Newcastle United have the chance of sealing promotion back to the Premier League on Monday night, as the north east club welcome Preston North End to St James Park.
A home win would see Rafa Benitez’s side promoted back to the top-flight at the first time of asking. However, the north east side look unlikely to win the Championship title, as they are currently seven points behind league leaders Brighton, although this clash is their game in hand on the Seagulls.
The Magpies form has stalled in recent weeks and Benitez’s side have failed to win any of their last three games, suffering two defeats in the process.
However, Newcastle’s home form has been good, having suffered just one defeat in their last ten home games. The Magpies also have an impressive recent record over Preston of late, as the north east side have won their last four meetings with North End.
Newcastle have also scored two or more goals in their last three meetings with the visitors, so will be confident of another victory in this clash.
Preston are currently 11th in the Championship table and now have little to play for this season, after looking like a team capable of challenging for the play-offs.
A run of three consecutive defeats in the second tier have put an end to any promotion hopes Simon Grayson’s side have this season. Last time out the visitors suffered a 3-1 home defeat against Norwich City.
One of North End’s major problems in recent games has been the number of goals that they have conceded. Grayson’s side have conceded three or more goals in their last three Championship games.
Neither side are in great form heading into this clash, but Newcastle have far more to play for and Forebet predicts a vital home win for the Magpies.