What are the likely line-ups? Who are the key men? Bolton v Preston - All you need to know
From likely line-ups to key men and the referee, all you need to know about Saturday's Championship clash can be found below.
Likely line-ups
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Hide AdBolton (3-5-2): Alnwick; Dervite, Wheater, Beevers; Morais, Pratley, Karacan, Burke, Robinson; Le Fondre, Ameobi.
PNE (4-2-3-1): Rudd; Woods, Huntington, Davies, Cunningham; Pearson, Gallagher, Bodin, Browne, Barkhuizen; Robinson
Key men
Paul Huntington - In a game with a near neighbour PNE will need to be ready for the battle against what can be a direct Bolton side. Huntington will relish that, with the Cumbrian hoping he will not be needed as an emergency striker, as he was against Ipswich.
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Hide AdSammy Ameobi - The former Newcastle man has emerged as a key figure after Gary Madine’s £6m move to Cardiff and has been backed by his manager as the man to help Wanderers to safety. Has four goals and has already played more minutes this season than in any other previously.
In the opposing dugout
Phil Parkinson - Chorley-born Parkinson was a Preston North End fan in his younger days, even though his family moved down south when he was a child. He was appointed Bolton manager in June 2016 and in his first season in charge, guided the Trotters to promotion from League One. Prior to that, Parkinson managed Bradford City for five years. In that time, City were promoted from League Two and reached the League Cup final. He has also managed Colchester, Hull and Charlton, and in 2006 was on PNE’s managerial shortlist.
The referee
Peter Bankes - The Merseyside official will take charge of a North End game for the fourth time this season when they make the short trip to Bolton. Mr Bankes was in the middle for September’s 1-1 draw with Barnsley, their home defeat to Aston Villa in November and the 5-1 win at Wycombe in the FA Cup. This will be his 33rd assignment of the season, Mr Bankes having shown 109 yellow cards and eight red. He refereed Chorley’s cup game with Fleetwood in November.
This week in PNE history
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Hide Ad61 years ago: On March 2, 1957, Preston beat Bolton 3-2 at Burnden Park in front of a crowd of 37,090. Sir Tom Finney scored twice – one of them a penalty – with Sammy Taylor also on target.
54 years ago: North End won 2-0 against Leeds at Deepdale on March 3, 1964. Dave Wilson and Alec Ashworth found the net, the attendance 35,612.
44 years ago: Mike Elwiss scored twice on his Preston debut in a 2-2 draw at Carlisle on March 2, 1974. Elwiss was signed by Bobby Charlton from Doncaster Rovers.
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Hide Ad37 years ago: Preston beat Chelsea 1-0 at Deepdale on February 28, 1981. Alex Bruce came off the bench to score the winner. Peter Litchfield made his PNE debut that day between the posts, winning the man of the match award.