Two massive matches on consecutive Monday nights. Newcastle first, followed by Blackpool seven days later, it's one of those quirks of the fixture list computer that all this Championship excitement is crammed into one week - especially when we've had a football famine for 16 days!

The demands of Sky television ensure that North End return to action a little later than everyone else, it also means they have had to stew over that disappointing Watford display longer than they would have liked.

Inbetween the Watford and Newcastle fixtures, manager Alan Irvine has managed to take his players away for a intensive training camp on foreign soil, whilst also strengthening his team in the middle of the park following the arrival of Michael Tonge from Stoke.

Chris Hughton's Magpies go into the weekend's fixtures as Championship leaders and unless West Brom win at home to Bristol City on Saturday they will arrive at Deepdale top of the table and hoping to extend their advantage.

Preston know that a victory over the North East giants would take them right back into the promotion frame. At the time of writing there are only three points between third placed Cardiff and Watford in 12th spot. Points will be dropped at the weekend and Irvine's side will be fired up to try and get back amongst the Play-Off contenders.

Preston North End v Newcastle United
Coca-Cola Championship
Monday 23rd November 7.45pm
Deepdale

Gaffer's Team News
"We seem to be ok. I am expecting that the only injury that we will have will be Barry Nicholson. Richard Chaplow had a couple of problems for the Watford game but he is over them now.

"Stephen Elliott has got a little bit of a sore hamstring but I expect that he will be ok for Monday night."

The Opposition
Despite all the turmoil off the field, the Magpies have lived up to their billing as pre-season Championship favourites with some powerful displays.

Chris Hughton's men have won four games away from home in the Championship, including a 4-0 win at Ipswich and most recently a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United.

The key to Newcastle's success has been the form of their experienced midfield trio of Kevin Nolan, Nicky Butt and Alan Smith. Nolan has been in particularly fine form, he currently leads the Actim Index statistics and has scored eight goals from midfield.

Monday's match should also see the return to Deepdale of Andy Carroll. The Gateshead born striker spent half a season on loan at Preston North End, making 12 appearances and scoring just the one goal. Carroll has been in fine form for his hometown team this year and scored his fourth goal of the campaign in Newcastle's 3-1 win over Peterborough.

Opposition Gaffer
"It's been a case of back to work for us at training.

"It's a tough game coming up against Preston, we're looking at it in the same way we looked at Sheffield United who also hadn't won for a while.

"They are a side who are constantly challenging in this division and regular play-off challengers - even if they haven't had the best of runs of late.

"They are one of the top five or six teams.

"All of the teams have had a break, but out of Newcastle and Preston, we'll see who has welcomed the break the most."
Chris Hughton speaking to icnewcastle.co.uk

Opposition Player
"I looked for the Preston fixture - they're the only team I looked for.

"When I went down there I was 18, so obviously I was young, and I'd never really played many games. I played a few games, which I was happy with.

"Being in and around the first team was a different experience to what I'd had here, and I learnt a great deal down there. Neil Mellor was there, and he taught me a lot.

"I did learn a lot in the games I played. I was happy I went there, even though I didn't really play as many games as I wanted to."
Former loanee Andy Carroll speaking in the Jarrow and Hebburn Gazette

Head-to-Head
PNE's all time record against Newcastle W32 D12 L33
PNE's all time league record against Newcastle W29 D12 L31

Last Meeting
Newcastle United 2 Preston North End 0
Saturday 31st January 1987
FA Cup Fourth Round
St James' Park

PNEBetting.com Odds
Preston 21/10 Draw 9/4 Newcastle 13/10
PNEBetting.com Selected Bet
Ross Wallace to score first in a 2-1 Preston win - 125/1

PNE Player
Matt Hardman will be joined by a legendary 300 Club Member for full match commentary of Monday's match. Ged Mills and Steve Bradshaw from Central Radio will be bringing you the full build-up to the game from 7pm. Click here to sign up now

Any Other Business?
Tickets are still available in all home areas of the ground and can be purchased on MyPNE.com up until 3pm on the day of the game. The ticket office also has extended opening hours till 5pm on Saturday.