A disorderly Easter weekend of Championship soccer caused major impacts on the seasons of both Preston North End and Plymouth Argyle, but in very different ways.
Preston started the weekend seven points clear of the relegation zone, but following a 2-1 loss to QPR on Good Friday and a repeat scoreline at Hull on Easter Monday, they are now only three points above the safety line.
The teams below them are closing in, while Plymouth's situation is the opposite.
Despite being at the bottom of the table, Plymouth seemed destined for relegation, but a surprising 3-1 victory over Coventry on Monday has given them hope, and they could continue their success at Deepdale on Saturday.
Lineup Updates
Preston will be without Freddie Woodman, Ali McCann, Brad Potts, Will Keane, Sam Greenwood, and Jack Whatmough due to injuries.
There is a possibility that Ryan Ledson could be on the bench for Saturday's game, especially if Mads Frokjaer-Jensen's injury sustained at Hull is serious.
For Plymouth, Matthew Sorinola and Brendan Galloway are sidelined.
Captain Joe Edwards returns from suspension, and defender Maksym Talovierov, who has been out since March, is close to returning and will undergo evaluation.
Match Insights
- Plymouth has won three of their last five matches
- Their victories in that streak were against Norwich, Sheffield United, and Coventry
- Conversely, Preston has only won one of their last 11 games, losing the last three
- Both teams have scored in each of Preston's last five matches
- The same scenario has occurred in four of Plymouth's last five games
- In the previous encounter, the teams drew 3-3 in an exciting match
Forecast
Plymouth manager Miron Muslic likely saw this match as a crucial one to win, while Preston's coach Paul Heckingbottom probably didn't anticipate being in such a precarious position.
However, with Preston's poor run of form and three consecutive defeats - only Norwich has earned fewer points than their seven in the last ten Championship games - they are facing a real threat of demotion.
Preston might opt for a more defensive approach, possibly settling for a draw against Plymouth, despite potential discontent from their fans, and Plymouth could take advantage of the situation.
Muslic will motivate his team by highlighting Preston's single victory in the last 11 matches, and Plymouth will be buoyed by recent wins over top teams like Sheffield United and Coventry.
Considering Preston's struggles and Plymouth's recent promise, betting on the visitors to secure at least a draw at Deepdale could be a wise choice, potentially giving them a lifeline to avoid relegation on the final day, depending on other results.