Fringe players in contention for Preston game/betting odds

Some of Mick McCarthy's fringe players will come into contention for a place in the team to face 12th-placed Preston on New Year's Day because of injuries to two key players.

Both Liam Lawrence and Carl Robinson picked up knocks during the game against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, and are unlikely to be fit for Saturday's match at Deepdale.

As a result, Matty Piper, newly-signed Andy Welsh and Sean Thornton all get the chance to impress the gaffer in a game which could see Sunderland go equal top of the Championship on points, should current league leaders Ipswich lose to West Ham on the same day (1pm ko).

Gary Breen injured a knee ligament during Tuesday' game, but McCarthy hopes his skipper will be fit to play.

Preston North End go into Saturday's game on the back of a 3-0 win over Reading, but manager Billy Davies will be without defenders Callum Davidson, Marlon Broomes and possibly also Youl Mawene who all picked up injuries in recent games, with Davidson and Broomes facing up to a month on the sidelines.

Last time Sunderland faced Preston at Deepdale, in August 2003, the Lads won 2-0 with first half goals from Sean Thornton and Marcus Stewart.

Saturday's ref will be Mike Pike from Cumbria, assistant referees are Tony McGee of Merseyside and Gary Stott of Manchester. Mr Pike officiated during our 2-2 draw with QPR back in August, when he booked Sean Thornton (dissent) and Marcus Bignot.

ODDS

PRESTON WIN: William Hill 6/4, Coral 8/5, Ladbrokes 6/4, Paddy Power 7/5

DRAW: William Hill 21/10, Coral 11/5, Ladbrokes 11/5, Paddy Power 11/5

SUNDERLAND WIN: William Hill 6/4, Coral 11/8, Ladbrokes 6/4, Paddy Power 8/5

Going to Preston on New Year's Day? RTG's Away Guide is here.