Preston North End right back Darnell Fisher is hoping the team’s luck will change as they head down to Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
The Lilywhites take on Steve Bruce’s side at Villa Park looking for a positive performance and result and this defender believes that a repeat of some of the recent performances will get the desired result.
Speaking to iFollow PNE the No.2 said: “We hit the post in the first half; Ryan hits the post and if that goes in, it could be a different game [against West Brom]. We went in at half-time thinking ‘we’ve got all to play for now’, but then go and concede a slack goal just after half-time.
“We got back into the game at 1-1 and then we conceded an own goal and we just seem to be unlucky at the moment. If we perform like that in the games coming up, then I think we will be fine.
“We had a spell like this last season in November; so, it will balance itself out over the season. It will all come together for us – we played well against West Brom and deserved to get something, but they have quality players in their team and that showed in the end, but I think we will be okay once things start going for us.”
Injuries and suspensions haven’t helped, the latest of which has seen Josh Harrop ruled out for the season with a ruptured ACL, but Fisher says that as some of the problems ease, the squad will get a boost.
“The same happened in terms of the injuries we have had last season; in November we had Browney [Alan Browne] playing centre back at one point and we had Pearo [Bean Pearson] suspended for three games, so everything has had a little effect,” he continued.
“We are starting to get people back, Sean [Maguire] is back training and once we have him back, I think it will have an impact.
“I think his return will be a boost to everyone, including us. Seeing him back as a defence and as players, it can be a good thing and hopefully he can have the same sort of impact he had when he came back last season and it will definitely be a positive for us.”
The clast with the Villans is another tough fixture, but the former Celtic man says that the performance last season and the fact that the team will be second favourites, is something that will give the squad plenty of motivation.
“It is a good test. Villa Park under the lights is always a nice place to play. Hopefully it will be a big crowd. They have good players and we will be looking to match them.
“We played well there last year. When we go to places like this, we have to earn respect. We are not a bad team and the manager will have a plan and we will more than compete.
“We will be the underdog and I think that suits us. When we are expected to beat someone handsomely we don’t seem to do it, but we will definitely be the underdog on Tuesday and that will be something we will relish,” he added.