NEIL Warnock has had the worst possible preparation for Sunday's survival showdown after being struck down with the flu.

The Bury boss was issuing team tactics from his sick bed while assistant Ron Reid took charge of affairs at Gigg Lane this week.

He expects to be back in time for today's training session where he will finalise his team line-up.

Striker Andy Preece is set to be the first casualty, with fit-again Paul Barnes pushing for a starting berth alongside Laurent D'Jaffo.

Warnock's only other selection query, as he sticks with a 4-4-2 formation, is whether to play Andy Woodward or Chris Billy at left back - a welcome headache created by the return of skipper Chris Lucketti.

Hopes of a return for Derek Lilley look to have been dashed. The on-loan Leeds United striker is still struggling to overcome a hamstring injury.

"I have not decided on the starting 11 yet," he said. "We need a team that can score goals whilst staying patient at the back.

"We have to go all-out for the three points and we aim to finish with a bang. Everybody must pull together - that's the players, management, the board and the supporters."

Warnock admits it has been a nervous few weeks as Bury manager, but remarkably believes the pressure is off now.

"All the pressure is on Queens Park Rangers," he said. "They are a massive club and nobody expected them to be in this position."

The Bury bench will be kept informed with developments at Loftus Road throughout the entire 90 minutes, with Warnock keen to know QPR's every move.

"I will have a contact at the match. It will be the same source that has helped me in the past when my teams have been involved in promotion matches," he added.

"I believe Steve Coppell and the lads at Palace can do the job for us. I know Steve very well, in fact he has done a lot of favours for me in the past. Now I just want one more!" Vale boss Brian Horton is fielding a full strength side with only striker Martin Foyle ruled out after undergoing a cartilage operation.

Horton said: "We will be very professional and try to keep our good run going."

Warnock refused to be drawn on his own future should the worst come to the worst, but would almost certainly want to stay on and attempt to take the Shakers straight back up again.

Bury FC mind guru Tony Cohen will be hoping to work his magic on Warnock's men again today and get them in a positive frame of mind for Sunday's vital clash.

London-based but Bury-born, Cohen's input has heralded an upturn in results ever since he began his once-a-week sessions with the first team squad four weeks ago.

The mind-programming techniques he uses are called psycho-cybernetics and Shakers fans get the chance to try the methods for themselves when Cohen's Megavation company holds an introductory seminar in the Social Club after Sunday's game.

Fans wishing to stand in the Cemetery End for the last time can do so on Sunday at a price of £10 adults and £5 concessions.

Gigg Lane's last remaining terracing will be demolished in the close season and the club is hoping to fill it with supporters for the final goodbye.

Season ticket holders can exchange their seat for a standing ticket at the club shop which is open from 10am-1pm tomorrow (Saturday).

Bury FC's North West Conference Under 18s champions will take part in a lap of honour 20 minutes before kick-off.

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