Preston North End v Burnley - Tony Dewhurst's big match preview

BURNLEY face old Lancashire rivals Preston North End at Deepdale tonight with Adrian Heath insisting: "On our day we're the best side in Division Two."

The Turf Moor chief predicted: "It's going to be a really big night of football with plenty of passion and fervour.

"The atmosphere will be white hot and I hope that the players can live up to it.

"We know that we will have to play better than we did for some of Saturday's match if we are going to get something from the game.

"But we've gone three games unbeaten now and I want to extend that sequence further.

"We've claimed seven points out of the last nine and that is the sort of consistency that I'm looking for.

"I firmly believe, on our day, we are the best side in this section. I want the players to prove that at Preston."

The Clarets have not won away from home in the League since the opening day of the season at Luton Town but Heath added: "Producing a run of consistent form is our top priority.

"People know that there were aspects of our play against Plymouth which disappointed me but I think we can get a result at Preston. "Our performances are still a bit Jekyll and Hyde, especially on our travels, but we are beginning to make steady progress.

"The bottom line is that we need more good results away from home and there's no better way of getting things moving than by winning a derby match."

The Turf Moor chief adds midfielder Paul Weller to his squad for a derby clash which looks set to attract a 12,000-plus gate.

Burnley will choose from: Beresford, Parkinson, Eyres, Harrison, Winstanley, Overson, Matthew, Smith, Nogan, Barnes, Gleghorn, Cooke, Brass, Heath, Weller.

Burnley are guaranteed a healthy following after selling out their Deepdale allocation of 3,400.

Heath added: "Our fans can play a major role tonight. They always get behind us away from home and I'm sure they will be in good voice. I know the players appreciate their support and they can help us by getting behind the team from the first whistle." Preston defender Russ Wilcox faces a late fitness check ahead of tonight's game. Wilcox suffered a dead leg during the 1-1 draw at Gillingham at the weekend, but is expected to be fit.

Deepdale manager Gary Peters, who has toiled under the burden of an injury nightmare all season, suddenly finds himself with a full-strength squad to pick from. Just long-term casualty Lee Cartwright is currently ruled out.

Preston select from: Mimms, Gage, Barrick, Wilcox, Kidd, Brown, Bryson, Reeves, Bennett, Kilbane, Holt, McDonald, Squires, Wilkinson, Moilanen, Davey and Atkinson.

A Burnley Reserve side will face Accrington Stanley at the Crown Ground tomorrow.

Burnley's Auto Windscreen tie at Hartlepool will be played on December 10.

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