we’d made the signings needed with the money we took from selling Jordan Hugill and Greg Cunningham, possibly even a play-off place.
What do you put the Lilywhites poor start down to?
Lack of investment, loyalty to under performing players and a lack of luck. More recently questions have to go to Alex Neil’s tactics as well as there seems to be little obvious tactical decision making. Ultimately, two injuries up top before the season have hit us badly coupled with our defence being very shaky.
What needs to change to ensure Preston turn their poor form around?
We need a little luck and a lot of work defensively, Sean Maguire will be a big plus when he’s back but he can only do so much by himself. Realistically, investment in January is essential and unless we pick up a win against your boys tomorrow or Wigan at the weekend come the following Saturday we may have a change in manager.
If you had to recommend one Preston player for my Telegraph fantasy football team, who would it be and why?
Callum Robinson, he’s been fantastic this season and has really matured into a player we thought he could be. Still strangely divides fans opinions despite being out best player this season by a long way!
Where do you think Villa will finish this season and why?
2nd or 3rd. Not sure why but think dirty Leeds will be top then Villa or WBA will fight for 2nd, couldn’t call either way on the two of you though.
Score prediction for Tuesday?
I want to be optimistic and say 2-2 but if you score first it could be shocking, 4-1 wouldn’t surprise me if that happens.
