'Alive and kicking' - David Prutton delivers score prediction for Preston clash vs Watford

Alex Neil’s men moved to within seven points of the play-off places with a win over local rivals Blackburn Rovers on Friday night.

For their part, the Hornets ran riot against Bristol City at the weekend, putting six past the Robins in a dominant display.

But Prutton believes that North End can bring them back down to earth with a sobering result at Deepdale.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the pundit said: “There's still quite a gap between Preston and the play-offs and they knew that victory in Friday's Lancashire derby was imperative if they wanted to keep their hopes of reaching them alive and kicking.

“Watford hadn't won in their previous three either and bounced back in some style with SIX against Bristol City!

"Their home form is among the best in the division, but it was all too easy for Xisco Munoz's men. The question is whether or not they can carry that into Tuesday's game, having struggled on the road this season.

"I'll go for a draw.”

Prutton has predicted a 1-1 draw.

Preston were on the wrong end of a heavy defeat when they played Watford back in November, slumping to a 4-1 loss at Vicarage Road.

Tom Barkhuizen scored a consolation for the visitors that day as the Hornets comfortably wrapped up the three points.

Prior to that meeting, North End hadn’t lost any of their previous four meetings with the Hertfordshire side – a run stretching back to 2009.