Alex Neil hoping for fitness boost as Preston host Fulham

Posted Tuesday, December 10, 2019 by PA

Preston boss Alex Neil is hoping for more good news ahead of Tuesday night’s home clash with Fulham.

The Lilywhites slipped to a fourth successive Sky Bet Championship defeat at QPR on Saturday, but Neil was able to welcome back defender Andrew Hughes from a five-game absence, while club captain Tom Clarke, who has not played since August because of a foot injury, was an unused substitute.

Defenders Patrick Bauer, Ben Davies and Darnell Fisher are all closing in on returns as North End look to end a four-game losing streak.

Veteran midfielder Paul Gallagher missed out at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium but is pushing for inclusion, while Daniel Johnson remains a doubt and Louis Moult and Josh Ginnelly are still out.

Fulham manager Scott Parker will check on striker Bobby Reid once again.

The on-loan Cardiff frontman has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and will hope his enforced exile is drawing to a close.

Parker was also without Harrison Reed, Harry Arter and Maxime Le Marchand for Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Bristol City and will keep his fingers crossed for better fortune this time around.

The setback at the weekend ended a four-game winning streak and left the Cottagers in third place in the table, 10 points adrift of leaders West Brom and eight shy of second-placed Leeds.