Harris fired up for close encounter of the Preston kind

IT’S a huge game at Deepdale tomorrow as Preston North End take on Cardiff City, a game that sees sixth taken on seventh.

The play-off race is heating up in the Championship and Cardiff’s win over Leeds last weekend plunged the Bluebirds up the table and level on points with Preston.

Alex Neil’s team welcome City for a 12.30pm kick off in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

PNE will be looking to register that first win since the restart, after last weekend’s frustrating draw down at Luton.

Ahead of the game, Cardiff manager Neil Harris spoke to the Echo – here’s the pick of what he said ahead of the game...

Fitness update

“Josh Murphy missed the last game, very touch and go for this weekend. It might come too soon for him.

“We look like we have come through unscathed this weekend.” Big game this weekend

“Well, yeah, results speak for themselves. Having watched Preston’s game against Luton they deserved a point, if not three.

“Eight games left and a goal separates the two teams and it will be a close encounter on the weekend.

“There’s nothing between us. It’s so close. Two very well-matched teams and physical teams who work hard. Alex Neil has been there and done a brilliant job. We want to carry on building momentum.” Travel arrangements

“We are going to fly. The EFL say if it’s possible to fly with social distancing then please do so.

“We have an airport 20 minutes from the stadium, so we are going to fly to Manchester.

“We understand the travel arrangements and it’s not ideal changing in bar areas or press rooms. We are all getting our heads around it – hotels will be weird, just confined to your rooms.”

Options and poor record at Preston

“Robert Glatzel coming on, Mendez-Laing, Marlon Pack all came on and did unbelievably well.

“Preston are another team who are physical, nasty, have got running ability.

“I always only look at it when I’m in charge and it’s my first visit to Preston as Cardiff manager, so it’s a clean slate.

“It’s about having a game plan and executing them, with a bit of luck as well and carrying that momentum, not history of results.”

EARLY TEAM NEWS

BLUEBIRDS boss Neil Harris says his side came through unscathed last weekend, but winger Josh Murphy (above) is still touch and go after missing out against Leeds.

The Bluebirds boss admitted the wide-man may well be unavailable once again.

For PNE, Alex Neil has no fresh injury concerns and could welcome Darnell Fisher back into the side, after he only made the bench last weekend due to a lack of practice minutes.

Louis Moult remains out injured while club captain Tom Clarke remains injured (knee) ahead of his departure from the club at the end of the month.