A run of draws has scuppered Preston North End’s opponents’ promotion dreams

Brentford are seemingly faltering in their hunt for the automatic promotion places.
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Though they are unbeaten in five games, the first of those five was a win over Blackburn Rovers and they have gone on to draw the following four.

Most recently the Bees drew 0-0 with struggling Birmingham City ahead of Saturday’s trip to Deepdale.

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The London club are still third in the Championship and are nine points behind Watford with just one game in hand.

Brentford’s Ivan Toney (left) appeals to officials after the final whistle against Birmingham on TuesdayBrentford’s Ivan Toney (left) appeals to officials after the final whistle against Birmingham on Tuesday
Brentford’s Ivan Toney (left) appeals to officials after the final whistle against Birmingham on Tuesday

After losing out at Wembley last season, Thomas Frank’s side will be keen to avoid the lottery of the play-offs, with his side sharing a similarly torrid record in play-off campaigns as PNE.

Brentford have lost in all nine play-off campaigns they have been involved in. North End have lost out nine times in their 10 participations.

Speaking after his sices. Why are we not getting wins? Is that quality or margins not going your way?

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“It is a little bit of everything – hard work, good attitude which is what I have seen in the last four games. We lack a little bit of confidence at times going forward, but it is a lde’s draw with Birmingham, Frank was frustrated with their attacking output as well as their fate being out of their hands.

He said: “We know how many games are left but of course it is up to Watford to lose.

“They are in a really good position and it is theirs to lose. We can only focus on ourselves and turn that margin into a win against Preston on Saturday.

“We need to show a top attitude and togetherness and I am 100% sure we can win on Saturday.

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“We created really good situations on Tuesday and big chances with Sergi Canos and other bits.

“No disrespect but you understand the strategy from Birmingham, who came for a point.

“When you look at the four games (draws) there should have been a winner and it should have been us.”

“We have to look at the performanot of things.”

Criticism of the forward areas may come as a surprise to those not following Brentford closely.

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They boast the highest scoring player in the division as well as a fine supporting cast with an attractive style of play. Ivan Toney leads the way as top marksman, in this his first season at this level.

The summer signing from Peterborough United has been every bit the Ollie Watkins replacement that the Bees will have hoped, for around £10m.

Twenty-eight goals and nine assists is simply a stunning start to life at Championship level with Brentford.

Canos and Bryan Mbuemo ably support their No.17, Canos scoring seven and creating four, whilst his French team-mate has laid on 10 and notched on four occasions.

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Brentford will be looking to get back to winning ways, having been so close for the last four outings, which may mean North End will have to brace themselves for the inevitable reaction from a side that are known to be ruthless.